AQA English Language Unit One

Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts

QUESTION 1

Main menu: overview of question one active reading strategies active reading example active reading practice question 1a exemplar question 1b exemplar skills checklist mini-assessment

Overview

Question 1 is split into two separate parts. Question 1a is straightforward, as it asks you to find four things relating to what you have read. 1b is slightly more tricky and requires you to identify ideas about the text and make 2 inferences (little conclusions) to show your understanding.

You are being assessed on finding and understanding information.

Key information

question 1a and 1b are always based on Source One

both parts of the question are worth 4 marks

there are therefore a total of 8 marks available for the whole question

you need to gain a minimum of 6 marks in total to gain a C grade

use active reading strategies to help you later on (see slide 3)

spend about 18mins on both parts of the question, including reading

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Active Reading Strategies

In order to help you understand the information in each source, it is important that you employ a range of active reading strategies.

These active reading strategies should be used for question 1.

read the question carefully and highlight key words

- make sure you understand what each question is looking for

highlight the topic sentences (see slide 4)

- a topic sentence tells the reader the focus of the paragraph

- it is often (but not always) the first or second paragraph

summarise each paragraph (see slide 4)

- in the margin sum up what you think the paragraph is about

- do this in only a few words e.g. what to do; where to go; costs

- if they are long paragraphs, it might help to summarise sections

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Active Reading Example

The following text is taken from the June 2011 Foundation Level exam.

Look at how the reader has been actively involved by highlighting the topic sentence and summarising the content.

New York, the most exciting and vibrant city in the world awaits you. You’ll be staying for 3 nights at the Grand Hyatt New York Hotel on 42nd Street. You’ll have time to visit the iconic Empire State Building, walk through Central Park, take a ferry to Staten Island, and eventake in a show on Broadway. Naturally, you can shop till you drop in all the famous department stores, getting all your friends and family unique gifts for Christmas. On the way home, there is no luggage limit! Yes, rather than flying back, you are coming home in style on the Cunard ship Queen Mary 2.

Things to do in NY

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What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one? Summarise the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example: There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Topic Sentences

Active Reading Practice

Activity: read the second paragraph in this source and try to identify the topic sentence and summarise the paragraph focus.

You board the QM2 in New York, and set sail from the city that never sleeps, passing the Statue of Liberty, as you settle back into the lap of luxury. For the next 5 nights you will enjoy the pampering and excitement of a Cunard transatlantic voyage. The QM2 commands a certain amount of regal awe. It is 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary ship with outstanding facilities onboard: 14 bars, 10 restaurants, 8 whirlpools, fitness suites and more. There is an opportunity to down a pint in the Golden Lion Pub, a traditional style English public house. Entertainment, like the opulence of the ship, is also not in short supply. Theatre performances in the Royal Court Theatre, live jazz in the Commodore Club, even a casino, can all be found on board. There is also a computer centre for guests to use with WI-FI spots across the ship. Whatever your taste there is something to entertain everyone.

It might have helped to break this long paragraph into two sections.

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Question 1a exemplar

Check source

Use your notes to identify 4 main points

Highlight key words i.e. activities in NY

e.g. ‘visit the iconic Empire State Building’

Activity: list three other activities that you can do in New York.

Use spaces provided to guide answer length

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Question 1b exemplar Highlight key words i.e. learn about QM2

e.g. We learn about the size of the Queen Mary 2 . It is‘113 feet longer than the original’. This suggests that

the new boat is extremely impressive.

1. Make a Point about the ship

2. Give short quotation as Evidence

3. Infer to show your understanding (you need min. of 2 points)

Activity: Write another Point Evidence Inference paragraph about what we learn about the QM2.

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1b

Q1 Skills Checklist

What you need to do:

use active reading strategies

make 4 points related to the question

keep focused on key words

write in own words or use quotation

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January 2012Time Allowed 18mins

Read Source 1, the online newspaper interview with Rachael Latham and answer the questions below.

1 (a) List four things we learn about Rachael Latham. (4 marks)

1 (b) How does Rachael feel about her swimming career? (4 marks)

Assessment practice

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