Author
Deb OrrockExpertise
English
Each question in Paper 2 Section A (reading) is worth a different number of marks, and you are being tested on specific skills for each. However, your approach to each question should be the same; the only difference is how you write each answer.
This page will provide you with the information you need to answer Paper 2 Question 1 to a high standard.
This page includes:
Paper 2 Question 1 is a quick “search and find” question. It is also known as the “true or false” question. You are being tested on your ability to read carefully. Remember, you are given two source texts in Paper 2, but Question 1 will always ask you about certain lines from Source A. You will be given 8 statements, labelled A-H, but only four of them will be true according to the lines in the Source document. You have to choose which four are true. It is very important that you only take your answers from the lines you are given in the question:
| Question | Marks |
Suggested Timing |
Text | AO |
| 1 | 4 | 5 minutes | Given lines of Source A (20th century non-fiction) | AO1(1): Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas |
Shade the circles in the boxes of the statements you think are true, and only choose a maximum of four statements.
Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering this question effectively:
This question is intended to provide a gateway into the exam, easing you into writing longer answers by assessing your understanding of both explicit and implicit ideas within a text, without the need for writing a response. The statements are not intended to catch you out, but you do need to take your time, read the statements carefully and remember that the statements are ordered chronologically to match the text.
Do not select more than four statements as true, as this will automatically reduce your mark. Also make sure you follow the instructions and shade the circles correctly, as if you tick, write on or scribble over the boxes, you will not be awarded a mark.
to absolutely everything:
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Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She now manages a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.