Developing Points for Higher Marks

18. Developing Points for Higher Marks

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Why This Topic is Critical

• Many students:

  • identify correct points

  • still lose marks

• Reason:

  • points are not developed

• Development is what separates:

  • basic answers

  • high-scoring answers

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What Does “Developing a Point” Mean?

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• A basic point:

  • gives an idea

• A developed point:

  • explains the idea clearly

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Key Rule

• Development = point + explanation

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Example Comparison

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Basic Point

• tourism brings money

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Developed Point

• tourism brings money, improving local businesses and supporting the economy

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Where Development is Required

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• Q1:

  • inference questions

  • feelings questions

• Q2:

  • language analysis

• Q3(b):

  • short response

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Step-by-Step Method

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Step 1: Identify the Point

• what is the idea?

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Step 2: Add Explanation

• why does this matter?

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Step 3: Clarify Meaning

• make idea fully clear

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Development Keywords to Use

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• because

• which shows

• this suggests

• therefore

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Example in Context

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Question:

• What impression is created?

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Weak Answer

• it is crowded

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Strong Answer

• it is crowded, which suggests a lack of space and creates a sense of discomfort

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Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE English Language Full Scale Course

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Development in Different Question Types

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1. Inference Questions

Weak:

• he is scared

Strong:

• he is scared because he cannot escape, which shows he feels trapped

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2. Language Analysis

Weak:

• shows it is big

Strong:

• emphasises large size, creating a sense of power and dominance

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3. Short Response (Q3b)

Weak:

• it is dangerous

Strong:

• it is dangerous because overcrowding increases the risk of accidents

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One Mark vs Higher Mark Answers

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1 Mark

• simple idea sufficient

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2–3 Marks

• must include:

  • explanation

  • depth

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Common Mistakes

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Mistake 1: Stating Only Point

• no explanation

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Mistake 2: Repetition Instead of Development

• same idea in different words

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Mistake 3: Overwriting

• too long without clarity

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Mistake 4: Irrelevant Development

• explanation not linked

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Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE English Language Full Scale Course

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Advanced Strategy (A* Level)

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Always Add One More Layer

• go beyond basic meaning

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Link Cause and Effect

Example:

• overcrowding → danger

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Use Precise Language

Instead of:

• very bad

Use:

• harmful

• risky

• unsafe

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Example of Full Development

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Phrase:

• “packed solid”

Answer:

• shows extreme crowding, which creates a sense of pressure and lack of space

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Examiner Expectation

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• Marks awarded for:

  • clear explanation

  • logical development

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• Not awarded for:

  • long answers without clarity

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Final Strategy

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• Always ask:

  • can I explain this further?

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• If answer feels too short:

  • add explanation

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Final Insight

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• Development is not about writing more

• It is about:

  • writing better

• Students who develop points:

  • consistently score higher

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Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE English Language Full Scale Course