1. How to handle the reading section of Paper 1

2. 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)

3. 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…

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. 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!

10. 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!

11. 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

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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!