1. English Language Paper 1
PRE-GCSE walkthrough

2. Essential information
1 hour 45 minutes
15 minutes of ACTIVE reading time
Section A = Reading (40 marks, 45 minutes)
Section B = Writing (40 marks, 45 minutes)
SPaG assessed in Section B (16 marks)
Approx. 1 minute per mark

3. Active reading Read the texts through TWICE. On your SECOND reading:
Highlight the line references and key foci of each question IN THE EXAM BOOKLET.
Highlight and label language features ON THE TEXT ready for question 2.
Mark focus shifts IN THE TEXT ready for question 3.
Highlight evidence which SUPPORTS the given statement.

4. Section a
reading

5. Question 1 essential information
4 marks
Maximum of 5 minutes
Testing your ability to read and understand facts in a text
A specific line reference will be given – draw a box around this section and use only this section for your response.
The question will provide a specific focus – anything else is irrelevant and will not be rewarded.

6. Question 1 how to answer it
You will need to bullet point 4 facts from the text
You need to copy facts from the text, but you MUST identify information that is specific to the focus of the question.
Just copying out the whole of the specified section will score zero.

7. Question 2 language analysis
8 marks
Maximum of 10 minutes
Testing your ability to identify language features and comment on their effects
A specific line reference will be given – draw a box around this section and use only this section for your response.
You are expected to use accurate terminology
Write 3 PEE paragraphs

8. Question 2 how to answer it
TOP TIP
If you don’t know a term, use ‘word’ or ‘phrase’. Guessing and getting it wrong will only serve to highlight a lack of knowledge.
Question 2 how to answer it
You MUST use PEE paragraphs
You MUST identify specific language techniques, using TERMINOLOGY
You MUST comment on the effects of the techniques you identify
On line __, the writer uses [technique] to explain/describe _______.
We see this in the quotation “________”
The use of the noun/verb/adjective/adverb “____” connotes _______, which allows the reader to understand________.
EXT: ‘This is further reinforced through the writer’s use of [technique]: “_______” which connotes _______ and emphasises ________.

9. Question 2 key terminology
TOP TIP
If you don’t know a term, use ‘word’ or ‘phrase’. Guessing and getting it wrong will only serve to highlight a lack of knowledge.
Question 2 key terminology
Noun/verb/adjective/adverb
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Alliteration/assonance/sibilance
Plosives
Imagery

10. Question 3 structure analysis
8 marks
Maximum of 10 minutes
Testing your ability to identify structural features an comment on their effects
You MUST refer to the whole source
You are expected to use structural terminology
Write 3-4 PEE paragraphs

11. Question 3 how to answer it
TOP TIP
The extract will usually be taken from the start of a novel, where someone/something is introduced, or from a point of rising tension.
Question 3 how to answer it
Use the ‘X’ approach
Use PEE paragraphs
You MUST comment on the effects of the writer’s structural decisions

12. Question 3 how to answer it
At the beginning, the writer focuses on ……… to help us understand ……… This is seen in the quote “………..”. Opening in this way, the writer might be trying to ………, possibly foreshadowing ………
The text then changes focus to …………:. We see this in the quote “……..”. By focusing in on ……….. , the writer is able to create a sense of …………
The text then shifts focus again to explore ……….. We see this in the quote “……..”. This creates a sense of ……….. within the text, allowing the reader to ………..
The ending is foreshadowed by the opening, and it focuses on ……..: We see this in the quote “………..”. The introduction of/focus on ……….creates a feeling of ……., emphasising ……. to the reader.

13. Question 3 additional terminology
Contrast
Juxtaposition
Flash back
Flash forward
Foreshadow
Introduces/establishes…
Dialogue

14. Question 4 EVALUATIVE analysis
20 marks
Maximum of 25 minutes
Testing your ability to critically evaluate a text
A statement will be provided and you will need to agree/disagree with this (it’s always easier to agree)
A specific line reference will be given – draw a box around this and focus on evidence from here
You are expected to use terminology
Write an opening statement and then 3-4 PEE paragraphs

15. Question 4: how to answer it
Write an opening statement and then 3-4 PEE paragraphs
Link each paragraph back to the statement in the question
TOP TIP
It will always be easier to agree with the given statement.
I agree that
One way that the writer shows …. is by using [technique].
For example “ ”
If we look closely at the [focus on a key word] ‘………’ it has connotations of ……. which could create an impression of….
This links to the evaluative comment because…
Another way that the writer shows…. Is through the use of [technique].

16. Question 4 useful terminology
Dialogue
Imagery
Metaphor
Simile
Symbolism
Description of…

17. Section b
writing

18. Question 5 Descriptive/narrative writing
40 marks ( )
Maximum of 45 minutes
Testing your ability to write creatively and accurately
You are marked for content as well as SPaG
There will be a choice of two questions (narrative/descriptive – could be two narrative, two descriptive, or one of each)
One question will be based on an image

19. Question 5 Descriptive vs. narrative writing
Focuses on the senses
Focuses on a fixed moment
Rich imagery
‘Snap shot’ of a moment
NARRATIVE:
Usually first person perspective
Includes action
Logical order and time elements
Based on the narrative arc

20. Question 5 Planning an image stimulus - boxes
Min. 2 sides of A4
One paragraph per box

21. Question 5 planning a narrative – narrative arc
Min. 2 sides of A4
One paragraph per section
TOP TIP
Short story = full narrative arc
Opening = exposition and rising action

22. Question 5 techniques to include
Similes
Metaphors
Imagery
Personification
Onomatopoeia
5 senses
Range of sentence structures
Artful sentence openings
TOP TIP
High level candidates will also use paragraphing and punctuation to craft effects

23. Question 5 - proof-read! 5 minutes
Have you got accurate spelling throughout?
What about homophones?
Have you used accurate punctuation?
Have you avoided comma splices?
Have you used a range of artful sentences?
Have you used Tip Top paragraphs?
Have your varied your vocabulary?

24. Final advice

25. Stick to your timings and know what to write where!
TOP TIP
Use your reading time effectively and PLAN your responses.
Final advice
Read the sources first – ACTIVE reading
Answer question 5 first – the sources will help you generate ideas
Answer questions 1-4 in order; they are designed to act like a ladder
Proof-read your answers
Stick to your timings and know what to write where!