"This tutor pack, for English GCSE, is extremely useful. There is close mapping throughout to the Assessment Objectives and there is a tight focus on the exact nature of the questions on the two papers. Any tutor using this guide will find that their preparation and planning will be significantly reduced.

Alongside the suggested activities, there are time suggestions for each section. This is invaluable because when you're absorbed in teaching, the time element is easily forgotten. Students must be aware of the time pressures in their exam practice work, as timing is key in the exam itself. There is also an awareness of how many marks are awarded to each section, again essential, in gaining a 5-9 grade.

The guide pays close attention to the demands of the challenging Question 5 on both papers, taking note of the essential skills, including an emphasis on the SPAG - spelling, punctuation and grammar, which is tested in the descriptive and narrative question on Paper 1 and in the non-fiction question of Paper 2. The guide accentuates the necessity of coherent, technically accurate responses along with the persuasive language and techniques required to respond to the demands of the question.

Overall, I would highly recommend this guide for its thoroughness and it's fine detail. Having now used it a couple of times, I realise just how much time it saves. I would most certainly not wish to be without it now. In short, I highly recommend this guide."

Review by Ruth Owen

"The tutor guide is a useful tool. It sets out objectives for the tutors which helps to guide the tutoring in a positive direction. The manual is very readable and easy to navigate. It is a helpful guide to parents who have been out of education for long time. The manual allows tutors to explain to parents where the child needs help and what they can do help. The Tutor pack is so interactive that it encourages parents to learn new skills also.

The publication incorporated the essential components of The English Language from a unique angle. The AQA English Language Pack was aimed at a younger audience. Some of the more challenging tasks take place in modern contexts. Some of the exercises use modern environments such as Facebook, which makes the task easier for the young person to grasp."

Review by Pauline Gibson

Tutors' Guild