AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1

HOW DOES THE WRITER USE LANGUAGE...? (10-12 minutes)

Structure

Overall, the writer uses language to convey... (+2 points)

Paragraph 1 (POINT 1): The use of.../the writer's use of...

Paragraph 2 (POINT 2): The use of.../the writer's use of...

OTHERS: Metaphorically..., However..., The writer employs..., In this way..., The (langauge technique)..., The writer's choice of language...creates the effect on the reader...

Quotes

6-8 words/phrases + 3 inferences (what do the words mean? why has the writer used them? what does the language suggest? are there any patterns? how does the writer want the reader to feel?)

Reading Verbs

suggests, demonstrates, implies, highlights, exemplifies, shows, conveys, portrays, indicates, presents, reflects, evokes, symbolises, describes, emphasises

Terminology

word, phrase, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, 6 senses, pronouns, adverb, atmosphere, onomatopoeia, simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, emotive words, pathetic fallacy, sarcasm, irony, juxtaposition, adjective, verb, repetition, contrasting language, imagery, triple, rule of 3, assonance, style, register, sibilance, rhetorical question, analogy, bias, motif, alliteration, tone, positive/negative

HOW IS THE TEXT STRUCTURED TO INTEREST YOU AS A READER? (10-12 minutes)

Structure

Overall, the writer structures the text to reveal... (+ developed point)

To exaggerate this...

This is reinforced....

• Select most significant features, use terminology and explain why it adds interest - engagement, excitement, learning, understanding from reader.

Terminology

beginning, opening, narrative perspective, point of view, voice, focus, paragraph, section, development, sequence, change/shift of focus, contrast, juxtaposition, links, connections, repetitions, echoes, time, tenses, setting, position/space, journey/movement, foreshadowing, motif, tension, dialogue, cinematic, climax, enigma, ending/conclusion/resolution

TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE... (20-22 minutes) - language/structure

Structure

Overall, the writer presents... 

3 POINTS -> the writer demonstrates.../ the writer shows.../ finally the writer explores...

Paragraph 1 (POINT 1): The writer establishes/demonstrates/illustrates... (x3)

- use stimulus points to form 3 points

• Choose evidence to support/challenge/provide alternative interpretations to the statement.
• Use language techniques and structure terminology with evidence.

DESCRIPTIVE (45 minutes)

PARAGRAPH 1 - Focus: one object/thing

PARAGRAPH 2 - Setting: bigger picture

PARAGRAPH 3 - Focus: what is it doing? where has it gone?

PARAGRAPH 4- 'Character': what is it doing? what does it look like?

PARAGRAPH 5 - Focus: movement

PARAGRAPH 6 - One line paragraph: e.g. the sun began to set

PARAGRAPH 7 - Focus: what is it doing now? end of journey?

• Use language techniques and structural devices.

NARRATIVE (45 minutes)

Section One: hook your reader in and set the scene - start to build suspense, excitement, mystery.

Section Two: a flashback/memory

Section Three: return to the moment/setting/scene from paragraph one and describe how you are feeling/what is happening, continue to build suspense.

Section Four: a problem occurs

Section Five: resolve your problem and leave your story on a cliffhanger.

• Use language technique and structural devices.