IGCSE English Language A: Paper 1 Walkthrough | Sections A & B Timings Explained! | IGCSE Revision

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to effectively tackling the English Language A Paper 1 exam. It breaks down both Section A (Non-Fiction Texts) and Section B (Transactional Writing), offering detailed advice on time management, question types, and how to allocate your time efficiently. The video emphasizes the importance of a structured approach: spending 10 minutes reading and highlighting the unseen text, adhering strictly to time limits for each question, and dedicating significant time to planning and writing Section B. The guide helps students maximize marks through discipline, focus, and strategic time allocation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Time management is key to success. Split your 2 hours 15 minutes evenly between Section A (Non-Fiction Text) and Section B (Transactional Writing).
• 📝 Section A focuses on analyzing an unseen text and comparing it to a studied text from the anthology. You must allocate 67.5 minutes for this section.
• ⏱️ Allocate 10 minutes to read and highlight the unseen text in Section A before starting the questions. This time helps you identify themes for comparison.
• 📚 Questions 1–3 in Section A are based on the unseen text. Be concise with your answers—don’t spend more than 3.5–7 minutes per question.
• 🔍 Question 4 in Section A (worth 12 marks) is about analyzing the studied text, focusing on language and structure. Spend 14 minutes on this question.
• 🔄 Question 5 in Section A (worth 22 marks) is a comparison of the unseen and studied texts. It requires a deep analysis of ideas and perspectives, so spend 28 minutes on it.
• 📏 Time management within Section A is critical. Avoid spending too much time on the first few questions, as it could lead to rushing through the high-mark questions.
• 🖊️ Section B requires you to choose between two transactional writing tasks. This section also gets 67.5 minutes, with a heavy emphasis on planning and structuring your response.
• 🗂️ Spend 15 minutes planning your answer for Section B. A well-thought-out plan is vital to producing a clear and organized piece of writing.
• 🔄 After planning, devote 47.5 minutes to writing your response, ensuring that your argument flows logically and clearly.
• ✔️ Spend the final 5 minutes in Section B reviewing your work for spelling, grammar, and structure. This ensures a polished final answer.

Q & A

How should a student manage their time during the English Language A Paper 1 exam?

A student should allocate 67.5 minutes for both Section A (Non-fiction Text) and Section B (Transactional Writing) each. For Section A, the first 10 minutes should be dedicated to reading and highlighting the unseen text. The remaining time should be split between answering questions related to the unseen text (1, 2, 3) and the anthology text (4, 5). Section B should be approached by spending 15 minutes planning, 47.5 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing the answer.

What is the key piece of advice for Section A of the exam?

The key advice for Section A is to allocate time efficiently. Spend 3.5 minutes on Question 1, 5 minutes on Question 2, and 7 minutes on Question 3. The bulk of the time should be allocated to Question 4 (14 minutes) and Question 5 (28 minutes), as they carry the most marks.

Why is it important to allocate specific time to each question in Section A?

Allocating specific time to each question in Section A ensures that students do not run out of time for the higher-mark questions (Questions 4 and 5). Over-spending time on questions 1-3 can lead to insufficient time for these critical questions, which could impact the overall score.

How should a student approach the planning phase in Section B?

In Section B, students should spend 15 minutes planning their response. This allows for a well-structured answer and ensures that the writing is focused. A good plan helps mitigate potential stress and disorganization later, especially when writing under time pressure.

What types of writing tasks are typically found in Section B?

In Section B, students are typically asked to write a non-fiction piece, such as a newspaper article, magazine article, letter, or speech. Students must choose one task from the two options provided (either Question 6 or 7).

What are the recommended time allocations for Section B?

For Section B, students should spend 15 minutes planning, 47.5 minutes writing their response, and 5 minutes reviewing their answer. This ensures sufficient time to produce a high-quality piece of writing and catch any potential errors.

How can a detailed plan improve the quality of writing in Section B?

A detailed plan helps students stay focused, organized, and clear in their writing. It provides a roadmap for the response, reducing the likelihood of wandering thoughts or missed points. A well-structured plan also makes it easier to review the writing for improvements in the final stages.

What is the purpose of Question 5 in Section A?

Question 5 in Section A is a comparative question, asking students to compare the unseen text (Text 1) and the anthology text (Text 2). This question focuses on how both texts address similar themes or perspectives, and students should spend 28 minutes crafting a detailed, comparative answer.

What should a student do if they run out of time during the exam?

If a student runs out of time, they should prioritize finishing the higher-mark questions, particularly in Section A (Questions 4 and 5) and Section B (Transactional Writing). It’s important to manage time throughout the exam to avoid rushing through these crucial parts.

Why should students avoid using digital watches during the exam?

Digital watches, such as Apple Watches, are not allowed in exams. Students are advised to use a simple wristwatch with an analog display to keep track of time. This ensures they adhere to exam rules and are always aware of how much time remains.