Paper 1: Section A Overview (AQA GCSE English Language) : Revision Note
Reading section summary
Section A overview |
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Timings |
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In Section A: Reading of Paper 1 you will be given an extract from a piece of literature written either in the 20th or 21st century. This could be an extract from a novel or a short story, and will focus on openings, endings, narrative perspectives, description and characterisation.
How long should I spend on each reading question?
You should aim to spend no more than 1 hour on Section A, including 15 minutes’ reading time.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It’s essential that you are aware of your time and manage how long you spend answering each question, so that you do not run out of time in the exam.
Try to judge how much you need to write according to the number of marks awarded. For example, do not spend 30 minutes answering an 8-mark question and only leave yourself 10 minutes for Question 4, which is worth 20 marks on its own.
What am I tested on in Section A: Reading?
Understanding the assessment objectives (AOs) of Section A will help you:
Know what skills you are expected to show in the exam
Help you identify areas to improve on
Section A | ||
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AO1 | Finding and understanding information (4 marks) |
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AO2 | Analysing language and structure (8 marks) |
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AO4 | Evaluating texts (20 marks) |
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Expert tips for all of the reading questions
Embedding quotations
Embedding quotes from the text means that the quotation forms part of your sentence. Quotes that are not embedded “stand out” from what you are writing and tend to be longer. This can mean it’s not clear exactly which part of your quotation you are using as evidence. Not embedding quotations can also mean you write more than you need to. For example:
Non-embedded quote | Embedded quote |
In Act 2 Scene 2 it says “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun". Romeo uses this metaphor to suggest that Juliet brings life, light and warmth to Romeo’s world. | Romeo uses the metaphor of “Juliet is the sun” to suggest that she brings life, light and warmth to Romeo’s world. |
Not only is the answer with the non-embedded quote longer, it isn’t clear which part of the quote contains the metaphor that refers to Juliet. So try not to introduce quotations with the following:
How not to introduce quotations | |
This is shown by the quote… | We see this when the writer says… |
In line 8 it says… | If you start your sentence with a direct quote from the text |
Embedding your quotations helps you to identify the specific language the writer has used and comment on why the writer may have used it. This helps to get you marks!
For more on embedding quotations, check out our exam skills page on Using Quotes and Evidence in GCSE English Language.
Active reading
Active reading simply means reading with a focus, actively and critically engaging with what you read. Some active reading strategies include:
Skimming to get the overall sense of what you are reading
Scanning for specific information
Using clues
Highlighting key information
Annotating in the margins of the source document(s)
Highlighting and annotating as you read are especially important, keeping the focus of the question in mind throughout. For example, if the question asks you about a character’s thoughts and feelings, then you should:
Step 1 | Highlight anything in the extract that tells you what the character is thinking and feeling |
Step 2 | Write down (annotate) in the margin exactly what these thoughts and feelings are |
Step 3 | Use these notes to form the basis of your written answer |
Learn more
Check out our expert guides on each of the reading questions in Paper 1 here:
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