English Language Paper 1 Overview

English Language Paper 1 Overview

• The paper is 2 hours long and consists of 80 marks.
• There are three short texts to read, with Text A for questions 1a-e, Text B for question 1f, and Text C for questions 2 and 3.

Question 1a-e

• These are reading comprehension questions that test understanding of explicit and implicit meaning, ability to select relevant information, and understanding of the text.
• How to answer:
  • Read the text and ensure understanding.
  • Read the questions carefully and take note of the marks given.
  • Identify the specific instructions and directions.
  • Do not write too much, only answer what is required for the number of marks given.
  • Ensure understanding of the specific instructions and what is being asked.

Question 1f

• This is a summary question that tests understanding of both explicit and implicit meaning, ability to select relevant information, and writing skills.
• How to answer:
  • Read the question and underline the focus.
  • Read the text and highlight relevant information.
  • Make a brief 10-point plan in your own words.
  • Write up your summary, ensuring it is formal, third-person, and factual.
  • Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Question 2a-c

• These are short answer questions that test understanding of both explicit and implicit meaning, ability to select relevant information, and understanding of the text.
• How to answer:
  • Read the text and make brief notes.
  • Read the questions carefully and take note of the marks given.
  • Ensure understanding of the specific instructions and what is being asked.
  • Do not write too much, only answer what is required for the number of marks given.

Question 2d

• This is a language question that tests understanding of language, ability to comment on the effects of language, and ability to select and comment on imagery.
• How to answer:
  • Read the question and think about the focus.
  • Read the text and circle the paragraphs that need to be referred to.
  • Make an overview statement for each paragraph.
  • Underline examples of imagery in each paragraph.
  • Select three examples from each paragraph and comment on the connotations of the words, the effect on the reader, and how the writer achieves the effect.

Question 3

• This is an extended response question that tests ability to understand, infer, and predict, as well as writing skills.
• How to answer:
  • Read the question and identify the form, audience, purpose, and perspective.
  • Re-read the text and highlight relevant information.
  • Plan your answer, ensuring it meets the requirements of the bullet points.
  • Write up your response, ensuring it is clear, fluent, and grammatically accurate.
  • Check your work, ensuring it meets the success criteria.