Your English Language Paper 1 is all about showing off...
English Language326 views·Updated 22 Aug 2026·2 pagesKey Notes for English Language Paper 1 (AQA)
E
Ella Mcgibbon@ellamcgibbon_rcvg
1
of 2
Paper Structure and Timing
You've got 1 hour and 45 minutes to tackle two completely different sections. Section A gives you a 20th-century literature extract (60-100 lines) with 5 questions worth 40 marks - spend exactly 1 hour here. Section B asks for creative writing (a story or narrative) that's 2-3 pages long, also worth 40 marks in just 45 minutes.
The key assessment objectives you'll be marked on include AO1 (finding explicit and implicit information), AO2 (analysing language and structure), and AO4 (evaluating texts critically). For creative writing, AO5 focuses on your tone and style, whilst AO6 looks at your vocabulary, sentence structures, and technical accuracy.
Time management is absolutely crucial - stick to your allocated times religiously. Having a pre-planned story ready for Section B will save you precious minutes that you can spend on actually writing rather than thinking up ideas.
Top Tip: Question 1 always asks you to list things from the extract - write complete sentences, not single words, as this shows you understand the context properly.
2
of 2
Question Types and Creative Writing Strategy
Questions 2 and 3 focus on language and structural devices respectively - think about how writers use techniques like metaphors for language, and beginnings, middles, and endings for structure. Question 4 typically asks "to what extent do you agree" with a statement, requiring you to evaluate and argue your point with textual evidence.
Question 5 is your creative writing showcase. Remember SHAMPOOS: sentence structures, flashbacks, foreshadowing, setting, focus shifts, and punctuation. These techniques will make your story stand out and show sophisticated writing skills.
A solid planning approach might include deciding on atmospheric weather conditions (like thunderstorms), an intriguing setting (perhaps a haunted house), and well-developed characters with clear motivations. For example, an older sibling who's frightened but shows courage to protect younger family members creates instant emotional connection.
Writing Hack: Spend 5 minutes planning your story structure and character motivations before you start writing - this prevents you from getting stuck halfway through and ensures your narrative flows naturally.
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English Language326 views·Updated 22 Aug 2026·2 pagesKey Notes for English Language Paper 1 (AQA)
E
Ella Mcgibbon@ellamcgibbon_rcvg
Your English Language Paper 1 is all about showing off your reading skills with 20th-century literature and your creative writing talents. It's worth 40% of your grade, so getting familiar with the format and knowing what examiners want will make...
1
of 2
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Paper Structure and Timing
You've got 1 hour and 45 minutes to tackle two completely different sections. Section A gives you a 20th-century literature extract (60-100 lines) with 5 questions worth 40 marks - spend exactly 1 hour here. Section B asks for creative writing (a story or narrative) that's 2-3 pages long, also worth 40 marks in just 45 minutes.
The key assessment objectives you'll be marked on include AO1 (finding explicit and implicit information), AO2 (analysing language and structure), and AO4 (evaluating texts critically). For creative writing, AO5 focuses on your tone and style, whilst AO6 looks at your vocabulary, sentence structures, and technical accuracy.
Time management is absolutely crucial - stick to your allocated times religiously. Having a pre-planned story ready for Section B will save you precious minutes that you can spend on actually writing rather than thinking up ideas.
Top Tip: Question 1 always asks you to list things from the extract - write complete sentences, not single words, as this shows you understand the context properly.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Question Types and Creative Writing Strategy
Questions 2 and 3 focus on language and structural devices respectively - think about how writers use techniques like metaphors for language, and beginnings, middles, and endings for structure. Question 4 typically asks "to what extent do you agree" with a statement, requiring you to evaluate and argue your point with textual evidence.
Question 5 is your creative writing showcase. Remember SHAMPOOS: sentence structures, flashbacks, foreshadowing, setting, focus shifts, and punctuation. These techniques will make your story stand out and show sophisticated writing skills.
A solid planning approach might include deciding on atmospheric weather conditions (like thunderstorms), an intriguing setting (perhaps a haunted house), and well-developed characters with clear motivations. For example, an older sibling who's frightened but shows courage to protect younger family members creates instant emotional connection.
Writing Hack: Spend 5 minutes planning your story structure and character motivations before you start writing - this prevents you from getting stuck halfway through and ensures your narrative flows naturally.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
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