Paper 1 Question 3: Model Answer (AQA GCSE English Language)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Paper 1 Question 3: Model Answer
In Question 3, you will be set a question that asks you to comment on the whole of the source text in Section A. The text will always be a prose text from either the 20th or 21st century. You will be asked to consider how the writer has structured the text to interest you as a reader.
The examples below are all based on the following AQA GCSE English Language November 2019 past exam question:
Choosing what to analyse in the structure question
When you first consider the writer’s use of structure, you should look for patterns of words or phrases that create similar or contrasting characters, situations, thoughts or feelings. You should also explore the text by considering a range of possible meanings, readings, interpretations and responses. You can then explore how individual structural choices contribute to the impact of these patterns on the text and on the reader.
Remember, choosing what to analyse in the extract requires careful consideration of the question. By following the points outlined below and selecting relevant and significant quotes, you'll be able to focus your analysis and provide a well-supported response in the exam.
Re-read the extract thoroughly several times, paying close attention to its use of structure
Highlight your initial observations and any significant structural details that stand out to you
Identify any particular structural techniques that the writer has used
Choose two to three quotes that illustrate the writer’s effective use of structure to convey meaning, or which create a specific effect
Prioritise elements that are most relevant and significant to the question
Choose aspects that best support your argument or analysis, and which provide the most substantial insights
Create an outline by organising your ideas, evidence and supporting examples which allows for a logical and coherent flow of analysis
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You should try to avoid making generalised comments about structure. For example, it “interests the reader” or “makes the reader want to read on”. These responses cannot be credited above Level 1. The question is inviting you to write about what in the passage interests you and this refers to structural aspects, rather than the passage in general.
Structuring your analysis of structure
Annotating an unseen text can be difficult, but bringing your ideas together to form a coherent answer can also be hard. Every point you make in your response should be supported with evidence from the text and have an analytical comment. However, following a rigid structure, such as writing in point-evidence-explanation (PEE) paragraphs, can limit the range and depth of your analysis, so it is always best to avoid using this type of frame to structure your response. You should always consider which of your ideas would allow you to write the most developed analysis.
You should aim to structure your answer in the following way:
Develop a thesis statement
Based on your analysis, develop a clear thesis statement that captures your main argument or interpretation of the text
This will serve as the guiding focus for your analysis
Provide evidence and analysis
Support your analysis with specific evidence from the text
Explain how these quotes support your thesis and contribute to your overall interpretation of the text
Consider alternative viewpoints
Acknowledge and address possible alternative viewpoints or interpretations of the text
Engage with counterarguments and provide a well-reasoned response to strengthen your analysis
Revise and refine your analysis
Review your analysis, ensuring clarity, coherence and logical progression of ideas
Revise and refine your arguments so that it gives a cohesive and insightful analysis of the text
You should aim to write around three paragraphs for this answer, with a different topic sentence in each paragraph focusing on different aspects of the question.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Keep referring to what the writer is doing. This will help you to stay focused on structural analysis and will help you to avoid describing or retelling the narrative. Focus on analysing why the writer has made certain structural choices and how those choices contribute to the text's overall impact and meaning. Maintain a critical lens that examines the writer's craft.
Developing your analysis of structure
Remember, developing your analysis of a prose text takes time, careful reading and critical thinking. To produce an effective analysis, you should aim to make your comments as detailed and specific as you can. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you analyse structure effectively:
Identify narrative structure
Examine the overall narrative structure, such as whether it's linear, non-linear or cyclical
Identify the key segments within the text and consider how they contribute to the flow and progression of the narrative
Paragraphing and text organisation
Analyse how the writer structures paragraphs and organises the overall text
Look for patterns or changes in paragraph length, shifts in tone or focus and how the text flows from one idea to the next
Analyse pacing and tension
Evaluate the pacing of the narrative, noting moments of tension, suspense and resolution
Consider how the writer's choice of pacing affects the reader's engagement with the text
Chronological order or time shifts
Pay attention to how the writer orders events or ideas
Look for instances of flashbacks (scenes from the past) and foreshadowing (hints about future events)
Analyse how these techniques add depth to the narrative, enhance character development and/or build anticipation
Examine plot twists and revelations
Identify significant plot twists or surprising revelations
Analyse how these moments impact the reader's understanding of the narrative and characters and consider their role in shaping the overall narrative
Consider time and setting
Analyse how the writer uses time and setting to create atmosphere and contribute to the story's themes
Look for specific time markers, geographical details or symbolic elements that enhance the reader's understanding of the narrative
Investigate shifts in perspective
If the text shifts between different points of view, analyse the reasons behind these shifts and how they contribute to the reader's understanding of the events and characters
Use of dialogue
Analyse how dialogue is used to develop characters or move the plot forward
Dialogue can be used to reveal information about characters' personalities, relationships and their motivations
Consider overall themes and messages
Reflect on the structural choices made by the writer and how they support the overarching themes and messages of the text
Analyse how the structural techniques enhance the impact and effectiveness of the narrative
Provide evidence and analysis
Support your analysis with specific examples from the text
Quote relevant passages or references to specific structural devices and techniques, explaining their significance within the context of the narrative
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember, structural terminology does need not be complex. Using words such as ‘firstly, then, finally’ can help you to focus your response on the structural shifts in a text, rather than simply recounting the events.
