How to Answer Questions 1 & 2 (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Revision Notes

The Facts

Worth: 1 mark

AO Tested: AO1 (Locate and identify information)

Suggested Time: 2 minutes

What will you need to do?

Locate a specific piece of information from the text, such as a word or phrase.

Top Tips:

• Read the question carefully to find exactly what detail the examiner is looking for.
• Use the line references to locate the correct part of the text quickly.
• Take the information directly from the text— don't rely on memory or paraphrasing for this!

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 walked alone through the forest, the last rays of sunlight flickering through the trees. The shadows stretched long across the ground, their shapes dark and shifting. The birds fell silent as if the forest itself held its breath, waiting. The air grew colder as night crept in, and her footsteps echoed in the eerie quiet."

Question 1:

From lines 1–3, identify a word or phrase which shows that the extract takes place at the end of the day.

(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark)

Example Answer:

"The last rays of sunlight flickering."

The Facts

Worth: 2 marks

AO Tested: AO1 (Locate and interpret information)

Suggested Time: 5 minutes

What will you need to do?

Find two pieces of information from the text. This could be directly stated or implied, and your answer can include quotes, paraphrasing, or both.

Top Tips:

• Provide exactly two pieces of information—this is a two-mark question, so be concise.
• Make sure your two points are distinct, not repeating the same idea.
• If there are line references, use them to locate the information faster.
• Take your answer directly from the text; avoid summarising from memory.

Here is an example question for you to practice

SECTION A: Reading

Read this extract.

"The old house creaked and groaned in the wind, its walls lined with peeling wallpaper and the scent of damp lingering in the air. Dust coated the shelves and furniture, untouched for years. Cobwebs draped from the ceiling, swaying gently as if the house itself were breathing, alive with the memories of those who had once walked its halls."

Question 2:

From lines 1–5, give two things the reader learns about the condition of the old house.

(Total for Question 2 = 2 marks)

Example Answer:

1. "The walls are lined with peeling wallpaper."
2. "Dust coated the shelves and furniture, untouched for years."