Top Exam Tips from AS/A-Level English Tutors to Secure an A*

Achieving an A* in AS/A Level English is challenging, as it requires significant effort due to the combination of multiple topics. Students often struggle with time management, essay structure, unseen texts, and detailed analysis. Online A-level English tutors use effective strategies that help students improve from a B to an A*. In today’s digital world, online tutoring is becoming more popular than traditional, onsite lessons. That’s where online tutoring platforms like Mixt Academy come in. They have experienced tutors who help you secure an A* through online one-on-one personalised sessions.

Explore this blog to know the top secret tips used by expert AS/A Level English tutors to help students secure an A*.

Understanding AS/A Level English

AS/A Level English is one of the toughest subjects as it blends literature, analysis, writing technique, and critical thinking. Depending on the exam board (Cambridge, Edexcel), you usually study:

A-Level English Language

• Focus on linguistics, language analysis, structure, and language change
• Great for: Law, Media, Linguistics, Journalism

A-Level English Literature

• Focus on Novels, plays, poetry, unseen analysis
• Deep critical thinking
• Great for: Literature, Humanities, Teaching, Creative Writing

A-Level English Language & Literature (Combined)

• Combine both English Language & Literature
• Balanced option for students who want versatility

Tip#1 Understand the Examiner’s Mindset

To understand the examiner’s mindset, you must know what they want to see. The examiners reward clear, focused answers that directly address the question. The following are the tips you understand the examiner’s mindset:

• Mastering Assessment Objectives (AOs): Always give attention to the Assessment Objectives (AOs). AOs are the marking rules the examiner must follow. Understand each AO, what it requires, how it is weighted, and how to address it in your response.
• Mark Schemes and Past Papers: One of the best ways to excel in AS/A Level English is to practice past papers and practice answering. This process will let you know which type of structure gains higher marks from the examiner and help you build time management skills.
• Make your answer unique: The Examiner mostly penalises answers that they feel are pre-prepared, especially in Essays. Craft your answer uniquely and address it according to the specific question.

Pro Tip: Always keep in mind that English exams reward interpretation and argument, not storytelling.

How do AS/A-Level English Tutors help?

• A-level English tutors teach you to think like an examiner. It will be easy for you to understand their marking schemes and answer each question with clarity, coherence, precision, and evaluation.
• Tutors can help you understand and simplify the complex literary terms and vocabulary, and help you develop critical thinking, create compelling essay structures, refine grammar, and expand vocabulary.
• Online tutors also help you build confidence and maintain motivation through personalised one-on-one tuition sessions.

Tip#2: Mastering Essay Structure for A* Answers

A top-grade essay should show depth of knowledge while remaining focused and concise. Your essay should be well-structured, thoughtful and show critical understanding throughout. The following are some tips to score an A* or 9 in your essay.

• Outlining: Use the PEEL Method to outline your essay before you start.

1. P: Point (Main Idea)
2. E: Evidence (Quotation)
3. E: Explain (Deeper Analysis)
4. L: Link (Connection to the Question)

• Use of Literary Devices: Use literary devices to demonstrate your understanding of the text. Always use metaphor, personification, Imagery, and Symbolism, also add the writer's tone and emotional touch.

Tip#3: Build “A-Level” Analysis Skills

A Level analysis should be a more advanced, detailed version of O Level analysis. O-level answers usually describe what is happening, so A-level answers should describe why that happened. In simple words, an A-level analysis should interpret the text, not just describe the text. Expert tutors help students go to the deeper layer of the texts. They help you view the text like a critic, not just as a reader. At Mixt Academy, AS/A level English tutors focus heavily on building these analytical skills through targeted practice.

Tip#4: Time Management in the Exam

Time management can significantly impact your final grade. Divide your time among each section wisely and leave the last 5 to 10 minutes for reviewing the exam. Here’s a quick overview of time management.

• Initial time: Spend the initial time on reading and planning. Especially for your essay parts, mentally prepare an outline, arguments and quotations. Begin with the question you feel most confident answering.
• Here’s one of the expert tutor tips: “Write like you have something to prove, but plan like you have all the time in the world.”
• Be Focused: Don’t overload your brain with so many questions at the same time. Be focused on what you have started.
• Don’t Skip any Question: Even if you are unsure about any question, don’t leave the space empty, just write key points of the question to get some marks.
• Dividing time to each section: Before starting your writing, allocate time to each section depending on the percentage and complexity of the topic.

So the Ideal breakdown should be

1. Initial time for planning
2. Main time for the writing
3. 5 to 10 minutes for editing

How to Approach Unseen Texts with Confidence

Most students get confused when unseen texts come, not because it's difficult, but because they are unfamiliar with the text. AS/A level tutors can help you understand unseen text by using the 5-step technique.

1. Read once to feel: Your first read should be emotional, not technical. Notice the mood of the writer and let the text speak first.
2. Annotate for techniques: Now go back and identify keywords, imagery, structure, contrasts, diction, and symbolism.
3. Spot tone and shifts: Identifying mood and tone shifts helps you understand the writer’s journey, tension, or intention.
4. Identify the writer’s attitude: Ask yourself the question, “What does the writer think or feel about the subject? This is the core of your analysis.
5. Build one precise argument: Your answer should revolve around a single, clear argument and must connect back to this idea.

Common Mistakes Students Make

The following are some common mistakes students make that lower their grades.

1. Over-quoting: Using long quotes instead of analysing short, powerful ones.
2. Random terminology: Using complex terms without linking them to meaning.
3. Shallow analysis: Describing what the writer did, instead of explaining why it matters.

How Personalised Tuition Makes a Difference

1. Personalised tutoring fixes learning weaknesses fast.
2. Tutors highlight mistakes students don’t notice.
3. Structured, exam-focused preparation leads to higher grades.
4. Tutoring platforms like Mixt Academy offer online AS/A-Level English tutors specialised in exam strategies, model essay breakdown, and individual feedback.

Final Thoughts

Achieving an A* can be possible with the right approach and technique. Always keep the above tips in your mind while preparing for the AS/A level English exam. Additionally, online tutors support with Mixt Academy you personalised one-on-one sessions to secure an A* in the AS/A Level English Exam. With the right approach, consistent practice, and guidance from, every part of the exam becomes manageable, even unseen texts and high-pressure essay writing.

FAQ’s

How do AS/A-Level English tutors help with essay writing?

Tutors guide you through planning, structuring, and refining arguments. They also help you use quotations, terminology, and evaluation correctly, key elements of an A* essay.

Can tutors help with unseen poetry and prose?

Yes, tutors teach step-by-step methods to handle unseen texts, helping you stay calm and analytical.

What are some best online tutoring platforms for AS/A level English exams?

Some of the reliable and trusted online tutoring platforms are Tutopiya, MyPrivateTutor, Mixt Academy, and Concept Tutors.

How many tutoring sessions do students usually need?

It depends on your current skill level. Some students improve within a few weeks; others take longer. Consistency is what builds A*-level confidence.