Paper 1: Non-Fiction Texts (1 hour 55 minutes)
Reading Section (1 hour 10 minutes) tests your ability to understand and analyse non-fiction texts. You'll face six main question types that get progressively harder.
The first questions are straightforward - you'll identify four things from the text (4 marks) and pick out two specific points from given lines (2 marks each). These are your quick wins, so don't overthink them.
Language analysis questions (8 marks) ask how writers use specific words and techniques to interest readers. Focus on the effect on the reader - what emotions or reactions does the language create? Always link your examples back to how they make you feel or think.
Evaluation questions (6-12 marks) want your opinion on how successful the writer is. List three clear reasons with evidence from the text. The 12-mark question tests how well you can argue a point using everything you've learned about the text.
Top Tip: Spend about 5 minutes per mark on reading questions - this keeps you on track for timing.
Writing Section B (45 minutes) gives you two options to choose from. Write three structured paragraphs and remember this section is worth 40 marks - nearly half your total!
