Mark Saving Moves As Used By Tahmid
Some advice sounds good in theory. But in practice you cannot beat advice from a student who has sat the exam and figured out what actually keeps marks secure under pressure.
The short video below shares a handful of small but powerful habits from Tahmid, that help writing stay focused, controlled, and examiner-friendly.
They’re not flashy techniques - they’re the kinds of adjustments that stop you drifting, help you think more clearly, and quietly boost your grade across multiple questions. Quick to watch, easy to apply, and built from real exam experience.
Student Bonus Hacks: Small Moves That Protect Your Marks
Some of the most effective GCSE English study hacks are not complicated techniques, but habits that keep your writing focused and examiner-friendly.
Hack one: always link back to the exam question. At the end of each paragraph, refer directly to the key word or theme from the question. This shows the examiner you are answering the task, not drifting into general analysis.
Repeating the question focus throughout your response keeps your argument tight and purposeful.
Hack two: use a zoom in, zoom out approach when analysing quotes. Start by zooming in on a word or phrase and exploring connotations, tone, or emotion. Then zoom out and explain how that moment links to the wider theme, message, or atmosphere of the text.
This layered thinking shows depth and is consistently rewarded by examiners.
Hack three: in creative writing, use a one-word or one-line paragraph for impact. Short paragraphs can create emphasis, tension, or reflection when placed carefully.
If your prepared story does not perfectly match the exam question, small adjustments to wording or focus are often enough. Having a flexible core narrative gives you confidence under pressure.
Hack four: improve your analytical style by varying your phrasing. Instead of repeatedly using "this shows", choose alternatives that sound more precise and confident, such as "this highlights", "this illustrates", or "this reinforces".
Why These Hacks Work
Each of these techniques helps examiners see clarity, control, and intentional writing. Together, they protect marks and make responses feel more polished without adding extra content.
Quick Recap
- Link analysis back to the exam question regularly.
- Use zoom in, zoom out for layered interpretation.
- Control structure and phrasing for impact.
