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