Questions 1 & 2 (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Revision Notes
How to Answer Questions 1 & 2
Section A - Question 1:
The Facts
Worth: 1 mark
AO Tested: AO1 (See previous page for more info)
Suggested Time: 2 minutes
What will you need to do?
Locate a specific piece of information from the text e.g. a word or phrase.
Top Tips:
- Read the question very carefully – the examiner is looking for precise detail.
- Use the line references to get to the correct section of text quickly.
- Make sure you take your information directly from the text – don't attempt to answer from memory!
Here is an example question for you to practice
SECTION A: Reading Read the text in the Reading Text Insert provided and answer ALL questions.
She did not remove her gaze from the darkening country side, but for some moments was quite silent; then turning to him, with a sudden passion in her manner, that lighted up her face with a new and wonderful beauty which the baronet perceived even in the growing twilight, she fell on her knees at his feet.
- From lines 1–4, identify a word or phrase which shows that the extract takes place as the sun is setting. (Total for Question 1 = 1 mark)
Section A - Question 2:
The Facts
Worth: 2 marks
AO Tested: AO1
Suggested Time: 5 minutes
What will you need to do?
Find two pieces of information in the text. There may be more than two available, and the information may be directly as a fact or implied with a suggestion or hint. You can use specific quotations from the text, your own words, or both.
Top Tips:
- Only give two pieces of information – this is a two-mark question, so don't spend a long time on it.
- Ensure that your two points are different – don't say the same thing in different ways!
- Read carefully for implied meaning.
- Use the line references to get to the appropriate piece of text quickly.
- Make sure you take your information from the text – don't attempt to answer from memory!
Here is an example question for you to practice
SECTION A: Reading
- Read this extract.
Remember what my life has been; only remember that! From my very babyhood I have never seen anything but poverty. My father was a gentleman: clever, accomplished, handsome—but poor—and what a pitiful wretch poverty made of him! My mother—But do not let me speak of her. Poverty—poverty, trials, vexations, humiliations, deprivations.
- Give two things that the reader learns about Lucy's early life. (Total for Question 2 = 2 marks)