How to Answer Question 3 (Edexcel GCSE English Language)

Question 3 on Paper 1 of your Edexcel GCSE English Language exam is the language and structure question. 

The following guide to how to answer Question 3 includes:

• Question 3 overview

• How to answer Question 3

• Exam tips

Question 3 overview

Question 3 is the language and structure analysis question. It is worth 6 marks so you should spend longer on it: about 20 minutes, including reading time.

You will be asked to read a section of the extract, and then consider how the writer uses language and structure to describe something or to create certain effects. You must also support any points you make with quotes or references to the text.

It is important to note that, to achieve full marks for this question, your answer must include an analysis of both language and structure, as indicated by the mark scheme:

If you focus only on language in your answer, you cannot get more than 1–2 marks.

How to answer Question 3

Let’s take a look at this example from the June 2023 exam:

The focus of this question is how the writer uses language and structure to specifically describe the experiences of Percy Fairbank and Mrs Fairbank in the stable.

In order to achieve full marks for this question, you should:

1. Read the question carefully and highlight its focus

2. Read the section of text and highlight anything directly relevant to the focus of the question:

   • You should annotate your findings in the margins

For example:

1. Start your answer with a summary statement, using the wording of the question:

   • In the above example, this should summarise briefly what the experiences of Percy and Mrs Fairbank in the stable were

   • For example: “The writer uses language and structure to describe the experiences of Percy Fairbank and Mrs Fairbank in the stable as unusual and slightly worrying.”

2. Make a range of points which cover both what effects the writer’s choices of language achieve, and why the writer has structured the extract in the way they have

3. For every point you make, ensure you provide a short, relevant quote or textual reference to support it:

   • For example: “The writer shows the change in Mrs Fairbanks’ mood from the start of the extract to the end. They do this by using verbs such as ‘saunters’ at the start to suggest that she is relaxed, to more urgent adverbs such as ‘suddenly’ and ‘nervously’ implying that her attitude has changed.”

Please see the Question 3: Model Answer revision note for more detailed examples.

Exam tips

• In order to get top marks for this question, you must ensure you include analysis of both language and structure in your answer (although it is not necessary to make the same amount of points about both):

  • For a guide on how to analyse language, please read our exam guide: How to Analyse Language in an English Language Exam

  • For a guide on how to analyse structure, please read our exam guide: How to Analyse Structure in an English Language Exam

• Do not spend too long answering this question at the expense of later questions on this paper

• Always focus on the quality of your answer rather than its length — a high quality analysis can be achieved in two detailed paragraphs

• Make sure you have included appropriate and relevant supporting references for every comment that you make:

  • Re-read your answer when you have finished to make sure you have done this

• To include analysis of structure, you should write about how the extract begins and where it leaves the reader at the end — try to explain why you think the writer has structured the writing in this way