English Language Paper 1

General Information

Paper 1 is 1 hour and 45 minutes

Questions

1

Identify explicit information

Identify explicit ideas

Quotes are best

2

Explain, comment and analyse

Two paragraphs - or one extended paragraph with multiple quotations

Language techniques ONLY

Specific part of the extract to focus on

3

Structural techniques ONLY

Talk about the whole text

Write chronologically, what does the writer do at the start then the middle, then the end?

Explain, comment and analyse

Two paragraphs - or one extended paragraph with multiple quotations

4

Critically evaluate

Equal marks to Q1+2+3 combined

Aim for 3-4 paragraphs

Talk about techniques, language choice, punctuation, etc

Always best to agree

5

Communicate clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structure

Accurate SPaG

Organise effectively (photographer technique)

Over half of your marks on this question - make sure it is completed!

Description may be easier, but narrative is more fun

Two sections: reading and writing

80 marks: 40 for reading and 40 for writing

Read the blurb at the top of the text or any other information you are given

Summarise the content of each paragraph, and any other inferences you can make in terms of how a character is feeling. Do this by using keywords or points.

Other Question Tips

Question 3

Narrative perspective - outside to inside or vice versa

Paragraphing including introductions and developments

Chronology or sequence

Topic shifts

Sentence structures

Tense

Use of time

Pace of events

Patterns such as repetition, listing or contrast

Question 4

USE TERMINOLOGY - talk about how the writer presents the points ie. words/phrases/devices/structure. Identify a whole range of different examples that prove the point

Connect the method with the effect on the reader. Why use the method? What does it do for the reader in terms of the question focus?

Use lots and lots of mini quotations! For one point, use all of the little one word/two word phrases which support it. Embed within a sentence.

Write in third person - talk about the character or subject of the extract

Connectives to link your ideas together. You want to discuss the point as you would do in a conversation.

Develop ideas beyond a statement using extender clauses - 'which suggests...' / 'which is intended to' / 'which is achieved by'

Successful Approaches

Plan - there are 12 marks available for organisation

Proofread - there are 16 marks available for technical accuracy. Read through your work carefully.

Key Elements for Writing

Structure - clear opening and clear closing. Plan so that your paragraphs have a logical structure.

Paragraphs - clear topic sentences, organised paragraphs and discourse markers to link paragraphs

Sentences - use simple, compound and complex - the right tool for the right job

Starting Sentences

Use discourse markers to start with subordinate clauses - e.g. although his spelling was poor, he knew how to use a complex sentence

Use +ing verbs, +ed verbs or to+ verb: e.g.: "reading good books is key to success in English"

Start with an adverb (how) or an adverbial phrase e.g. "Slowly and stealthily, with dedication and determination, the girl stole every single highlighter from the box."

Start with a preposition (where/when) or a prepositional phrase e.g. "Late last night, as the moon shone luminously, I embarked on my annual squirrel hunt."

Words - use a range of carefully selected, interesting words. Be imaginative with your language: use metaphors, similes and personification

Question Videos

Assessment Objectives (AO)

AO1 - Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts. (Q1)

AO2 - Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views. (Q2 and Q3)

AO4 - Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references. (Q4)

AO5 - Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts. (Q5)

AO6 - Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. (Q5)

Active/reading should take no more than 15 minutes