Paper 1: Overview (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Flashcards

Timing: ~5 minutes

Type: search and find, from the first few lines of the extract

Marks: 1 mark

How to answer:

• Use only the lines given

• Write just the word or phrase

• Check it matches the focus of the question

Timing: ~5 minutes

Type: search and find, two things from a longer section

Marks: 2 marks

How to answer:

• Give two separate answers

• Use your own words or quotations

• Use only the lines given

Timing: ~20 minutes

Type: language and structure analysis of a section of the extract

Marks: 6 marks

How to answer:

• Write about both language and structure

• Support each point with a short quotation

• Two detailed paragraphs can be enough

Timing: ~30 minutes

Type: evaluation of the whole extract

Marks: 15 marks

How to answer:

• Judge how well the writer achieves their effects

• Cover the start, middle and end

• Use evaluative language

Timing: 45 minutes (10 to plan, 30 to write, 5 to check)

Type: imaginative writing, one task from a choice of two

Marks: 40 marks (24 for content and organisation, 16 for technical accuracy, including SPaG)

How to answer:

• Choose the task you have the clearest idea for

• Plan a clear structure

• Leave time to check for errors