Below are some examples of how you might begin to write your ideas into a response. They focus separately on each bullet point from Question 3 and are based on the 2019 AQA Paper 1 past paper which can be found here. It is useful to read through this extract and the wording of Question 3 before exploring the model responses below.
Bullet point 1: What the writer focuses your attention on at the beginning of the source |
The first bullet point will always ask you to examine the beginning of the extract and will invite you to explore what the writer is focusing your attention on.
Below you will find one point which could be made about the beginning of the extract. Several structural techniques have been identified and some brief ideas have been mapped out which consider their intended effect:
Key point | At the beginning of the extract, the writer uses structural techniques such as a linear structure, tone and foreshadowing to build suspense and anticipation in the reader. | |
|---|---|---|
Structural technique(s) | Linear structure | The linear structure of the opening passage enables the writer to quickly immerse the reader in Zoe's experience |
Tone | The writer shifts the tone from quiet contemplation to one of exhilaration and empowerment | |
Foreshadowing | Foreshadowing is used to hint to the reader at what is about to unfold later in the narrative | |
Next, we will explore how you might write these ideas into a paragraph:
Level 4 Response (7-8 marks) |
|---|
At the beginning of the extract, the writer uses structural techniques such as a linear structure, tone and foreshadowing to build suspense and anticipation for the reader. The linear structure enables the writer to quickly immerse the reader in the wintry landscape and Zoe's emotional experience. The descriptive details of the snow, mountain air and pine resin are presented in a chronological sequence, which instantly transports the reader to the scene. The writer gradually builds the atmosphere and tone of the passage, moving the reader through the description of the snowfall, the cracking cold and the mountain range, enabling the tone to shift from quiet contemplation to one of exhilaration and empowerment as Zoe prepares to ski down the hill. The linear structure also enables the writer to foreshadow future aspects of the narrative. Phrases like “she almost thought she could die in that place, and happily” and “a rehearsal and a pre-echo of death” are introduced sequentially, building suspense and anticipation within the reader for what is about to occur. |
Bullet point 2: How and why the writer changes this focus as the source develops |
The second bullet point will always ask you to examine how and why the writer changes the focus as the extract develops.
Below you will find one point which could be made about how and why the writer changes the focus. Several structural techniques have been identified and some brief ideas have been mapped out which consider their intended effect:
Key point | As the extract develops, the writer uses simple sentences in order to control the pace of the narrative and introduces dialogue to create a sense of urgency. | |
Structural technique(s) | Short, simple sentences | The use of short, simple sentences to quicken the pace of the narrative and to intensify the events taking place |
Dialogue | The writer introduces dialogue in order to create tension and urgency within the narrative | |
Next, we will explore how you might write these ideas into a paragraph:
Level 4 Response (7-8 marks) |
As the extract develops, the writer uses simple sentences in order to control the pace of the narrative and introduces dialogue to create a sense of urgency. The writer shifts the focus through the phrase “The rumble became louder”, which creates a sense of foreboding. As the focus changes to the impending danger, the writer uses more simple sentences. For example, “Then her smile iced over” and “Jake was speeding straight towards her”. These shorter sentences help to quicken the pace within the narrative, creating a sense of urgency and intensifying the moment of crisis. The introduction of Jake rushing toward her and the urgency in his words also help to convey the gravity of the situation. The writer uses the abruptness of these sentences to convey the sudden shift in emotions effectively and the imminent threat of the avalanche. Further, the use of dialogue, such as “‘Get to the side! To the side!’” is used to enhance the sense of tension and urgency. The direct speech adds a sense of immediacy and it heightens the reader's emotional engagement with the impending danger. This middle section of the extract ends with the command, “‘Hang on to a tree!’” and is used to make the outcome of the avalanche uncertain at this point in the narrative, which creates further suspense. |
Bullet point 3: Any other structural features that interest you |
The third bullet point will always ask you to comment on any other structural features that interest you. This means that you are invited to explore any section of the extract in your answer. It is always useful to refer to the ending of the extract as part of your answer here, as there will usually be many notable structural features in this section which you could include in your response.
