AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 3

AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 3: Detailed GCSE Grade 9 Revision

Summary of Mrs Wear’s “Deep Dive into AQA Paper 1 Question 3”

Mrs Wear gives a full breakdown of how to succeed on Question 3 (the structure question) of AQA English Language Paper 1.

The Question

Always worded the same: “How has the writer structured the text to interest you as a reader?”

Often gives an extract from the beginning of a story, but sometimes the middle or end.

“Interest” really means effect — what the order of information makes the reader think or feel.

Students must focus on structure (order, focus, shifts), not language.

Timing & Marks

Worth 8 marks → spend about 10 minutes.

Cover at least two sections of the extract (beginning + middle, or middle + end).

Mark Scheme

Level 1: simple, obvious plot comments.

Level 2: some understanding, but often vague, generic, or inaccurate.

Level 3 (clear/relevant): specific, correct, clear use of examples and terminology.

Level 4 (perceptive/detailed): insightful analysis, noticing patterns/development, linking ideas across the text.

Common Mistakes

Writing language analysis instead of structure (earns no marks).

Being generic (“it makes the reader want to read on”).

Not naming characters or being too vague.

What Examiners Look For

Identification of structural techniques:

Narrative viewpoint (first/third person, internal/external).

Writer’s focus (character, setting, macro → micro).

Other devices: flashbacks, shifts in time/place, contrasts, juxtaposition.

Comments that link what the writer does to the effect on the reader.

High-level answers (“perceptive”) show how techniques combine and develop ideas across the text.

Practice Example (Rosabel, June 2017 paper)

Beginning: foregrounds Rosabel’s poverty and idealism vs grim reality.

Middle: flashback reveals her hard work, admiration for beauty, and contrasts with wealthier customers.

End: builds anger and class tension, showing contrast/foil between Rosabel and a rich girl, echoing the opening.

Model Answer Tips

Each paragraph should clearly state:

What the writer does (structural choice).

What it tells the reader (effect).

Use specific evidence to exemplify.

Add perceptive comments by linking beginning, middle, and end (showing development).

Two strong paragraphs (e.g. beginning + middle, or middle + end) are enough for full marks.

Final Advice

Practise under timed conditions (15 minutes reading/planning, 10 minutes writing).

Focus on writer’s focus and narrative viewpoint as the most reliable techniques.

Aim for clear, specific analysis, then push into perceptive territory by linking techniques and ideas across the extract.

Timestamp
0:00 what is the question asking you to do?
4:48 The mark scheme - how do I get into the top levels?
15:20 Walkthrough of a past paper question - how to come up with your answer
32:30 AQA's model answer - how do they say you should write the answer?
35:40 Talking through a full mark model answer