Paper 2 Question 5: Guide Model Answer (AQA GCSE English Language) : Revision Note

'Many students find it hard to stay focused when studying at home, while others say it offers flexibility and comfort.'

Write a guide for your fellow students offering tips on how to study effectively at home, including ways to stay motivated and avoid distractions.

[24 marks for content and organisation

16 marks for technical accuracy]

[Total: 40 marks]

Answer

Mastering Home Study: Your Guide to Success 

Studying at home may appear to be a dream come true for many teenagers. With no early morning starts and no chaotic classrooms, it even presents the opportunity to remain in your pyjamas all day. But in reality, trying to study for your exams at home is no easy feat. In truth, it can be incredibly easy to become distracted and demotivated. So how can students ensure that their time spent revision at home is effective and worthwhile? Let’s explore some key strategies for successful home revision.

Create a dedicated study space

First things first: create an appropriate space for learning. Your bed or sofa may be a comfortable place to sit, but it’s not conducive to focused learning. Try to find somewhere quiet with a desk and a comfortable chair so that you can revise with purpose. Additionally, ensure it is clear of any clutter that may side-track and distract you.

Set a realistic routine

Next, it’s crucial to create a schedule that you can follow. While studying at home offers increased flexibility about when, how and what you revise, having a structured approach will ensure you begin each day with a clear plan. Allocate time for each of your subjects and aim to adhere to it as much as possible. Also remember to incorporate regular breaks throughout the day, so that your mind and body gets plenty of recuperation time.

Top Tip: Spend 25 minutes on focused revision and take a 5 minute break. After 4 revision sessions, take a longer break.

Eliminate distractions

Now let’s focus on some of the distractions which may try to derail your aspiring revision efforts. As a student, your mobile phone and social media are perhaps the most persistent perpetrators! Try leaving your phone in another area while you revise and turn off any notifications so that you’re not continually interrupted by that irritating beep. Remaining focused for fixed periods of time will also enhance your knowledge retention, so always try to ensure that the time you’re devoting to study is meaningful.

In the end, revising at home has its advantages and disadvantages, though having a dedicated place to study, a weekly plan and removing any distractions is a commendable place to start. The key is to take your revision seriously and trust yourself to remain motivated. After all, revising effectively at home can make all the difference when exam season inevitably comes knocking on your door.

Your paragraphs should flow logically. Use discourse markers like “firstly”, "additionally", “on the other hand” etc. so that your writing is linked together, though don’t overdo them. 

Using techniques such as repetition or other rhetorical devices can also help to structure your writing. 

Before you begin writing, have a clear view of what your opinions are about the topic and ensure you make these opinions constantly clear to your reader, from your introduction to your conclusion.