GCSE English Language Paper 1

• This is a GCSE English Language Paper 1 exam, focusing on explorations in creative reading and writing.
• The time allowed for the exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• The exam paper includes a separate insert, named Source A.
• All questions must be answered.
• Answers should be written in black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Answers must be written in the spaces provided, and not outside the designated boxes.
• If additional space is needed, lined pages at the end of the book can be used, with the question number clearly indicated.
• All rough work should be done in the exam book and crossed through if it is not to be marked.
• Reference to the insert booklet is required.
• Dictionaries are not allowed.
• The paper is worth a total of 80 marks.
• Section A is worth 40 marks and focused on reading.
• Section B is worth 40 marks and focused on writing.
• Good English and clear presentation is essential.
• Section A assesses reading skills.
• Section B assesses writing skills.
• It is advised to spend 15 minutes reading through the source and all questions.
• Planning an answer to Question 5 is advised before starting writing.
• Time should be reserved to check answers.

Section A: Reading

• This section consists of reading comprehension and analysis.
• Candidates are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.
• Question 0 1 requires students to read lines 1 to 6 of the source and list four things about the brush house and what is happening.
• This question is worth 4 marks.
• Question 0 2 requires students to look in detail at lines 7 to 17 of the source.
• The students must explore how the writer uses language to describe the conflict between Kino and the scorpion.
• Students can consider the writer's choice of words, phrases, language features, techniques and sentence forms.
• This question is worth 8 marks.
• Question 0 3 requires students to think about the source as a whole to explore how the writer structures the text to interest the reader.
• Students must consider what the writer focuses on at the beginning of the source, how and why the writer changes this focus as the source develops, and any other structural features that interest them.
• This question is worth 8 marks.
• Question 0 4 focuses students on lines 19 to the end of the source.
• Students must evaluate the statement, “In this part of the story, Juana's reaction to the danger facing their baby is different to Kino's. The writer shows that Kino is unhelpful, and it is Juana who tries to save the baby's life.”
• Students should consider Juana's and Kino's reactions, evaluate how the writer presents these different reactions, and support their response with references to the text.
• This question is worth 20 marks.

Section B: Writing

• This section focuses on creative writing.
• Students are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.
• Candidates are reminded of the need to plan their answer.
• Sufficient time should be allocated to check the work at the end.
• Question 0 5 provides students with two options:
  • Write a description of an unusual place to stay, as suggested by a picture, or
  • Write a story about a life-saving rescue.
• The question is marked out of 40, with 24 marks for content and organisation, and 16 marks for technical accuracy.