Question 5 | AQA's Language Paper 1

Summary

In this video, Mr. Watson explains how to tackle Question 5 of the AQA Language Paper 1, which involves writing either a narrative or a descriptive response. He highlights the importance of creativity, structure, and planning, as this question is worth 40 marks—25% of the overall GCSE English Language grade. Mr. Watson shares six key tips to maximize marks, such as using a cyclical structure, ambitious vocabulary, varied techniques, and addressing the senses. He also stresses the importance of proofreading to catch mistakes. The goal is to engage your imagination and showcase your writing talents.

Takeaways

• 📚 Question 5 of AQA Language Paper 1 is the writing section and carries 40 marks, which is 50% of the paper and 25% of the entire English Language GCSE.
• 📝 You will be given a choice between two prompts: one based on a picture and one that isn't, or sometimes both might be narrative or both descriptive.
• 💡 This question is your opportunity to be creative, so it's crucial to engage your imagination.
• ⏱️ It's recommended to spend no longer than 45 minutes on this question as it offers the most marks.
• 🗂️ Planning your answer is essential to create a well-organized and effective response.
• 🎨 AO5 (Assessment Objective 5) focuses on content and organization, which assesses ideas, vocabulary, and structure.
• 🔠 AO6 (Assessment Objective 6) assesses technical accuracy, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• 💬 Tip 1: Use a cyclical structure where your opening and closing mirror each other to show progression.
• 🖋️ Tip 2: Use ambitious vocabulary but only where it adds to the clarity and effect of your writing.
• 👂 Tip 5: Address the senses in your writing to enhance imagery and immerse the reader in the scene.

Q & A

What is Question 5 in the AQA Language Paper 1?

Question 5 is the only writing question in AQA Language Paper 1. It offers a choice between two tasks: one based on a given picture and one that is not. You must choose one and can either write a narrative or a descriptive piece.

How much is Question 5 worth in terms of marks and the overall GCSE?

Question 5 is worth 40 marks, which is 50% of the marks for Paper 1 and 25% of the overall English Language GCSE.

What is the suggested time allocation for Question 5?

It is recommended to spend no longer than 45 minutes on Question 5, given its significant weight in the overall paper.

Why is it suggested to answer Question 5 first?

Since Question 5 offers the most marks (40), answering it first allows you to maximize the marks you can collect before moving on to questions with fewer marks.

What is the importance of planning before answering Question 5?

Planning your answer ensures a more organized and effective response. It helps structure your ideas, increasing the chances of higher marks for content and organization.

What are the two assessment objectives (AOs) in Question 5?

The two assessment objectives are AO5 (content and organization) and AO6 (technical accuracy, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar).

What are some tips for achieving high marks in AO5 (content and organization)?

Use a cyclical structure, ambitious vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and address all five senses to create vivid imagery.

How should you use ambitious vocabulary in your response?

You should use ambitious vocabulary that you fully understand to create an effect on the reader. Avoid using complex words just to impress, as it could reduce clarity.

What does 'using a cyclical structure' mean?

A cyclical structure involves beginning and ending your response in a similar way. For instance, if you describe the weather in the opening paragraph, you can refer to it again in the final paragraph with slight changes to show progression.

What are the key things to focus on during proofreading?

While proofreading, focus on correcting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors, and consider replacing weak vocabulary with more powerful words to enhance the overall quality of your writing.