Reading questions: an overview (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Revision Notes
Reading questions: an overview
Understanding the GCSE English reading sections
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of your GCSE English Language exam include a reading section called Section A. While both papers test your reading skills, they focus on completely different types of texts, so it's important to understand what you'll encounter in each one.
Understanding the difference between these two papers is crucial for exam success. Paper 1 takes you back in time to the 19th century, while Paper 2 focuses on modern, contemporary writing that feels more familiar.
The reading sections are designed to test your ability to understand, analyse, and evaluate different types of writing. You'll need to show that you can identify the writer's techniques, understand their purpose, and explain how they achieve their effects on readers.
Paper 1: Reading non-fiction texts
What you'll read
Paper 1 focuses on non-fiction texts from the 19th century (written between 1800 and 1900). Don't worry if the language seems a bit old-fashioned - you'll still be able to understand the main ideas and identify the key techniques writers use.
Don't be intimidated by older language! The examiners choose texts that are still accessible to modern readers. Focus on the writer's purpose and techniques rather than worrying about unfamiliar vocabulary.
The texts you might encounter include:
- Newspaper and magazine articles
- Reviews and critiques
- Instructional texts and guides
- Speeches and presentations
- Personal journals and diary extracts
- Reference book excerpts
Understanding functional texts
Many of the texts in Paper 1 are functional texts. These are pieces of writing that serve a specific practical purpose. They might teach you how to do something, give advice, invite you to take action, or explain what happened during a particular event or situation.
What is a Functional Text?
A functional text communicates specific information such as how to do something, offer advice, invite someone to do something, or explain what happened in a specific situation.
Victorian Example: You might read a 19th-century guide explaining proper etiquette at formal dinners, or a newspaper article reporting on the opening of a new railway line.
Key focus for Paper 1
Even though these texts are from over 100 years ago, you'll approach them the same way you would any non-fiction text. Look for:
- The writer's main purpose and intended audience
- How they structure their argument or information
- The language techniques they use to inform, persuade, or entertain
- The overall tone and attitude of the piece
Paper 2: Reading contemporary texts
What you'll read
Paper 2 takes a completely different approach, focusing on texts from the 20th and 21st centuries - basically, modern writing that feels more familiar to you as a contemporary reader.
Contemporary simply means "existing, occurring or living in the present." These texts use modern language and deal with themes and issues that are still relevant today.
You'll encounter two texts in this section:
- One piece of fiction (like extracts from novels or short stories)
- One piece of literary non-fiction (such as autobiographies, biographies, memoirs, travel writing, or speeches)
Understanding contemporary writing
The fiction texts might come from various genres including:
- Crime and detective stories
- Horror and thriller writing
- Science fiction
- Romance
- Satirical writing
Fiction vs Literary Non-fiction
Fiction Text: An extract from a modern crime novel showing how the detective discovers a crucial clue, focusing on character development and atmosphere.
Literary Non-fiction Text: A memoir extract where the author reflects on a significant childhood memory, exploring themes of family and identity.
Key focus for Paper 2
When reading contemporary texts, pay special attention to:
- How writers develop themes throughout their work
- The techniques they use to create specific characters
- How they build atmosphere and mood
- The relationship between the writer and their subject matter
Preparing for success
Building your non-fiction reading skills
To excel in Paper 1, make reading non-fiction a daily habit. Pick up newspapers, browse reputable websites, or read blog posts on topics that interest you. As you read, ask yourself:
- What is the writer trying to achieve with this piece?
- Who is their target audience?
- How effective are their techniques at informing, arguing, or persuading?
- What is the overall tone, and how does the writer create it?
Daily Reading is Essential: Even 15-20 minutes of non-fiction reading per day will significantly improve your analysis skills and familiarity with different writing techniques.
Pay particular attention to transactional writing - this includes formats like letters, formal emails, speeches, reviews, blogs, articles, and reports. Understanding how these different formats work will help you recognise similar techniques in your exam texts.
Transactional Writing includes a range of formats, such as letters, formal emails, speeches, reviews, blogs, articles or reports. These texts often have a clear purpose and specific audience in mind.
Developing your contemporary reading skills
For Paper 2, broaden your reading to include both fiction and literary non-fiction from recent decades. This exposure will help you become familiar with different literary genres and contemporary themes.
As you read, focus on:
- Identifying the central themes and how they develop
- Understanding how writers create and develop characters
- Recognising how atmosphere and mood are established
- Considering why the writer made specific choices about structure, language, and style
Key Points to Remember:
- Paper 1 focuses on 19th-century non-fiction texts that serve practical purposes
- Paper 2 examines contemporary fiction and literary non-fiction from the modern era
- Both papers test your ability to analyse writer's techniques and understand their effects
- Regular reading of different text types will improve your skills and confidence
- Always consider the writer's purpose, audience, and the techniques they use to achieve their goals