Below you will find one point which could be made about other structural features that interest you. One structural technique has been identified and some brief ideas have been mapped out which consider its intended effect:
Key point | As the narrative progresses, the writer uses juxtaposition to contrast the serene and peaceful opening of the narrative with the sudden onset of the avalanche in order to create fear and suspense. | |
Structural technique(s) | juxtaposition | The use of juxtaposition creates a striking contrast with the opening lines of the extract and helps to intensify the tension |
Next, we will explore how you might write these ideas into a paragraph:
Level 4 Response (7-8 marks) |
The writer uses juxtaposition to heighten the impact of the avalanche scene. The initial opening description of the serene landscape is juxtaposed with the sudden onset of the avalanche which creates a striking contrast and intensifies the tension within the narrative. This juxtaposition is used to convey the abrupt shift from calm to chaos. The tranquil scenery is suddenly juxtaposed with words such as “roaring”, “rumble” and “great mass of smoke and snow”. The fact that this dangerous event initially captures Zoe's attention, making her smile, adds to the sense of imminent peril as she remains unaware of its severity. Zoe’s initial delight is contrasted with a simple sentence, “Then her smile iced over”. This structural choice underscores the drastic shift in the characters' circumstances, from a pleasurable skiing experience to a fight for survival against the force of the avalanche. Hence, the writer’s use of juxtaposition serves to make the avalanche a pivotal and gripping scene within the narrative. |
Question 3: Level 4 model answer
Below is an example of a full-length Level 4 model answer:
Level 4 Response (8/8 marks) |
At the beginning of the extract, the writer uses structural techniques such as a linear structure, tone and foreshadowing to build suspense and anticipation in the reader. The linear structure enables the writer to immerse the reader quickly in the wintry landscape and Zoe's emotional experience. The descriptive details of the snow, mountain air and pine resin are presented in a chronological sequence, which instantly transports the reader to the scene. The writer gradually builds the atmosphere and tone of the passage, moving the reader through the description of the snowfall, the cracking cold and the mountain range, enabling the tone to shift from quiet contemplation to one of exhilaration and empowerment as Zoe prepares to ski down the hill. The linear structure also enables the writer to foreshadow future aspects of the narrative. Phrases like “she almost thought she could die in that place, and happily” and “a rehearsal and a pre-echo of death” are introduced sequentially, building suspense and anticipation within the reader for what is about to occur. As the extract develops, the writer uses simple sentences in order to control the pace of the narrative and introduces dialogue to create a sense of urgency. The writer shifts the focus through the phrase “The rumble became louder” which creates a sense of foreboding. As the focus changes to the impending danger, the writer uses more simple sentences. For example, “Then her smile iced over” and “Jake was speeding straight towards her”. These shorter sentences help to quicken the pace within the narrative, creating a sense of urgency and intensifying the moment of crisis. The introduction of Jake rushing toward her and the urgency in his words also help to convey the gravity of the situation. The writer uses the abruptness of these sentences to convey the sudden shift in emotions effectively and the imminent threat of the avalanche. Further, the use of dialogue, such as “‘Get to the side! To the side!’” is used to enhance the sense of tension and urgency. The direct speech adds a sense of immediacy and it heightens the reader's emotional engagement with the impending danger. This middle section of the extract ends with the command, “‘Hang on to a tree!’” and is used to make the outcome of the avalanche uncertain at this point in the narrative, which creates further suspense. The writer uses juxtaposition to heighten the impact of the avalanche scene. The initial opening description of the serene landscape is juxtaposed with the sudden onset of the avalanche which creates a striking contrast and intensifies the tension within the narrative. This juxtaposition is used to convey the abrupt shift from calm to chaos. The tranquil scenery is suddenly juxtaposed with words such as “roaring”, “rumble” and “great mass of smoke and snow”. The fact that this dangerous event initially captures Zoe's attention, making her smile, adds to the sense of imminent peril as she remains unaware of its severity. Zoe’s initial delight is contrasted with a simple sentence, “Then her smile iced over”. This structural choice underscores the drastic shift in the characters' circumstances, from a pleasurable skiing experience to a fight for survival against the force of the avalanche. Hence, the writer’s use of juxtaposition serves to make the avalanche a pivotal and gripping scene within the narrative. The writer portrays the opening of the extract with a peaceful and serene landscape and develops the narrative to introduce the terror of the avalanche. The final section dramatically shifts the focus to the terrifying avalanche itself, which places the characters in peril and which creates a gripping climax to the narrative. The contrast between the tranquillity of the opening scene and the perilous events that follow creates a dramatic tension that intensifies the reader's engagement. |
Why would this answer get 8/8 marks?
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Key points to remember for Question 3
Always frame your essay with the writer in mind as the choices they make are conscious and deliberate
Spotting structural devices within the extract is only creditworthy if there is some explanation of the effect of the devices
You should always comment on the impact/effect of a structural device rather than making a simple, generalised comment about how a technique works or does not work
Zoom out to big ideas in your analysis
Go from analysing structure to the writer’s overall intention, or message
This should also link to your thesis and argument throughout
Comments about the use of sentence structure and punctuation should only be made where it is possible to link their usage to a precise effect
You will be more successful if you note a structural feature at a specific point in the text and then comment on how it has developed from earlier, or how it contrasts with the start or the end
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