The N level English paper can be a piece of cake if you just follow some simple rules for these 5 important components.
It is almost similar to the O-level paper but the level of difficulty is more manageable.
Knowing exactly what is in the N level English paper can be a great comfort before you decide to take up this challenge.
So, how exactly does one go about this paper?
Firstly, get geared up for these 5 important components. Once you are familiar with them, you will find the N level English paper quite accessible.
#1 Composition
There are a few genres in the N level English composition section. Just choose the one that appeals to you the most.
If you are a bit of a reader and like creative expressions, choose Narrative.
This is a genre that relies on your imaginative streak and plot creation.
While this is an area where you have free rein to write in whatever direction you wish, you have to bear in mind that you will be penalised if you stray from the question.
When writing a Narrative story, be sure to relate your plot to the question as it can be easy to lose focus. Er…why is it easy to lose focus? Ok. When you are in the midst of a story, you may expand your ideas in any given direction due to the freedom you have with the plot.
If you are not careful, it is easy to write out of point. So, please take care with the direction of your narrative composition.
What about an Expository or Argumentative question? You may attempt it of course but please make sure that you have Content.
All expository and argumentative compositions expect students to be conversant with current topics. You will need some general knowledge and if you are sure about your content, go right ahead and attempt these questions.
The positive aspect is that you do not need an impressive store of vocabulary words. You just need to have about 3 – 4 points relating to the N level English question and you should break them down in terms of evidence and explanation.
#2 Situation Writing
This is a short exercise usually based on letter or email writing. You will have to adopt different styles for formal and informal writing.
If the letter is to a relative, your tone should be casual, friendly and therefore informal. If it is to a teacher, then it should be formal.
This N level English section demands that you know the format of writing. The address portions and the way you sign off (for a letter) are important.
#3 Comprehension
This is another section that you have to prepare for well in advance of the exams. The N level English comprehension section is made up of vocabulary, analysis, and inference questions.
The Vocabulary questions test the candidate on textual understanding. Knowledge of phrases and words that analyse in detail is instrumental in doing well in this paper.
You will be asked to give the meanings in your own words. And this has to be done in a coherent and concise manner. Next, will be Analysis questions or Text-based questions.
These are usually based on the ‘What’ type of answers. You will have to explain what happened with the correct details. Then, inference questions seem to be the hardest of all.
That’s because the answer is not really there as you need to make an educated guess. Sometimes, half the answer is in the text.
Inference is all about understanding the trend of thought in the passage and navigating your answer to suit that.
#4 Listening Comprehension
Listening is about listening closely to a text that will be read out. And you will have to follow this with MCQ answers based on what you have heard.
Basically, you will be tested on your ability to synthesise the information you have heard.
Are you able to understand what was mentioned? Can you understand what the main theme or concern was?
This is crucial to understanding the N level English Listening Comprehension.
#5 Oral Communication
This is about reading a passage with proper pronunciation, commenting on a given picture and conversing on a topic.
Most students sail through the reading portion but quail at the commentary on the picture. That is because it will be an unseen picture and you will have to think on the spot.
The conversation portion is also unseen. You will be given any topic and be asked to give your views on it. The Oral part tests your knowledge of current affairs and you will need to be versatile in terms of social topics.
That is about all you need to know about the N Level English exams. The composition and comprehension requires early preparation, so give yourself plenty of time to start your practice.
Listening and Oral preparation can be done with about 2 months of revision. It can be an easy paper to excel in. Just give yourself time!