English Language Paper 1 - Q2-4

Q2 – What is the question asking?

Analyse language; focus on words/phrases; explain effects; zoom in closely

Q2 – How do you structure your answer?

Point → Evidence → Zoom → Effect → Link; repeat 2–3 times

Q2 – What should you focus on?

Individual words; imagery; connotations; avoid retelling

Q2 – What gets top marks?

Precise word analysis; multiple interpretations; clear effects on reader

Q2 – Sentence starters

“The writer uses…”, “The word ‘…’ suggests…”, “This implies…”, “This creates…”

Q2 – Common mistakes

Feature spotting; no zoom; vague comments; retelling

Q3 – What is the question asking?

Analyse structure; how the text is organised; shifts in focus

Q3 – How do you structure your answer?

Start → middle → end; track shifts; explain effects

Q3 – What should you look for?

Focus shifts; zoom in/out; contrasts; cyclical structure; cliffhangers

Q3 – Sentence starters

“At the beginning…”, “The focus then shifts…”, “This change…”, “At the end…”

Q3 – What gets top marks

Clear tracking of structure + effect; not just identifying techniques

Q3 – Common mistakes

Listing devices; confusing with language analysis

Q4 – What is the question asking?

Evaluate a statement; agree/disagree; analyse writer’s methods

Q4 – How do you structure your answer?

Agree → develop → challenge → judgement

Q4 – What should you include?

Quotes; language analysis; evaluation of effect

Q4 – Sentence starters

“I agree that…”, “This is shown when…”, “However…”, “This suggests…”

Q4 – What gets top marks?

Clear opinion + detailed analysis + evaluation

Q4 – Common mistakes

Only agreeing; weak evidence; no evaluation

General – How do you move beyond the extract?

Link to other parts of the text; develop a wider argument; avoid staying narrow

General – What is the key skill for Section A?

Analysis of methods + clear explanation of effects on reader