GCSE AQA English Language Paper 1 Notes
Comprehensive Guide for Questions 1 to 4
Made for New 2026 Exam Format
Assessment Objectives
AO Description Marks / Focus
AO1 Identify & interpret explicit & Q1, Q2 (Paper 2), Q1 (Paper 1)
implicit information; select &
synthesise evidence
AO2 Analyse how writers use Paper 1 Q2–4, Paper 2 Q3
language & structure to influence
readers
AO3 Compare ideas/perspectives & Paper 2 Q4
how they are conveyed
AO4 Critically evaluate texts with Paper 1 Q4, Paper 2 Q4
supporting references
AO5 Write clearly, imaginatively & Paper 1 Q5, Paper 2 Q5
coherently for different
audiences
AO6 Use a wide vocabulary & varied Paper 1 Q5, Paper 2 Q5
sentence structures accurately
,Paper 1 Question 1 (4 marks)
Overview:
Question 1 is split into 4 subquestions, from 1.1 to 1.4, each worth a mark
Question 1 typically focuses on the first paragraph of the extract
You must only select one correct option for each subquestion
You should spend about 4 minutes on Question 1
Technique / Strategy:
1. Read the specified lines only
2. Ignore the answer options, read the extract and create your own
answer, then see which option fits your answer the best
3. Eliminate incorrect answers, anything that is too strong, has added
information, is only partially correct or is totally incorrect
4. Do not overthink it
, Example:
Extract
“He stepped outside, blinking against the sudden white glare of the snow.”
Question
What does the description suggest about the person?
A. He is confused by the darkness
No mention of darkness or confusion → A incorrect
B. He is shocked by the brightness outside
“Blinking” + “white glare” = brightness → B correct
C. He is frightened by a loud noise
No mention of loud noises or fear → C incorrect
D. He is angry about the weather
No mention of anger → D incorrect
Comprehensive Guide for Questions 1 to 4
Made for New 2026 Exam Format
Assessment Objectives
AO Description Marks / Focus
AO1 Identify & interpret explicit & Q1, Q2 (Paper 2), Q1 (Paper 1)
implicit information; select &
synthesise evidence
AO2 Analyse how writers use Paper 1 Q2–4, Paper 2 Q3
language & structure to influence
readers
AO3 Compare ideas/perspectives & Paper 2 Q4
how they are conveyed
AO4 Critically evaluate texts with Paper 1 Q4, Paper 2 Q4
supporting references
AO5 Write clearly, imaginatively & Paper 1 Q5, Paper 2 Q5
coherently for different
audiences
AO6 Use a wide vocabulary & varied Paper 1 Q5, Paper 2 Q5
sentence structures accurately
,Paper 1 Question 1 (4 marks)
Overview:
Question 1 is split into 4 subquestions, from 1.1 to 1.4, each worth a mark
Question 1 typically focuses on the first paragraph of the extract
You must only select one correct option for each subquestion
You should spend about 4 minutes on Question 1
Technique / Strategy:
1. Read the specified lines only
2. Ignore the answer options, read the extract and create your own
answer, then see which option fits your answer the best
3. Eliminate incorrect answers, anything that is too strong, has added
information, is only partially correct or is totally incorrect
4. Do not overthink it
, Example:
Extract
“He stepped outside, blinking against the sudden white glare of the snow.”
Question
What does the description suggest about the person?
A. He is confused by the darkness
No mention of darkness or confusion → A incorrect
B. He is shocked by the brightness outside
“Blinking” + “white glare” = brightness → B correct
C. He is frightened by a loud noise
No mention of loud noises or fear → C incorrect
D. He is angry about the weather
No mention of anger → D incorrect
