English Language GCSE Exam Section A

English Language - Section A: Understanding non-fiction texts

Question 1:

• Explain what you learn/understand from Source 1
• Refers to source 1 only, tests ability to retrieve information and ideas
• Suggested time of 15 minutes (8 marks)

• Read the text carefully and highlight whilst reading
• In question 1 you need to 'infer' and 'read between the lines' 
• Remember to use discourse markers
• Don't copy big chunks from the text use your own words
• Don't comment on language (do that in question 4)
• Explain in detail each quote you use, how do they supprt the issues raised in the article?

Use the format: P-Q-I (point, quote to support, interpretation)

Band 4 criteria:

• Offers evidence that the text is fully understood
• Shows a detailed enagagement with the text
• Makes perceptive connections and comments about the issues raised in the text
• Offers appropriate quotations or references to support understanding

Question 2:

• Comment on the effectiveness of the headline, sub-headline & picture & link them to the text 
• Refer to source 2 only, tests ability to understand and interpret presentational features such as the headline, sub-headline, pictures, and captions 
• Suggested time of 15 minutes (8 marks)

• Ensure your comments are specific to source 2, not a general comment about the headline or image such as it's 'eye-catching' or 'it stands out'
• Look closely at the detail in the pictures and images
• Comment on the meanings and effects of words
• Think about the colours used
• Always link comments about the presentational…