Understanding Question 3 of Paper 1

Quick reference overview

What Question 3 looks like

This question focuses on how the writer structures the entire source text to create a specific effect, such as building tension, creating suspense, or engaging the reader. You will be asked to consider the text as a whole, often with a reference to its position within a larger work (e.g., the beginning, middle, or end of a novel). The question provides guidance on what to focus on, including how the specified effect is achieved through structural techniques.

Example question format:

You now need to think about the whole of the source.

This text is from the beginning of a novel.

How has the writer structured the text to create tension?

You could write about:

• how tension has increased or decreased by the end of the source
• how the writer uses structure to create an effect
• the writer's use of any other structural features, such as changes in mood, tone, or perspective.

[8 marks]

Key things to understand about this question

• "The whole of the source" means you must consider the text from start to finish, not just a specific section.
• The question specifies a particular effect (e.g., tension, suspense, mystery), and your analysis must focus on how structure contributes to this effect.
• The bullet points are there to guide you, but you don't need to cover all of them (focus on the most relevant structural features that relate to the specified effect).
• Structure refers to how the text is organised and sequenced, not the language or word choices (which are covered in Question 2).

What is being assessed?

Assessment Objective 2 (AO2)

This question tests your ability to:

• Explain how writers use structural features to shape a text.
• Comment on the effects of these structural choices on the reader.
• Analyse why the writer has made particular structural decisions and how they contribute to the specified effect.

The key focus is on effects (how the organisation and sequencing of the text influence the reader's experience, rather than just identifying structural features).

The difference between language and structure

Understanding this distinction is crucial (Question 3 is not about language techniques but about how the text is put together to create an overall impact).

How to approach Question 3

You should spend approximately 10–12 minutes on this question. Follow these steps to answer effectively and manage your time.

Step-by-step approach

Your approach should follow these steps.

Step 1: Read the question and identify the focus (1 minute)

• Note the specific effect mentioned (e.g., tension, suspense, interest).
• Keep this effect in mind as the central focus of your analysis.

Step 2: Skim the whole source with structure in mind (2 minutes)

• Look at how the text begins and ends (does it start with action, description, or dialogue?).
• Notice any shifts or changes (e.g., in time, perspective, or mood).
• Identify key structural features like flashbacks, cliffhangers, or changes in pace.

Step 3: Select key structural features (1–2 minutes)

• Choose 3–4 structural elements that clearly contribute to the specified effect.
• Make sure they cover different parts of the text (beginning, middle, end) to show you've considered the whole source.

Step 4: Write analytical paragraphs (6–7 minutes)

For each structural feature, follow this structure:

• Point – Identify the structural choice (e.g., the text opens with a dramatic event).
• Evidence – Refer to a specific moment or section (no direct quotes needed for structure).
• Explain – Describe how this feature contributes to the effect (e.g., tension).
• Develop – Explore why this works and how it impacts the reader.

Use subject terminology where relevant (e.g., narrative perspective, chronological order).

Step 5: Check your focus (1 minute)

• Ensure all points link back to the specific effect mentioned in the question.
• Confirm you've discussed the whole text, not just one section.

How much to write

Focus on quality over quantity. You don't need to write excessively long answers.

• Aim for 3–4 well-developed analytical points about different structural features.
• Each point should form a clear paragraph.
• A strong response might be around one side of A4, packed with focused analysis rather than unnecessary detail.

The mark scheme levels explained

The mark scheme for Question 3 has four levels, each representing a different quality of response based on how well you analyse structure and its effects.

Main differences between levels

• Depth of analysis - How much you explore the effects of structural choices on the reader.
• Relevance to the effect - How closely your points link to the specific effect mentioned in the question (e.g., tension).
• Use of terminology - Accurate and enhancing at higher levels versus basic or incorrect at lower levels.
• Coverage of the text - Strong responses consider the whole source, while weaker ones focus on just one part.

Most students can identify structural features (Level 1–2). Fewer can explain their effects clearly (Level 3). The best responses offer perceptive analysis of how structure shapes the reader's experience across the entire text (Level 4).