AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 1 (2024 onwards)

Summary

In this video, Mr. Bruff provides three essential tips for acing AQA English Language Paper 1, Question 1, which requires students to list four things about a specified part of the text. He emphasizes the importance of reading the correct section of the source, keeping answers simple, and avoiding inferences. Key advice includes drawing a box around the relevant text, using the question's wording to guide answers, and sticking to explicit information. Misinterpretations and overcomplications, such as inferring sickness from coughing, are common mistakes to avoid. This approach helps students secure full marks with straightforward, accurate responses.

Takeaways

• 😀 AQA English Language Paper 1, Question 1 is an easy opener but many students struggle to get full marks.
• 😀 The question asks students to list four things about a specific topic from a short part of the text.
• 😀 Focus on identifying and interpreting explicit information, not on making inferences or drawing conclusions.
• 😀 Draw a box around the section of the text you're working from to avoid referencing the wrong lines.
• 😀 Always keep answers simple by focusing on clear, direct points from the text.
• 😀 You can answer in your own words or quote directly from the text, but ensure clarity.
• 😀 Avoid inferring beyond what the text explicitly states (e.g., do not assume 'Brightly was sick' from 'Brightly coughed').
• 😀 Misreading the text, like confusing 'tasting lips' with 'tasting bread and cheese,' can cost marks.
• 😀 Using the wording of the question can help ensure your answers stay on topic (e.g., start answers with 'Brightly' or 'He').
• 😀 Examiners prefer students to retrieve information directly from the text rather than attempt to interpret or analyze it.
• 😀 Make sure not to strike through any lines in the text so you can easily refer back to them during the exam.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of AQA English Language Paper 1, Question 1?

The main purpose of Question 1 is to be an 'easy opener' to ease students into the exam. It asks students to list four things about a specific topic from a short section of the source text.

What skills are assessed in Question 1 of the AQA English Language Paper 1?

Question 1 assesses students' ability to identify and interpret explicit and implicit information, specifically under AO1, which requires students to extract clear details from the text.

What is a common mistake students make when answering Question 1?

A common mistake is referencing the wrong part of the text, such as choosing lines outside of the specified range. This can happen under exam pressure, especially at the start of the exam.

How can students avoid referencing the wrong part of the text in Question 1?

Students should draw a box around the section of the text they are asked to use, ensuring they only pull information from that specific portion.

Why is it important for students to keep their answers simple in Question 1?

Keeping answers simple ensures students focus on extracting straightforward facts, which helps avoid mistakes. Overcomplicating the answers by adding inferences or interpretations can lead to incorrect responses.

What kind of answers are students expected to give in Question 1?

Students are expected to give four explicit, simple points, either in their own words or using direct quotations from the text. These points should be clear and directly related to the question asked.

What should students avoid doing when answering Question 1?

Students should avoid overcomplicating their answers by making inferences or analyzing the text too deeply. They should also avoid misreading details, such as interpreting actions (like coughing) as something more than what is explicitly described.

How can students ensure their answers are focused and on-topic for Question 1?

Students can use the wording of the question itself to help structure their answers. For example, if the question asks about 'Brightly', each point should begin with 'Brightly' to make it clear they are answering the right topic.

What is a helpful technique to ensure that students don’t strike through or damage the source text?

Students should be careful when marking the text. Instead of striking through any part of the text, they should draw a box around the section they need to focus on, preserving the integrity of the text for later use.

How should students approach interpreting actions like coughing in the text?

Students should avoid interpreting actions like coughing as a sign of illness unless explicitly stated in the text. In the case of coughing, they should simply note 'Brightly coughed' without inferring anything beyond the direct description.