Grade 9 Revision of Paper 1 Question 4

Summary of Mrs Wear’s “Last-Minute Revision for AQA Paper 1 Question 4”

Mrs Wear explains how to approach Question 4 on AQA English Language Paper 1 — the big evaluation question worth 20 marks (the same as Questions 1, 2, and 3 combined). It’s crucial to get right.

The Question Format

You’re given a specific line range (usually mid-to-end of the text).

A student statement is provided, usually about a feeling (e.g. “the character feels scared” or “this creates tension for the reader”).

The question always asks: “To what extent do you agree?” and gives bullet points reminding you to:

Give your opinion.

Evaluate the writer’s methods.

Support with quotes.

Approach

Never completely disagree — the student’s statement is always valid. You can either fully agree or partially agree while adding your own interpretation. Both can achieve full marks.

The mark scheme (Levels 1–4) mirrors Q2 and Q3 but focuses on evaluation instead of analysis. However, analysis is still the key to high marks — by analysing methods, you also prove the student’s point and therefore evaluate.

Key Skills

Evaluation = judging which techniques are the most significant or effective in supporting the student’s idea.

Use evaluative language: essential, significant, important, effective, arguably. These show you’re making judgments.

Analysis is everything: detailed, perceptive analysis of language and structure is what secures Level 4. Quote choice matters hugely, as poor quotes make good analysis impossible.

Practical Tips

Aim to write around four paragraphs (about 20–25 minutes). That might mean two paragraphs on each part of the statement, or a detailed series of points all reinforcing one part if time is tight.

Analyse both language and structure where possible for depth.

Keep using the keywords from the student’s statement throughout to show clear focus.

Practice Example
Using an extract from Kate Tempest’s The Bricks That Built the Houses, Mrs Wear models how to:

Highlight key parts of the student’s statement (e.g. “builds tension” / “makes the reader wonder what happened”).

Identify language (pathetic fallacy, imagery, metaphors, repetition, present tense) and structure (narrative viewpoint, shifts between characters, pace, sentence patterns).

Show how these create tension and uncertainty, proving the student’s claim.

Write paragraphs that use evaluative words and multiple interpretations of techniques, pushing the analysis into Level 4 territory.

Final Reminder
Q4 is all about convincing the examiner. Whether you fully agree or partially agree, your answer must be detailed, insightful, and evaluative. Practise writing full answers and keep your focus locked on the student statement.