Higher English 2020/2021 (PDF format, download) [20/02E]

Complete Higher English prelim paper (70 marks).

This pack contains a question paper and marking key. Both Paper 1 (Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation: 30 marks, 1 hour and 30 minutes) and Paper 2 (Critical Reading: 40 marks, 1 hour and 30 minutes) are included.

In Paper 1 candidates will be presented with two non-fiction texts with questions to test their understanding, analysis and evaluation skills. An extended question requires candidates to demonstrate their summarising skills and to infer the main ideas from both texts.

There are 2 sections in Paper 2 (each worth 20 marks). In Section 1 (Scottish Texts) candidates will be asked to write a critical essay on previously studied specified Scottish texts by selecting from questions on drama, prose and poetry. The pack includes a full set of 14 texts with questions – covering all three Scottish Text parts (Drama, Prose and Poetry) to provide the maximum flexibility for purchasing departments. In Section 2 (Critical Essay) candidates will be asked to write a critical essay on previously studied texts by selecting from questions on drama, prose, poetry, film and TV drama, or language contexts.

P&N English prelim papers are drafted by setters whom we have head-hunted on the basis of their considerable experience of the examination system at appropriate levels. Papers are securely trialled by professionals who “work the papers” to ensure materials are of an appropriate level of demand, balance, etc. and that marking instructions closely reflect current SQA marking standards/marks allocations.

All 2020/2021 P&N papers fully comply with current SQA Arrangements Documents etc. valid for the next SQA examination diet (2021) as published by SQA at the time of our publication. Our prelim question papers contain completely new material each year and are guaranteed ‘sight unseen’. Papers are independently scrutinised to ensure a high quality, valid and reliable assessment resource which offers appropriate challenge to all candidates. All papers include a full marking guide.

Download P&N English Prelims Flyer 2020/2021

(Flyers were finalised and issued to centres before SQA’s 14/8/20 proposed modifications for session 20-21. For an update on P&N’s response, please see our updates)