What is the difference between explicit and implicit information in Question 1?

Explicit information is stated directly and literally in the text (e.g., 'the sky was blue'). Implicit information is suggested or hinted at through subtext and requires the reader to make an inference (e.g., 'he reached for his umbrella' implies it might rain).

How does the strategy for Question 1 differ from the later analytical questions in Paper 1?

Question 1 is a 'search and find' task focused on retrieval and basic comprehension within a multiple-choice format. Later questions require extended writing, evaluation of language techniques, and structural analysis, which are not required here.

When should you use information from the very end of the source text for Question 1?

Only if those lines are specifically included in the line range mentioned in the question prompt. Usually, Question 1 focuses on the beginning of the text, and using information from outside the specified lines will result in an incorrect answer.

What is the consequence of ticking two boxes for a single sub-question?

You will receive zero marks for that sub-question, even if one of the boxes you ticked contains the correct answer. The examiner requires a single, definitive choice to demonstrate precise comprehension.

Why might a student choose a 'distractor' option that contains words actually found in the text?

Students often fall for distractors because they recognize the vocabulary from the passage but fail to notice that the option changes the meaning, context, or the person the action refers to. This tests the ability to read for meaning rather than just word-matching.

What happens if you find a factually true statement about the story that isn't in the specified lines?

It is considered an incorrect answer for Question 1. The marks are awarded specifically for demonstrating the ability to locate information within a restricted section of the text, not for general knowledge of the plot.

What does 'prose text' mean in the context of this exam?

Prose refers to ordinary written language (like novels or short stories) that follows a natural flow of speech and grammatical structure, rather than the rhythmic or rhyming structure of poetry.

What is a 'sub-question' in the context of Paper 1 Question 1?

It is one of the four individual parts of Question 1. Each sub-question focuses on a different detail within the specified lines and offers its own set of multiple-choice options.

Define the term 'line range' as used in the exam instructions.

The line range is the specific set of numbered lines (e.g., lines $5$ to $12$) that you are permitted to use to find your answers. Information outside these numbers must be ignored for that specific question.

Why is Question 1 often referred to as a 'settling' question?

It is designed to be relatively straightforward and low-stakes ($4$ marks) to help students build confidence and engage with the text before moving on to more difficult, high-mark analytical tasks.

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Paper 1: How to Answer Question 1

Summary

Question 1 of the AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 is a foundational comprehension task designed to test a student's ability to identify and interpret information within a specific section of a prose text. Starting in 2026, this question follows a multiple-choice format where students must distinguish between explicit facts and implicit meanings to select the single correct answer for four distinct sub-questions.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Search and Find Comprehension: This task requires students to locate specific details within a designated portion of the source text, which is always a 20th or 21st-century prose extract.
Explicit Information: These are facts stated directly in the text where the meaning is literal and requires no interpretation beyond basic reading.
Implicit Information: This refers to meanings that are suggested or hinted at rather than stated directly, requiring the reader to 'read between the lines' to understand the author's intent or the character's feelings.
Multiple-Choice Format: The question consists of four sub-questions, each worth $1$ mark, where students must select the correct option from a list of possibilities.

2. Underlying Principles

Textual Evidence Constraint: The most fundamental principle is the strict adherence to the specified line range; information found elsewhere in the text, even if factually true, is considered incorrect for that specific question.
Distractor Logic: Examiners design 'distractors' (wrong answer options) that may look plausible because they use words from the text but misrepresent the actual meaning or context.
Precision in Selection: The task assesses the ability to differentiate between nearly-correct information and the precise answer that matches the question's specific focus.

A flowchart showing the four-step process: Locate Lines, Scan Focus, Eliminate Distractors, and Final Choice.

3. Methods & Techniques

4. Key Distinctions

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions