How to pass National 5 English
About the course
National 5 English is a challenging and fast-paced course. You will be required to:
- undertake self-study and revision activities
- work on folio pieces at home
It is important that you keep on top of deadlines and coursework. Revision should be ongoing throughout the year.
The 100 marks available are made up from a mix of coursework and a final exam.
In order to achieve the full award at National 5, you will also be required to undertake a Spoken Language assessment.
National 5 English assessment breakdown
There are four parts to National 5 English assessment:
| Assessment | Marks available | Exam time |
| Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation | 30 marks / 30% | 1 hour |
| Critical Reading | 40 marks / 40% | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Portfolio writing | 30 marks / 30% | - |
| Performance-spoken language | Achieved / not achieved | - |
| Assessment | Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Marks available | 30 marks / 30% |
| Exam time | 1 hour |
| Assessment | Critical Reading |
|---|---|
| Marks available | 40 marks / 40% |
| Exam time | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Assessment | Portfolio writing |
|---|---|
| Marks available | 30 marks / 30% |
| Exam time | - |
| Assessment | Performance-spoken language |
|---|---|
| Marks available | Achieved / not achieved |
| Exam time | - |