GP Help: 15 Days to the Prelims, 12 Weeks to the A Levels

By now, you might have realised that there really isn’t any time left. With this in mind, here’s a checklist of what you should be doing, categorised by section, according to your current skill level. Do note that this is an extremely general guide – everyone has a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, so the ideal revision plan will account for this and target your specific areas of weakness.

If you are still not working on GP regularly, and especially if you fall into any of the categories in the subheadings below, it’s time you started working. Working hard.

Paper 1, Essay

(1) Help for the one who doesn’t read

Fact: Cambridge repeats topics. Even some of the fairly specific topics get repeated. Therefore,

1. Read this.
2. Read good essays (see this or search for “broader perspectives” in this blog’s search box and look for their essays) on all topics that have ever been repeated and study them
3. Write essays and essay plans for all of these topics. While writing your essay / plan, beef up your content knowledge:
   - Read your GP Packages, paying attention to the Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings
   - Read up on the issues highlighted in your “Essay Cheatsheet” under these topics.

Target: To have written a plan on all these essays by the A levels.

(2) Help for the one who keeps failing / is inconsistent in passing

Fact: Cambridge frequently re-uses key terms.

You need to brush up on your essay skills. You must, must, must be able to identify question requirements and respond to them appropriately. Read all the blog posts here on essay skills, and actually attempt the tasks and practices that are designed to help you practice these skills. Know what key terms mean, and practice a range of topics that use the same key term. Practice answering both sides of a question to make sure you know the demands of addressing a key term from both/all angles. One possible exception would be absolute terms – always avoid arguing the absolute.

Target: Plan one essay a day OR practice one blog task (pertaining to essay skills, especially on “key terms” and “interpreting question requirements” – see sidebar).

[...]

[post to be continued]

 

“I need help with paraphrasing!” (Tips & Tricks)

Ideally, you’d be able to use a precise, accurate synonym for the word you need to paraphrase. However, if you’re stuck for a word, here are some tips and tricks:

1. Use synonyms from other parts of the passage

2. Use opposites
Rephrase the sentence so that you use opposites instead – e.g. less educated / learned; teaching / learning

3. Definitions rather than synonyms
Because wasting words and getting it right still beats lifting and getting it wrong! e.g. trade / exchange of goods and services (of course, being able to use a single word, such as “commerce”, would be preferable)

How to study for GP

GP study tips have been added here.

Protected: “I need help with paraphrasing!”

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password: