Tips for Topping CXC English A - Paper 1 (Multiple Choice)



A multiple choice paper forms a part of the assessment for the CXC English A examination. It is valued at 21% of the total assessment and comprises of 60 items.

The paper is divided into two sections.

Section A: It comprises of 25 discrete items based on synonyms, antonyms, grammar, spelling, construction shift, error recognition and equivalent sentences.

Section B: It usually comprises of five stimuli that can be based on: a poem, a literary extract, one expository extract, one argumentative extract and one visual extract.

What abilities are tested on Paper 1?

According to the English A syllabus, you will be tested on your ability  to:

- understand meaning conveyed through word choice grammar and syntax(word order), sentence structure, punctuation and paragraphing.

 - obtain information accurately

 - grasp insights from reading literature

 - recognise and evaluate information expressed in various forms.

Now that you have been reminded about Paper 1's composition and the abilities that will be tested, let us explore ways you can do well on this assessment.

BEFORE THE EXAM

Now, although it's an English multiple choice paper, do not underestimate the preparation you need to undertake leading up to the exam. Every effort on your part to increase your chances of getting the highest score counts. You have no idea what you will be tested on, so it's very important that you commit yourself to being intentional about how you seek to improve your competence on the different areas/topics that will be assessed.

USEFUL TIPS

Tip #1: Increase your efforts to improve your vocabulary - How can you do this? Read more and ensure you have a good dictionary. Be committed to being a word hunter. Vocabulary development is essential if you are to select the correct options for the items that test your knowledge of synonyms etc and it will also be helpful in increasing your chances of understanding the different extracts you will be getting in Section B.

Tip # 2: Improve your spelling -  Ask yourself this question: Are you comfortable with your spelling ability? If you aren't, what are you doing to address this? Suggestions: Revise the rules. Learn to distinguish between homophones. Familiarize yourself with the spelling of frequently confused words. It's very unfortunate when some students aren't able to identify incorrectly spelt words.

Tip  # 3: Improve your grammar and punctuation - There are items that require you to spot errors that are connected to these areas so ensure you are able to use grammar and punctuation appropriately.

Tip # 4: Practice Paraphrasing Sentences -You will reap rewards when you are completing items related to construction shift and equivalent sentences.

Tip # 5: Become familiar with key terms in the stems(the questions) and options that are linked to the different stimuli that will be given. For example, CXC usually sends a poem. This means you need to know figures of speech and other terms such as effect or tone that are associated with poetry.

Tip 6: Develop a habit of reading different material - This is so you can become more efficient at decoding meaning.

Tip # 7: Revise past paper questions - This will present you with the opportunity to practise completing the paper. It will also give you an idea about how the paper is structured.

Tip # 8: Do not limit your revision efforts to past paper questions. There is no guarantee that CXC  will repeat items that came in previous exams.






DURING THE EXAM

It's the day of the exam and the paper is in front of you. You will now have to apply all the knowledge you have gathered. How can you go about doing this in the most effective way?

Tip #1: Read all the instructions. This way, you will know exactly what you are required to do and not what you think you should do.

Tip #2: Complete the items you can do first. This way, you will not lose valuable time trying to figure out answers to challenging items. Reminder: Go back to the items you put on hold.

Tip # 3: When you encounter items that are challenging, eliminate the most unlikely options and focus deciding which of the remaining two is more feasible. Try to be very keen on spotting distractors.

Tip # 4: Use context clues to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Tip # 5: Check to ensure you have responded to all the items.

Remember: Do not underestimate the power of preparation for the English A examination. You increase your chances of success when you diligently work at becoming competent in completing the areas that are tested on Paper 1.

"Aim for nothing more than the highest score!"

Study Hub for CXC English A & B

Comments

  1. Icil PhillipsJune 25, 2020 at 9:04 AM

    gm.any papers available for Paper 032.(private candidates)?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Icil PhillipsJune 25, 2020 at 9:05 AM

    gm.any papers available for Paper 032.(private candidates)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The English WhispererJuly 12, 2020 at 1:57 PM

      Good afternoon! Unfortunately, I have none available at this time.

      Delete

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