Understanding Question 1 of Paper 1

Quick reference overview

What Question 1 looks like

This question always appears at the start of Paper 1. You will be given a short extract (usually the first 8-10 lines of the source text) and asked four separate questions about explicit information contained within those lines. Each question offers three possible answers, and you must select the one correct answer.

The question appears in the following format:

Read again the first part of the source, from lines 1 to 9.

Answer all parts of this question.

Choose one answer for each question.

• Shade the circle in the box of the one that you think is correct.
• Choose a maximum of one answer for each question.
• If you make an error cross out the whole box.
• If you change your mind and require an answer that has been crossed out, then draw a circle around the box.

The rain lashed against the windows of the old cottage. Emily sat by the fire, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. She had arrived just before dusk, and the journey from the city had left her exhausted. Her grandmother's letter lay open on the table beside her, the words still echoing in her mind. Outside, the wind howled through the trees like a warning.

1.1 - Where is Emily sitting?

• By the fire
• At the table
• By the window

[1 mark]

1.2 - What has left Emily exhausted?

• The journey
• The weather
• Her grandmother's letter

[1 mark]

This pattern continues for two more questions (1 .3 and 1 .4), each worth 1 mark.

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 text.
• Interpret explicit and implicit ideas, understanding what the text directly states and what it suggests.

The key skill here is accurate retrieval of information from a short section of text.

The difference between explicit and implicit information

Most of the answers in Question 1 will be explicit, but occasionally you may need to make a straightforward inference based on what is clearly suggested.

How to approach Question 1

You should spend approximately 5 minutes on this question. Follow these steps to answer efficiently and accurately.

Step-by-step approach

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

• Locate the line numbers given in the question.
• Read these lines slowly and carefully at least twice.
• As you read, pay attention to key information: who, what, when, where, why.

Step 2: Read each question and all three options (1 minute)

• Read the question carefully to understand exactly what information you need to find.
• Read all three possible answers before making your choice.
• Do not rush to select the first answer that seems correct.

Step 3: Eliminate incorrect answers (1 minute)

• Check each option against the text.
• Cross out options that are clearly wrong or not mentioned in the specified lines.
• Be careful of distractors, options that seem plausible but are not supported by the text.

Step 4: Select your answer and move on (1 minute)

• Choose the option that is most clearly supported by the text.
• Shade the circle completely.
• Do not spend too long on any single question. If unsure, make your best choice and return to it if time permits at the end.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Worked example

Extract and question

The old lighthouse stood isolated on the rocky outcrop. Its paint had faded to a dull grey under years of salt spray. Thomas had lived there alone for twelve years, and he had no intention of leaving. The mainland was a distant memory, one he preferred to keep that way. His supplies arrived by boat once a month, and that was enough contact with the outside world.

A letter from his sister sat unopened on the kitchen table. He knew what it contained without reading it, another plea for him to visit. The very idea made his stomach tighten with dread.

Read again the first part of the source, from lines 1 to 9.

Answer all parts of this question.

1.1 - How long has Thomas lived at the lighthouse?

• Twelve years
• Ten years
• Twenty years

[1 mark]

1.2 - What arrives by boat once a month?

• His supplies
• His sister
• A letter

[1 mark]

1.3 - What is on the kitchen table?

• An unopened letter
• His supplies
• A photograph

[1 mark]

1.4 - How does Thomas feel about visiting the mainland?

• Dread
• Excitement
• Curiosity

[1 mark]

Selecting the correct answers

Question 1.1: How long has Thomas lived at the lighthouse?

• The text states: "Thomas had lived there alone for twelve years."
• Correct answer: Twelve years

Question 1.2: What arrives by boat once a month?

• The text states: "His supplies arrived by boat once a month."
• Correct answer: His supplies

Question 1.3: What is on the kitchen table?

• The text states: "A letter from his sister sat unopened on the kitchen table."
• Correct answer: An unopened letter

Question 1.4: How does Thomas feel about visiting the mainland?

• The text states: "The very idea made his stomach tighten with dread."
• Correct answer: Dread