How to handle the reading section of Paper 1

If this is a reading test, why am I writing? Locate (Just find the information!) Infer (Read between the lines) Analyse (Identify techniques used by the writer and explain their effects upon the reader)

Timing ! Read the instructions on the front of the exam paper – carefully! Use the guidelines on timing to check how long you should spend on each question Write down the time at which you need to finish your reading section and move on to the writing section You can always go back if you have time at the end…

Read the rubric! Read the instructions at the beginning of section A (the rubric)

Maximise timing and marks Read through the questions, underlining any key words. Note how many marks are available for each question – 10 marks means you need to make 10 points Ensure you answer all parts of every question

Still maximising! Some questions ask you to find your answers in certain sections of the passage (e.g. ‘Look again at lines 1 – 25…) Rule off the sections to ensure you only focus on the correct section when you answer the question

Read the passage carefully At this stage, you may find it helpful to annotate the text in line with the key words in the question… Remember – it’s a reading test – so READ!

Questions which ask about changes If a question asks you about changes in thoughts and feelings, tension, mood or atmosphere, track through the correct section, annotating key words or events.

How does the writer… These are the difficult (higher order) questions. Identify techniques used by the writer and explain their effects upon the reader. Quote to support Don’t just spot techniques!

Narrative/descriptive techniques Five / six senses Imagery (similes, metaphors, personification) Range of sentence structures (e.g. short for impact) Contrasts (before/after; good/bad) Description of body language: show, don’t tell!

More narrative/descriptive techniques Setting the scene – time and place Suspense Speech, with tone of voice indications Creation and build up of atmosphere Powerful opening and ending Feelings, thoughts, emotions Characterization Structure Viewpoint Repetition Adjectives and adverbs

Stay focused on the question Keep going back to the question to check you are still answering it! Use the wording of the question in the opening sentence of your answer. Look at your own highlighting on the text – are you still covering it? Follow the bullet points if they are there: Aim to write 3 to 4 points per bullet point.

For questions which begin ‘How…’ Use ‘by…’ in your answer

For questions which begin ‘Why…’ Use ‘because…’ in your answer

Timing…again! Allow about ten minutes reading time and ten minutes per question If you run out of time before you finish Section A, leave a gap and MOVE ON to Section B Remember: the writing questions are worth 20 marks each – you can’t afford to miss one!