AQA English Language Paper 1

English Language - Paper 1

Prose Fiction

• The main types of fiction are: prose, poetry and drama
• They have a creative element, and tend to use literary devices, there are different genres
• Science fiction is a type of prose fiction which relies on the writers imagination
• Some prose fiction is based on real events - historical fiction, uses historical research and their imagination to bring the story to life
• Most prose fiction is in the form of a novel, novella or a short story
• Prose texts are usually defined by length:

   Short Stories

• Tell a complete story in a few thousand words
• Limited number of characters
• Sometimes more about conveying an atmosphere than plot
• Often leave unanswered questions

   Novellas

• Mid-way length 
• Usually have one plot-line
• Not always divided into chapters

  Novels

• Relatively modern form of literature
• Often have multiple plot lines which support or contrast each other
• Usually have several characters and their stories
• Often divided into chapters
• Normally tie up loose ends by the end of the book

Setting

• May be:

• Past/Present/Future
• A time of day
• A particular time of year
• A specific geographical location
• A type of place or event

• Important part of how a text achieves its effect, can echo the themes of narrative
• Time of day/year can also add effect
• May use specific techniques to create an effect (eg pathetic fallacy)
• Historical context is important in understanding the setting of fiction
• The writer has choses a particular historical point for a reason, the reader may make certain judgements or assumptions about the setting
• Setting can be used to establish an atmosphere or a feeling 

Identifying Themes and Ideas

• Common themes in fiction include:

loss, conflict, power, love, money, death, appearance and reality, heroism, technology in society, friendship

• It helps to look closely at language choices to work out themes
• You can make links between themes to the characters, setting and language
• Look at contrasting themes - eg love and conflict

Characterisation

• The way writers create characters and make them believable, remember the author is creating characters using language 
• A character can be shown through the things they do, say, what they look like and what they own
• It’s important to think about how they change and interact with each other, it could suggest some important themes or ideas
• The writer may use language to make the reader respond in a certain way
• Look for contrasts or contradictions - between characters and within each character:

Typical contrasts between characters

• Characters who think vs characters who feel
• Characters who talk vs characters who act
• Sociable characters vs solitary characters
• Predators who take advantage of people vs characters who are victims
• Characters who want one thing vs those who want another

Typical contrasts within a character

• A person who says one thing and does another
• A character who sacrifices something important to pursue a goal of their own
• A character who wants two opposing things

• Examine the language techniques used by the writer to create the…