Understanding Question 5 of Paper 1

Quick reference overview

What Question 5 looks like

This question appears at the end of Paper 1 and is the highest-weighted question on the paper. It tests your ability to write creatively, either by describing a scene or writing a story. You will be given a choice of two prompts: one for descriptive writing and one for narrative writing.

Examples of how the question appears on the exam paper:

Descriptive writing prompt:

Write a description suggested by this picture: [image provided, e.g., a stormy beach scene]

You could use your imagination to describe what you can see or you could use the picture to suggest ideas for your description.

[24 marks for content and organisation, 16 marks for technical accuracy]

Narrative writing prompt:

Write the opening part of a story about [scenario, e.g., a mysterious discovery in an old house].

OR

Write a story with the title '[Title, e.g., The Forgotten Key]'.

[24 marks for content and organisation, 16 marks for technical accuracy]

Key things to understand about this question

• You must choose one of the two prompts provided (descriptive or narrative).
• Both options are worth the same number of marks, so pick the one that suits your strengths.
• For descriptive writing, the reminder about using imagination encourages you to go beyond just what's in the picture and create a vivid, original piece.
• For narrative writing, you can write just the opening of a story rather than a complete tale, allowing you to focus on setting the scene and building tension or interest.
• This is your chance to show flair and creativity while maintaining control over language and structure.

What is being assessed?

Assessment Objective 5 (AO5): Content and organisation

This tests your ability to:

• Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively, adapting tone, style, and register to purpose, form, and audience.
• Organise your writing with structural features (paragraphs, openings, closings) for impact and coherence.

Assessment Objective 6 (AO6): Technical accuracy

This tests your ability to:

• Use a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose, and effect.
• Maintain accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar throughout.

Descriptive vs narrative writing

Both types require imagination, but descriptive writing zooms in on a single moment or image, while narrative writing develops a sequence of events.

Choosing your prompt

Selecting the right prompt is crucial to producing your best writing.

• Your strengths - Are you better at creating vivid images (description) or crafting a storyline (narrative)?
• The prompt content - Does the picture or story idea inspire you? Can you visualise details or events easily?
• Time to plan - Both require planning, but narratives might need more structure for events, while descriptions need rich detail.
• Avoid overthinking - Go with your gut instinct; the first prompt that excites you is often the best choice.

How to approach Question 5

You should spend around 45 minutes on this question, including planning and writing. Follow these steps to ensure you use your time effectively and produce a strong response.

Step-by-step approach

Step 1: Read and choose your prompt (2 minutes)

• Read both prompts carefully.
• Look at the picture (for description) or think about the scenario/title (for narrative).
• Quickly decide which one sparks ideas or feels more comfortable to write about.

Step 2: Plan your response (5-7 minutes)

• Spend a few minutes planning before you start writing.
• Use a planning method that works for you (see planning methods below).
• Focus on key ideas, atmosphere, or events you want to include.
• Jot down powerful vocabulary or phrases you might use.

Step 3: Write your response (30-35 minutes)

• Follow your plan to create a structured piece of writing.
• Aim for 1.5-2 sides of A4 (around 400-500 words) to show depth and detail.
• Use paragraphs to organise your ideas clearly.
• Include varied vocabulary, figurative language (if appropriate), and different sentence lengths for effect.

Step 4: Check your work (3-5 minutes)

• Read through your writing to spot spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
• Ensure your paragraphs are clear and logical.
• Check that your tone and style match the purpose (e.g., atmospheric for description, engaging for narrative).

Time management breakdown

Planning methods

Planning helps you organise your thoughts and ensures your writing has direction and impact.

Spider diagrams

• How it works - Write the prompt or central idea in the middle of a circle. Branch out with related ideas, images, or emotions around it.
• Best for - Descriptive writing, as it helps generate sensory details and imagery.
• Example focus - For a stormy beach picture, branches might include "crashing waves", "howling wind", "salty spray", and "dark, looming clouds".

Linear plans

• How it works - List your ideas in order, from start to finish, as a sequence of paragraphs or events.
• Best for - Narrative writing, as it helps map out the progression of a story opening.
• Example focus - For a story about a mysterious discovery, list: 1) Setting the scene (old house), 2) Finding the object (hidden door), 3) Reaction (fear/excitement), 4) Cliffhanger (what's behind it?).

Sensory grids

• How it works - Create a table with columns for each sense (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste). Fill in specific details for your scene.
• Best for - Descriptive writing, to ensure you cover a range of sensory imagery.
• Example focus - For a forest at night, note: Sight - "inky shadows", Sound - "rustling leaves", Smell - "damp earth", Touch - "chill breeze", Taste - "bitter air".

Worked planning examples

Descriptive writing: Spider diagram for a stormy beach

Central idea: Stormy beach scene

• Visuals - towering waves, bruised sky, scattered debris
• Sounds - thunderous crashes, shrieking gulls, roaring wind
• Feelings - isolation, danger, awe
• Textures - rough sand, stinging rain, slippery rocks

This plan helps create a multi-sensory description, ensuring a vivid and engaging response.

Narrative writing: Linear plan for a mysterious discovery

Prompt: Opening of a story about a mysterious discovery in an old house

1. Setting - Describe the creaky, dusty old house; character enters nervously.
2. Build-up - Character hears strange noises, notices odd details (cobwebs, faded portraits).
3. Discovery - Finds a hidden trapdoor under a rug; heart races.
4. Cliffhanger - Lifts the trapdoor, sees a faint glow below; ends with uncertainty.

This plan ensures a clear progression and builds tension for the reader.

Descriptive writing: Sensory grid for a forest at night

This grid ensures a balanced description that appeals to multiple senses, enhancing the atmosphere.

The mark scheme levels explained

The mark scheme for Question 5 is divided into levels for both Assessment Objectives (AO5 and AO6). Understanding these levels helps you aim for the highest marks possible.

AO5: Content and organisation (24 marks)

AO6: Technical accuracy (16 marks)

Key differences between levels

• AO5: Higher levels show greater control over tone and structure, with more imaginative and ambitious ideas. Level 4 responses are compelling and sophisticated, while Level 1 responses lack depth and purpose.
• AO6: Higher levels demonstrate precision and variety in language and punctuation. Level 4 responses use complex structures confidently, while Level 1 responses show frequent errors and limited range.