Doing GCSE Resits? 5 Worst Mistakes to AVOID in Your November GCSE Exams

Hi there,

Failed your GCSE English in the summer? Don’t panic. November is your second chance – but if you repeat the same mistakes, you’ll likely get the same result.

The truth is, many students fall into the same traps when preparing for their resits. But.. you can avoid them. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes you MUST avoid:

1️⃣ Writing with Little to No Analysis:

One of the most common reasons students fail is because they don’t analyse. They stick to point, evidence, point, evidence… and stop there. Examiners want more. They want to see:

✅ the effect on the reader

✅ “connotations” around certain words

✅ the writer’s intent

✅ awareness of technique

If you’re not doing this, you’re losing MAJOR marks!

✨PS: I’m running GCSE English RESITS Masterclasses at 3pm – 4pm every Sunday: https://www.firstratetutors.com/a/2148074961/bcfpJFoe ✨

2️⃣ Zero Exam Strategy:

Too many students walk into the exam without a clear plan. They:

• spend too much time on one question

• don’t read the paper strategically

• fail to speed read and find key details

A good exam strategy vital: start reading the questions FIRST, then the insert SECOND. Pick up strategic information to actually answer the exam questions and avoid wasting time!

3️⃣ Poor Essay Structure

Examiners need clarity. They’re not looking for a 12-step, overcomplicated paragraphs – they’re looking for a structured, easy-to-follow argument.

That’s why I always recommend PEEL paragraphs (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). Simple, effective, and examiner-friendly.

4. Ignoring SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar)

It might seem small, but SPaG errors cost students every year. Missing capital letters, skipping full stops, or misusing commas… it all adds up.

Remember: SPaG is worth marks – and it can make the difference between a fail and a pass, especially on Paper 2 Question 5.

5. Focusing ONLY on Creative Writing

This is a big one. Many students fall into the trap of over-preparing for Paper 1’s creative writing. They memorise a single story, thinking it will save them.

The reality? Paper 2 trips up more students than Paper 1. Neglecting non-fiction essay writing and comparison skills is a fast route to disappointment.

The Solution: Take Control Before November

If you’re reading this and thinking: “That’s me – I’ve done all of these mistakes!” – don’t worry. You still have time to turn things around.

That’s exactly why I run my GCSE English Resits Masterclass every Sunday. In just one hour a week, I’ll show you:
✅ How to approach every question with confidence
✅ The exact strategies examiners want to see
✅ How to avoid the traps that caused you to fail in the summer

📅 Next session: Sunday 3–4pm
📍 Online – join from anywhere
🎟️ Join here: https://www.firstratetutors.com/a/2148074961/bcfpJFoe

Happy Revision!