Mastering the Walk-In Exam Plan
Mastering the Walk-In Exam Plan
Lesson duration is: 45 minItems in this lesson
Mastering the Walk-In Exam Plan
What do you already know about preparing for an English exam?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will know how to plan, analyse, and write a structured response during an English exam using the Walk-In Exam Plan.
What Is the Walk-In Exam Plan?
A step-by-step method to approach English exams with confidence and structure.
Step 1: Arriving and Setting Up
Get settled, write your details and reading time, arrange stationery, and relax before you start.
Equipment Checklist
You need two highlighters (for arguments & techniques), one pen, and your exam paper. Use yellow for arguments and blue for techniques.
Step 2: Reading for Gist
Read the article once to understand the main idea and mood. No annotations yet.
Key Question to Ask
What is the writer trying to make you believe or do?
Step 3: Map the Arguments
Box each main argument (usually one per paragraph). Write a 4-5 word summary in the margin.
Example Argument Boxing
E.g., “Youth crime rising”, “Parents responsible”, “Government must act now”.
Step 4: Annotate Techniques
Highlight techniques in blue. Add notes about the technique and its effect. Use short, clear comments.
Key Techniques to Spot
Emotive language, statistics, inclusive language, analogy, rhetorical questions, expert opinion, appeals, tone, evidence, imagery.
Mini Annotation Formula
TECHNIQUE → EFFECT on reader → LINK to contention. E.g., “Appeal to safety → heightens concern → supports curbs.”
Drafting Your Introduction (ICCAP)
I – Issue | C – Context | C – Contention | A – Audience | P – Purpose. Intro should be 5-6 sentences.
ICCAP: Sentence Starters
The article addresses the issue of… In “<Heading>,” <Author> (<Publication>, <Date>)… The writer contends that… Ultimately, the author aims to…
Step 6: Lead Body Paragraph
Begin with the main point (WHAT). Use WHAT–HOW–HOW–HOW–WHY to structure your paragraph.
WHAT-HOW-HOW-HOW-WHY Structure
WHAT & HOW
More HOW & WHY
HOW #2: Second technique or deeper effect. HOW #3: Tone/structure/pronouns. WHY: Link to author’s purpose.
WHAT: Topic sentence for argument. HOW #1: Technique+example+effect.
Step 7: Write Remaining Paragraphs
For each boxed argument, repeat WHAT–HOW–HOW–HOW–WHY. Focus on clear, concise evidence and analysis.
Spotting Tone and Structure
Look for tone shifts or progression (e.g., problem to solution). Mark where these occur in the text.
Step 8: Final Paragraph
Write a conclusion that analyses the last paragraph. Tie everything back to the overall contention and audience impact.
Step 9: Upgrade Weak Verbs
Swap weak verbs like 'makes' or 'shows' with stronger choices: compels, foregrounds, achieves, asserts, deploys, adopts.
Step 10: Submission Checklist
Check for ICCAAP intro, clear WHAT–HOW–HOW–HOW–WHY paragraphs, precise verbs, a thoughtful conclusion, and legible writing.
You Did It!
Review your answer one last time and be proud of your effort with the Walk-In Exam Plan!
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
