Learn: Mastering Paper 1

Welcome!Welcome to your personalised lesson on mastering Paper 1 of the AQA GCSE English Language exam. Today, we will explore key concepts and skills to help you succeed in the exam and tackle both reading and writing tasks with confidence.

What is Paper 1?Paper 1 focuses on analysing a literature fiction text and writing creatively. In Section A, you'll read an unseen text from the 20th or 21st century and answer questions about its language, structure, and meaning. Section B requires you to write either a descriptive or narrative piece based on a prompt.

Assessment Objectives (AOs)To do well in Paper 1, you must demonstrate key skills outlined in the AQA specification:AO1: Identify explicit and implicit information and synthesise evidence.AO2: Analyse how language and structure create effects and influence readers.AO4: Evaluate texts critically, using evidence to justify your opinions.AO5 and AO6: Write clearly, imaginatively, and accurately for a specific audience and purpose.

Understanding AO1: Explicit vs Implicit MeaningExplicit meaning refers to information that is directly stated in the text. You can find it easily by looking for specific details.Implicit meaning requires you to infer or read between the lines, using clues from the text to understand deeper meanings.

Analysing Language and Structure (AO2)Language analysis: Focus on the writer's choice of words, phrases, imagery, and literary devices like metaphors or similes to understand their impact.Structure analysis: Examine how the text is organised, including its beginnings, endings, paragraphing, and shifts in focus to understand how they shape meaning and engage the reader.

Evaluating texts (AO4)Evaluation is all about forming an opinion on how effectively the writer conveys their ideas. Use evidence from the text to justify your judgement and explain your reasoning clearly.Ask yourself: What is the writer trying to achieve? How well do they succeed in creating an impact on the reader?

Writing Skills: AO5 and AO6In Section B, you'll write either a descriptive or narrative piece. AO5 assesses your ability to communicate clearly, imaginatively, and appropriately for the audience and purpose. AO6 assesses technical accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.Planning is crucial to ensure your writing has a clear structure, engaging ideas, and appropriate language choices.

Planning Your WritingBefore writing, spend a few minutes planning your response. Consider the form, audience, and purpose of your piece. Organise your ideas into clear paragraphs and use discourse markers to link them.For example, if you're writing a descriptive piece, focus on vivid imagery and sensory detail to engage the reader.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the key skills for Paper 1. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.

Congratulations!Well done on completing your lesson on mastering Paper 1! You've gained a solid understanding of the key skills needed to excel in the exam. Keep practising, and you'll do great!