This document provides an overview of the format and structure of a GCSE English Language Paper 1 exam. It includes: - A reading section with 4 comprehension questions about a fiction passage, testing identification of explicit details, language analysis, structure analysis, and a critical response. - A writing section with 2 potential essay prompts, testing content, organization, vocabulary, sentence structure, and technical accuracy. - Guidance is given for each question, including timing, skills tested, and techniques for answering successfully like highlighting examples and commenting on language effects. Close attention to language features and how they impact the reader is emphasized.

1. GCSE English
Language Paper 1
Walking/Talking Mock Exam

2. Section A:
Reading

3. READ THE INSERT
You will read ONE extract from a 20th
or 21st
century piece of
FICTION.
Read the text through once so that you have a clear
understanding of what it’s about.
5 minutes

4. QUESTION 1: The information retrieval question
Technique:
Re-read the part of the text the question directs you to
Highlight key pieces of information related to the question
(about the boy)
Identify and write down FOUR pieces of explicit information
related to the question
Write your four points clearly
Skill(s) tested:
Identify explicit information and ideas in texts
5 minutes

5. Skill(s) tested:
Comment on the use of language and
sentence structures and their effect on the
reader
Select relevant quotations to support your
ideas
QUESTION 2: The language analysis question

6. Technique:
Re-read the part of the text the question directs you to
Highlight examples of interesting vocabulary, writer’s
devices and sentence forms
Identify specific words/language techniques/sentence
structures (including quotations)
Comment on their impact / effect on the reader
The writer uses a metaphor to describe the excitement of the journey.
He calls the train “a blaze of gold across the desert”, suggesting that
the train is fast (“blaze”) and that the journey they are taking is
worthwhile: ‘gold’ has connotations of wealth and power. This makes
the reader feel excited about the journey and hopeful that it succeeds,
since it seems to be doing good. The use of the one word sentence,
“Onward”, also implies the journey is a positive one. The word
“Onward” is an imperative and the sense of command is emphasised
by the dramatic impact of the one-word sentence.
12 minutes

7. Skill(s) tested:
Comment on the use of structure and its
effect on the reader
Refer to the text to support your ideas
QUESTION 3: The structure analysis question

8. Technique (1):
Re-read the extract
Highlight examples of structural techniques as you read,
using the bullet points to guide what you highlight:
 what the writer focuses your attention on at the
beginning
 how and why the writer changes this focus as the
Source develops
 any other structural features that interest you
12 minutes

9. QUESTION 4: The critical response question
Skill(s) tested:
Evaluate what another person thinks about the text – and if you agree
or not
Comment on the techniques the writer uses and how they affect the
reader
Select relevant quotations to support your ideas

10. Technique:
Re-read the part of the text the question directs you to
Highlight any parts that agree/disagree with the statement
in the question
State your opinion either for or against the statement
Identify specific words/language techniques (including
quotations)
Comment on their impact / effect on the reader
This part of the extract definitely creates a sense of fun and excitement
for the reader by the hyperbolic way the writer describes the things
they will see at the fair. The simile, ‘toffee apples like sentries standing
to attention’ makes them appear like they’re on parade, waiting for
the children’s arrival. Likewise, the use of personification to describe
the merry-go-round ‘laughing happily’ implies that the fair is a happy
place and the attractions are joining in with the fun.
26 minutes

11. Section B:
Writing

13. Skill(s) tested:
Content and Organisation (24 marks)
 Write in a powerful, interesting way
 Use powerful, effective vocabulary and
language techniques
 Use paragraphs to structure your work
Technical accuracy (16 marks)
 Use a variety of sentence structures
 Spell accurately, including ambitious
words

14. FLAP: Form, Language, Audience, Purpose – HIGHLIGHT these in the
question
Brainstorm/Plan:
45 minutes
Variety of: Vocabulary Paragraphs
Sentence Structures Punctuation
Choose ONE question from the two options