Showing our posts about "English"

Learn our 10 top tips to make an A* more achievable in IGCSE English

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

In this blog, we set out a step-by-step guide to phonics: a method which teaches children to read by identifying the individual sounds in a word and blending them together.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes

In this blog, Holly shares top tips of how to achieve a 9 in the English Language GCSE. These tips work for all exam boards and although following them is no guarantee of a grade 9, they could help to raise your grade and improve your performance in the exam. Be sure to check out our other GCSE guides to help with your assessments too!

AuthorHollyRead7 minutes

In this article, experienced teacher and school entrance tutor, Katherine, outlines the format and top tips for the new Alleyn's 11+ assessments.

AuthorKatherineRead7 minutes

Mastering ambitious vocabulary is something all students should have in preparation for their GCSE English exams. This can be a difficult skill to manage, particularly if reading is not something you regularly do. This piece looks at the importance of vocabulary across both English Language and Literature GCSE exams.

AuthorHollyRead2 minutes

Achieving a grade 9 in an essay focused on Stevenson's novella 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' is very challenging. This guide gives you a starting point from which to achieve your aims. Looking at quotations, literary terminology and structures, we explore the basis from which to craft a top band essay at GCSE or IGCSE.

AuthorHollyRead4 minutes

In Shakespeare's tragedy 'Macbeth,' the relationship between husband and wife Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plays a key role in the play's dramatic narrative. Their power play, marked by ambition, manipulation, and eventual destruction, showcases a marriage founded on the interplay of power and guilt. This piece delves into how Shakespeare presents his characterisation, offering ideas interesting to GCSE students aiming for a top grade.

AuthorHollyRead3 minutes

The IB English Oral Commentary can prove a challenge given it's unique nature. It is however, a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and ability. In this guide, top IB tutor Holly, takes us through the core elements of the oral commentary and top tips to help do well.

AuthorHollyRead3 minutes

With spring finally on its way and longer days ahead, this selection of seasonal classics will keep young minds engaged, offering a sugar-free indulgence in between the Easter eggs! Rather than focusing on contemporary works, we've suggested some classic stories which are so important for 11+ candidates to read!

AuthorHollie-LouiseRead2 minutes

In this article, Caroline, an experienced 11 plus English specialist, sets out how to tackle 11 plus comprehension assessments. Based on her experience in the classroom and as a one to one tutor, Caroline presents tips and insights that will be useful to both parents and young applicants. You will also find a link to our 11 plus English papers.

AuthorCarolineRead6 minutes

Hollie suggests some festive fables which 11 Plus Candidates should be able to tackle in Year 5 ahead of their exams. Our take on "The 12 Days of Christmas"... "The 12 books of Christmas!"

AuthorHollie-LouiseRead2 minutes

In this blog, Caroline sets out the importance of children having a broad vocabulary and how this can strengthen their 11 plus English and Verbal Reasoning preparation. Using her 8 Top Tips, over time, your child's language and communication skills will be supported and enriched.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes

For a lot of students, the Shakespeare text question can be tricky and difficult to prepare for, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This article aims to help students tackle Shakespeare based questions with confidence. Georgina is an experienced English teacher and sets out her top 7 tips below.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead9 minutes

In this blog, Hollie suggests six spooky stories that 11 Plus candidates should be able to tackle in Year 5 ahead of their exams.

AuthorHollie-LouiseRead2 minutes

Recent changes to the National Tutoring Programme mean that many schools are now empowered to choose their own tuition provider to help their students. Owl Tutors provides qualified teachers for one-to-one support and have worked successfully with a number of schools. This article sets out why your school may benefit from choosing an Owl Tutor.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes

In this article, Abigail, an experienced teacher and tutor, outlines her top tips to help reluctant readers preparing for 11 plus assessments.

AuthorAbigailRead6 minutes

In this blog, Francesca, an experienced IB teacher, shows us that full marks in Paper 2 are achievable if we understand the mark criteria.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead6 minutes

Georgina is an English specialist with many years of teaching experence as a Head of English and examiner for the English Language and Literature GCSEs. In this blog, Georgina sets out her top tips for persuading a reluctant teenager to read.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

Struggling with Phonics? In this blog, Laura sets out simple but effective strategies you can try at home to boost your child's confidence with phonics

AuthorLauraRead4 minutes

In this blog, Grace, an experienced teacher and tutor, takes us through a unique approach to tackling 'unseen' texts for A-Level and GCSE English. You will see that six simple questions can crack open even the toughest of texts. Read on if you need help with unseen texts. Or if you like eggs

AuthorGraceRead12 minutes

In this blog post, tutor and teacher Grace provides an overview of GCSE English, explaining its format and content as well as exploring its development and new innovations. It's a great place to start if you are looking to learn more about GCSE English.

