Your English Language Paper 1 is all about showing off...
English Language318 views·Updated Jun 2, 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 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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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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English Language318 views·Updated Jun 2, 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 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!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Narrative Structure
4Most popular content in English Language
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user