GCSE AQA English Language Paper 1 – Full Exam Strategies, Question Structures & Model Answers

AQA GCSE
English Language PAPER 1
Exactly how to get grade
7+
If you learn these question
structures, rinse and repeat, you
are guaranteed an A or higher

, Composition
Q1 = 4 marks (stating facts)
Q2 = 8 marks (language analysis)
Q3 = 8 marks (structure analysis)
Q4 = 20 marks (argument to a statement)
Q5 = 40 marks (creative writing)


Timings – Total: 1 hour 45 minutes
Read extract & prepare it* - 5 minutes
Answer Q1 = 5 minutes
Answer Q2 = 10 minutes
Answer Q3 = 11 minutes
Answer Q4 = 25 minutes
Answer Q5 = 45 minutes

4 minutes for checking through the answers


*Preparing the extract
1) Read the info box at the top of the source
This gives extra context, and a clue to what the extract’s
themes are
2) Read the questions!
 Mark their parameters on the source
 e.g. from line 1-line 15 = Q1
 Mark themes of the questions on the source e.g. garden,
imagination, fear.
 Reading q4 can also add some context to the source
3) Read and annotate the extract
 Highlight potential key quotes for each section
 Think about the plot as you go
 Think about the themes of q4 – it’s worth 20 marks!
4) Get started answering the questions!