AuthorGraceRead8 minutes

In this blog, the second in a series of 'Types of...' 7 Plus preparation posts, Meredith outlines a range of different creative writing prompts that can appear in the English paper and offers some useful insight and handy tips for preparing for each one.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead7 minutes

In this blog post, Meredith explains the different types of reading comprehension questions you can expect in the ‘comprehension’ part of an entrance exam, with examples and tips for answering each. This is a must-read if your child will be sitting the 7 Plus or 8 Plus entrance exam.

AuthorMeredithRead6 minutes

In this blog, Laura sets out five ways to help your child prepare for the 7 Plus or 8 Plus school entrance exam and interview. Using these five activities as part of a long-term strategy will build your child's confidence in speaking, reading and writing and ensure their skills and personality shines through on the day.

AuthorLauraRead4 minutes

In this blog, Alanya shares her top tips for supporting your child to overcome the blank page. A careful balance of structured support whilst encouraging independent thinking is key to solving writer's block in young learners!

AuthorAlanyaRead4 minutes

In this blog, Emily (a qualified teacher and professional tutor) offers advice to parents of children with dyslexia. Identifying dyslexia as early as possible will put the right support structures in place and ensure a child can thrive.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

In this blog, Emily offers some suggested reading matter for those students embarking on their 11+ journey. There are many more to come so keep an eye on the blog for any reluctant readers out there!

AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes

Josephine is an experienced English teacher and school entrance tutor. Here, she provides 6 clear steps that will allow pupils to breakdown the complex language of the 19th Century novel, which will stand 13 Plus scholarship candidates in good stead.

AuthorJosephineRead3 minutes

The 7 Plus composition and comprehension papers will test vocab and grammar. In this blog, Cecilia suggests some fun and engaging activities that will help to develop your child's vocab and get them ready to sit the school entrance exam.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes

For all the new home-classrooms that have sprung up following school closures, Claudia shares her favourite online and interactive English resources for ages 5-11.

AuthorClaudiaRead3 minutes

In this blog, Sophie, a qualified English Teacher and Owl Tutor, has compiled a list of websites which offer resources for 11 Plus preparation. Focusing on the 11+ English and Reasoning papers, these free resources are great practice for any budding school entrance exam candidates.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes

Here you can find a list of free and low-cost resources to help students develop their English skills at home. This list has been put together by Sophie, a qualified English teacher and Owl Tutor.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes

In this blog, Alanya sets out five resources to help your child develop confidence and fluency in their reading while having lots of fun along the way!

AuthorAlanyaRead3 minutes

Schools are keen to emphasize the importance of wide and ambitious reading for students sitting the 11+. If you are unsure what constitutes ambitious reading for this age group, here are some of the best books for 10-year-olds, along with suggestions for what to read next.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

In this blog, Sobia takes an in-depth look at the 13+ Harrow and Eton scholarship papers in English, Maths and Science, and offers some useful tips to keep in mind.

AuthorSobiaRead4 minutes

In this blog Holly sets out some clear solutions to the issues posed by the unseen poetry question in the 13+ English exam, alongside some tips for those aiming for Scholarship. Understanding some of the easier ways to approach poetry will give your child a chance to shine in this component of the exam.

AuthorHollyRead5 minutes

Schools are keen to emphasize the importance of wide and ambitious reading for students sitting the 13+. If you are unsure what constitutes ambitious reading for this age group, here are some of the best books for 12-year-olds, along with suggestions for what to read next.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead6 minutes

You do not have to compromise on inspirational teaching and learning when you teach online. Here are two ideas, one focused on reading skills and the other on writing, to make technology an asset and not an obstacle to learning English.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

When preparing students for the 9 Plus school entrance exams, you may find that there aren't a great number of resources out there (especially compared with the 7 or 8 Plus). This blog suggests a few resources which can be used by students as a starting point for 9 Plus preparation.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes

In this blog Sobia explains the new GCSE 9-1 grading system and answers common questions around it. The new system will be rolled out in full by Summer 2020.

AuthorSobiaRead3 minutes

A love of reading is a key factor in becoming a successful reader. The more your child enjoys reading, the more motivated they will be to read frequently, and so the more advanced their reading skills will become. In this blog, Rosie sets out 10 tips to help children to see reading as a pleasure, rather than a chore.

