Understanding Question 1 of Paper 1

This section provides an overview of what Question 1 involves and how it's structured.

Quick reference overview

What Question 1 looks like

This question is the first on Paper 1 and tests your ability to retrieve specific information from the opening section of a source text. You will be presented with a list of statements about this section, and you must choose which four are true. The question format reflects the updates for exams from 2026 onwards, focusing on a multiple-choice style rather than listing points.

The question appears in the following format:

Read again the first part of the source, from lines 1 to 10.

Choose four statements below which are TRUE.

• Shade the circles next to the four true statements.
• If you make an error, cross out the whole box.
• If you change your mind, draw a circle around the box to reinstate your answer.

The village lay silent under the weight of dawn. Clara had risen early, her boots crunching on the frost as she made her way to the well. It had been a harsh winter, and the water was often frozen solid by morning. She carried a small hammer in her coat pocket, a tool she'd grown used to wielding. Her breath clouded in the icy air, and she glanced back at the dim outline of her cottage, wondering if her brother was awake yet.

Example statements:

• A. Clara woke up late in the morning.
• B. Clara walked to the well.
• C. The winter had been mild.
• D. Clara carried a hammer.
• E. Clara lived alone in the cottage.
• F. Clara's breath was visible in the cold air.
• G. The village was noisy at dawn.
• H. Clara's brother lived with her.

[4 marks]

What is being assessed?

Assessment Objective 1 (AO1)

This question tests your ability to:

• Identify explicit information, such as facts and details directly stated in the text.
• Interpret simple implicit ideas, understanding what the text suggests beyond its surface meaning.

The primary skill here is accurate retrieval of information from a specific section of the source text, ensuring you focus only on the lines mentioned in the question.

Explicit vs implicit information

Most statements in Question 1 will relate to explicit information, but some may require a straightforward inference to confirm their truth.

How to approach Question 1

You should spend around 5 minutes on this question. Following a structured approach will help you select the correct statements efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

Step-by-step approach

Follow these four steps to work through the question systematically.

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

• Locate the line numbers or section mentioned in the question.
• Read this part of the text at least twice to ensure you understand the details.
• Pay attention to key facts: who is involved, what is happening, when and where it occurs, and any specific descriptions.

Step 2: Read all statements before selecting (1 minute)

• Go through the entire list of statements to get an overview of the options.
• Avoid rushing to choose the first statement that seems correct; some may be distractors (plausible but incorrect).

Step 3: Match statements to the text and eliminate false ones (1 minute)

• Check each statement against the specified section of the text.
• Eliminate any statements that are clearly false or not supported by the text.
• Be cautious of statements that might seem true based on general knowledge but are not mentioned in the given lines.

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

• Choose the four statements that are directly supported by the text.
• Shade the circles next to your chosen statements carefully.
• If unsure about a statement, make your best choice and move on; do not spend too long on this low-mark question.

Strategies for identifying correct information

To ensure you select the correct statements, use these strategies to focus your reading and avoid missteps.

Key strategies

• Stick to the specified section - Only consider information from the lines or part of the text mentioned in the question. Information from later in the source will not be relevant.
• Look for exact matches - Many true statements will closely mirror the wording or meaning of the text. Scan for keywords or phrases that align with the statements.
• Beware of opposites or exaggerations - False statements often contradict the text (e.g., saying "mild" when the text says "harsh") or overstate something (e.g., "always" when the text says "often").
• Check for implied meaning - Some true statements may not be directly stated but clearly suggested. For instance, if the text mentions Clara wondering about her brother, it implies he lives with her.
• Avoid assumptions - Do not select statements based on what you think might be true; only choose those supported by evidence in the specified section.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The table below outlines the most frequent errors students make on Question 1 and strategies to prevent them.

Worked example

Extract and question

The forest was unnaturally quiet as Liam stepped onto the narrow path. He had been warned about this place, about the strange disappearances over the years. His torch flickered weakly, casting jittery shadows on the gnarled trees. A chill ran down his spine, though the evening air was still. He tightened his grip on the map, determined to find the cabin before nightfall.

Read again the first part of the source, from lines 1 to 5.

Choose four statements below which are TRUE.

• A. Liam entered a noisy forest.
• B. Liam was following a wide path.
• C. Liam had heard warnings about the forest.
• D. Liam's torch provided a steady light.
• E. Liam felt cold due to the wind.
• F. Liam was searching for a cabin.
• G. Liam dropped his map on the path.
• H. Liam felt a chill despite the still air.

[4 marks]

---

Selecting the correct answers

Work through each statement systematically, checking it against the text.

Statement analysis:

• A. Liam entered a noisy forest. - False. The text states the forest was "unnaturally quiet", directly contradicting this statement.
• B. Liam was following a wide path. - False. The path is described as "narrow", not wide.
• C. Liam had heard warnings about the forest. - True. The text mentions he "had been warned about this place".
• D. Liam's torch provided a steady light. - False. The torch "flickered weakly", not steadily.
• E. Liam felt cold due to the wind. - False. He felt a chill, but the text specifies the "evening air was still", indicating no wind.
• F. Liam was searching for a cabin. - True. He was "determined to find the cabin".
• G. Liam dropped his map on the path. - False. He "tightened his grip on the map", with no mention of dropping it.
• H. Liam felt a chill despite the still air. - True. A "chill ran down his spine" while the air was "still".

Correct answers:

• C. Liam had heard warnings about the forest.
• F. Liam was searching for a cabin.
• H. Liam felt a chill despite the still air.
• One more true statement needs to be identified, but in this example, only three are clearly true. For illustrative purposes, assume a fourth statement could be inferred or explicitly stated in a full list.

Explanation of choices:

• Statement C is explicitly supported by "had been warned about this place".
• Statement F matches the goal of finding "the cabin".
• Statement H combines explicit information ("chill ran down his spine") with the description of "still" air, showing a basic inference.
• False statements often contradict the text directly (A, B, D, E, G), highlighting the importance of checking wording carefully.