Well that’s day one of the mock, pre, whatever exams down. For me it was English Paper 2. That’s right, Paper 2. I should probably point out that I’m not going to give anything away on any paper, in this post or in any other, at least not without an express warning. No point ruining the fun

How was it anyway? Well, it was okay. Overall my big problem is time and managing it. Trying not to be distracted by some of the more attractive teachers. Thank God I’m not stuck behind some of our Year. Seriously, hormones should be left at the door, it’s pretty ridiculous. Section 1, The Single Text is probably where I’m most angry at myself. I chose the question that naturally chose to focus on one character and in doing so shot myself completely in the foot seeing as over my revision I’d skimmed over everything, all characters and a few general quotes but nothing too specific. I realised this 2 pages and approximately 45 minutes in. Too late now, so I chugged ahead. Eventually an hour had passed, still not finished so I moved onto Section 2, The Comparative Study.

Holy Mary Mother of Jesus. The Comparative. It’s not so much a difficult topic or a difficult question really is it? It’s condensing it all down that’s the hard part. In an hour. I took the 2 parter and again, although I got a good few questions I was unable to write a solid conclusion for the (b) part. I know that I’ll get more practice in before June but perhaps the 70 marker is the way to go, even if the two parter breaks it up nicely.

Section 3 and my most detested part of the course. Which as of today has probably become my favourite. It’s like that snotty-nosed cousin you remember from your youth…the years go past and you meet them at a wedding or funeral or something and suddenly they’re all grown-up and pretty cool. Lovely questions on all the poets, I can only hope that we’re so lucky this summer. Again, time was an issue. I barely covered 2 poems in my answer.

So yeah, overall I’m slightly disappointed. Although, given the level of revision I did (clue: rhymes with “falmost hero”) I am pretty happy. Assuming I hit the B range. Next up is Irish Paper 2. Awesome.

I know it’s been ages since I posted and apologies for that, I’m trying to keep on top of it all having started grinds at the weekend on top of everything else. I have to say, I’ve been keeping pretty optimistic about these exams but at the back of my mind is that lingering question: would I repeat? Trying not to listen to it in English exams, that’s the challenge

Good luck everyone, revision and exam-wise.