AuthorRosieRead4 minutes

Finding high-quality books which your child enjoys reading is the first step to ensuring they become good readers and writers. This blog gives some 'must-reads' for children aged 6 to 8. The books listed are both good quality texts and highly popular with children of this age group.

AuthorRosieRead4 minutes

As both a teacher and a tutor, Hannah has worked with many children who present as reluctant writers or who appear to not have many ideas to begin a story. "Talking Pictures" is a simple yet highly effective 4 step strategy to get your child’s creative juices flowing and to kick-start the story writing process.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes

In this blog, professional tutor Sobia outlines the benefits of having an all-round tutor who can teach all subjects tested at 11+ and 13+ level.

AuthorSobiaRead4 minutes

Following on from an earlier blog, Rosie sets out the next stages of learning to write. Short, regular writing sessions are key!

AuthorRosieRead3 minutes

In this blog, Rosie - a professional tutor and qualified Primary teacher - discusses the first stages of learning to write and provides some handy tips to help budding young writers learn the basics!

AuthorRosieRead4 minutes

In this blog, Rosie talks all things "Phonics", and sheds light on key terminology used by teachers, which some parents may find unfamiliar.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes

Preparing to sit IGCSE English this summer? In this blog, Isabel sets out how to gain top marks in Paper 3 - Directed Writing and Composition for pupils sitting English - First Language (0500) in Summer 2019.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes

In many families, technology is often seen as a distraction that prevents children from concentrating on their school work. However, if used well, technology can be a powerful tool to inspire children’s learning. Here is one exercise you could use to turn creative writing in to a fun and engaging exercise through the use of an iPad or laptop.

AuthorRosieRead3 minutes

The 11+ entrance exams can be a stressful and uncertain period. The few months before the exam dates are significant, with revision habits often making the important difference. It is important to note that there are a number of effective learning processes that do work and should be cultivated to equip your child with the right tools for success.

AuthorMichaelRead6 minutes

English is a compulsory part of Common Entrance in almost all cases, but it can be difficult to know how to prepare for the exam. This blog gives guidance on the syllabus and likely requirements of the exam as well as advice on how to help prepare your child.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes

‘To be or not to be: that is the question.’  (Hamlet, III:i, 1) Every year, thousands of students sit down to analyse Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, which begs another question: is it still possible to say anything new about Shakespeare? If so, where and how does one begin? Read on for answers and five tips to become a successful Shakespeare scholar.

AuthorMichaelRead5 minutes

The Paper 1 Commentary requires a unique set of essay writing skills, particularly given the tight time constraints. Read Tim's top tips to ensure that you are adhering to the strict criteria. Many of these have been compiled from previous marking experience!

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

In this open letter to Bob Dylan, Finnian challenges the winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature to sit an 11 Plus paper. He may have a way with words, but would the famous song writer's performance in a comprehension or composition exam secure him a place at Emanuel School or Wycombe Abbey?!

AuthorFinnianRead3 minutes

An overwhelming educational concern among parents/guardians of secondary school students is that their child does not read enough and that they may struggle with the English Language GCSE. This blog sets out five easy things you can do at home to help improve your child’s English Language skills.

AuthorPamelaRead4 minutes

Many entrance exams at 7+, 8+ and 11+ ask children to write a story – usually giving around half an hour for this part of the assessment. In such a short time, the beginning of the story should be captivating! In this blog, Cecilia sets out how you can help your child to develop their story writing skills and grab the attention of the examiner.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

In this blog, top English tutor Isabel demystifies the unseen text and sets out 5 simple steps that will help you to demonstrate how you have mastered the art of practical criticism. As obvious as it sounds, reading the text is a great place to start! Students can often panic and put pen to paper before really understanding the text in question.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes

If you decide to study English literature beyond GCSE, it is important that you ask yourself "why" and justify your choice. Whether you are a bookworm wanting to pursue your love of literature, or see the subject as a way to develop your communication skills, there really is no right answer.

AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes

IB English Paper 2 is all about showing your understanding of literature within a context. In this blog, Sobia sets out the 6 key things you should focus on as you prepare for the exam and pave the way to top marks.

AuthorSobiaRead5 minutes

Ever wondered how you can use your favourite box set to help with your IB English studies? Read on!

AuthorSobiaRead4 minutes

Picture this: It’s 3 a.m. in the morning and you’re in the nodding phase. Around you lie sheaves of papers stained with coffee rings and the words of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart are starting to blur into a meaning-less haze as you ponder on the irony of its title, while dribbling in a half-doze - before jerking upright, looking about wildly and slapping yourself awake once again…

AuthorSobiaRead4 minutes