Understanding Question 1 of Paper 2

Quick reference overview

What Question 1 looks like

This question appears at the start of Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives. It tests your ability to retrieve accurate information from two non-fiction texts, Source A and Source B. You will be asked to select four true statements from a list of options, based on specific sections of the texts as indicated in the question.

Example of how the question appears on the exam paper:

Read again the specified sections of Source A and Source B as indicated below.

• Source A: Lines 1 to 10
• Source B: Lines 1 to 12

Choose four statements below which are TRUE.

• Shade the circles in the boxes of the ones that you think are true.

• Choose a maximum of four statements.

• If you make an error, cross out the whole box.

• If you change your mind and require a statement that has been crossed out, then draw a circle around the box.

• A. Source A describes the city as noisy and overcrowded.

• B. Source B mentions a peaceful countryside setting.

• C. Source A suggests the writer feels trapped in the urban environment.

• D. Source B states that rural life is more expensive than urban life.

• E. Source A highlights the benefits of public transport.

• F. Source B describes the challenges of farming.

• G. Source A mentions air pollution as a major concern.

• H. Source B suggests that rural areas lack modern amenities.

[4 marks]

Key things to understand about this question

• Specified sections only - You must focus on the exact lines or sections mentioned in the question. Information from outside these lines will not be relevant for your answer.
• Multiple-choice format - You need to select four true statements from a list (usually of eight options). Only four will be correct, so read each option carefully.
• Equal weighting - Each correct statement is worth 1 mark, making a total of 4 marks for this question.
• Two sources - The statements will relate to both Source A and Source B, so you must check details from both texts.
• Explicit focus - Most statements will test explicit information (directly stated), though some may require simple inference.

What is being assessed?

Assessment Objective 1 (AO1)

This question tests your ability to:

• Identify explicit information – facts, details, and statements that are clearly present in the texts.
• Interpret explicit and implicit ideas – understanding what the texts directly state and, occasionally, what they suggest through straightforward inference.

The primary skill here is accurate retrieval of information from specific sections of two texts. You need to match the statements to the content of the sources precisely.

The difference between explicit and implicit information

Most answers in Question 1 will be based on explicit information, but occasionally a statement may require you to make a basic inference based on clear suggestions in the text.

How to approach Question 1

You should spend approximately 5 minutes on this question to ensure you have enough time for the higher-mark questions later in the paper.

Step-by-step approach

Follow these four steps to ensure you answer Question 1 accurately and efficiently.

Step 1: Read the specified sections carefully (2 minutes)

• Locate the line numbers or sections given for Source A and Source B in the question.
• Read these sections slowly at least twice to familiarise yourself with the key details.
• Pay attention to specific information: who, what, when, where, and why.

Step 2: Read each statement in the list (1 minute)

• Go through all the statements (usually labelled A to H) before making any selections.
• Note which source each statement refers to (Source A or Source B) as indicated.
• Do not rush to select the first statement that seems correct; read all options thoroughly.

Step 3: Match statements to the texts and eliminate incorrect ones (1 minute)

• Check each statement against the specified sections of the relevant source.
• Cross out options that are clearly wrong, not mentioned, or contradict the text.
• Be cautious of distractors – statements that seem plausible but are not supported by the specified lines.

Step 4: Select your four true statements and finalise (1 minute)

• Choose the four statements that are clearly supported by the texts.
• Shade the circles completely next to your chosen statements.
• If unsure about one, make your best choice and move on – do not spend too long on this question as it is worth only 4 marks out of 80.

The mark scheme explained

The mark scheme for Question 1 is straightforward as it is a multiple-choice question with objective answers.

Key points for scoring

• There is no partial credit for a statement – it is either true or false based on the text.
• Selecting more or fewer than four statements will invalidate your answer, resulting in 0 marks.
• Accuracy is critical; double-check your selections against the specified lines to avoid mistakes.
• This question rewards careful reading over speed, but do not overthink simple inferences.