Paper 2: How to Answer Question 1 (AQA GCSE English Language)
Revision Note
Written by: Deb Orrock
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Paper 2: How to Answer Question 1
Each question in Paper 2 Section A (reading) is worth a different number of marks, and you are being tested on specific skills for each. However, your approach to each question should be the same; the only difference is how you write each answer.
This page will provide you with the information you need to answer Paper 2 Question 1 confidently.
Overview to Paper 2 Question 1
Paper 2 Question 1 is a quick “search and find” question. It is also known as the “true or false” question. You are being tested on your ability to read carefully. Remember, you are given two source texts in Paper 2, but Question 1 will always ask you about certain lines from Source A. You will be given 8 statements, labelled A-H, but only four of them will be true according to the lines in the Source document. You have to choose which four are true. It is very important that you only take your answers from the lines you are given in the question:
Question | Marks | Suggested Timing | Text | AO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | 5 minutes | Given lines of Source A (20th century non-fiction) | AO1(1): Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas |
Shade the circles in the boxes of the statements you think are true, and only choose a maximum of four statements.
Steps to success for the true or false question
Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering this question effectively:
Grab your highlighter and read the question and the statements first
Read the question carefully and highlight which lines you need to use in the source text for your answers
Read each of the statements carefully
Scan the section of the source
Decide which of the statements are true
Shade the circles in the boxes of the statements which are true
Only shade four answers
If you make a mistake, cross out the whole box
If you change your mind again and want to go back to a statement you have already crossed out, just draw a circle around the box
Examiner Tips and Tricks
This question is intended to provide a gateway into the exam, easing you into writing longer answers by assessing your understanding of both explicit and implicit ideas within a text, without the need for writing a response. The statements are not intended to catch you out, but you do need to take your time, read the statements carefully and remember that the statements are ordered chronologically to match the text.
Do not select more than four statements as true, as this will automatically reduce your mark. Also make sure you follow the instructions and shade the circles correctly, as if you tick, write on or scribble over the boxes, you will not be awarded a mark
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