Paper 1: Section A Overview

Paper 1: Section A of the GCSE AQA English Language exam focuses on reading comprehension and analysis of a literary fiction text. This section assesses your ability to understand and interpret a given text, as well as your skills in analysing the writer's use of language, structure, and form.

You will be provided with an extract from a novel or short story, and you will need to answer a series of questions related to the text. These questions may require you to:

• Identify and interpret key themes and ideas
• Analyse the writer's use of language and its effects on the reader
• Examine the structure of the text and how it contributes to its meaning
• Explore characters, settings, and events within the extract

It is essential to read the text carefully and provide detailed, well-supported answers to each question. Demonstrating your understanding of the text and your ability to engage critically with the material will be crucial for success in this section.

SECTION A: READING – Assessment Objectives

AO1	• Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. • Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.
AO2	• Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views.
AO3	• Compare writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts.
AO4	• Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.