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What is Paper 1?
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All Flashcards in Topic 3.1
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3.1.111 cards
What is Paper 1?
A guided analysis of unseen non-literary text(s): SL one [20], HL two [40].
What is the core move of a guided analysis?
Feature → effect → meaning: name the choice, explain its effect, link it to meaning/purpose.
What is a guiding question?
A question pointing you to a central feature of the text; you may answer it or choose your own focus.
What is a thesis in Paper 1?
Your one-sentence overall answer that the whole analysis supports.
Give the sentence stem that scores.
‘By [choice], the writer [effect], which [meaning/purpose].’
Feature-spotting vs analysis?
Feature-spotting names devices; analysis explains their effect and meaning. Only analysis scores well.
What does ‘tone’ mean?
The writer's attitude — e.g. urgent, dry, angry, warm.
What does ‘register’ mean?
How formal or informal the language is, and who it suits.
Which criterion rewards evaluating how choices shape meaning?
Criterion B — analysis and evaluation.
What must you analyse in a visual text type?
Visual choices — layout, image, colour — as well as the words.
Name the four Paper 1 criteria.
A Understanding, B Analysis and evaluation, C Focus and organization, D Language.
3.1.210 cards
Is answering the guiding question compulsory?
No — but your analysis must stay focused and supported.
What is the guiding question FOR?
A suggested way in — a focus so your analysis doesn't wander.
First move with the guiding question?
Underline its focus and turn it into a one-sentence thesis.
What does your thesis decide?
Which choices you analyse — only those that prove it.
Can you argue a different focus?
Yes — if it's stronger, as long as you stay focused and support it.
Which criterion most rewards focus?
Criterion C — focus and organisation.
Focus or coverage?
Focus — one clear argued line beats listing every device.
Where does the thesis go?
In your introduction, as the claim the whole essay proves.
Common mistake?
Restating the question then listing every device with no thesis.
What do you do with choices that don't serve your focus?
Ignore them — they dilute the argument.
3.1.310 cards
What are the four Paper 1 criteria?
A Understanding · B Analysis & evaluation · C Focus & organisation · D Language.
Criterion A rewards…
Understanding and interpretation, supported by well-chosen references.
Criterion B rewards…
Analysis AND evaluation of the writer's choices (not feature-spotting).
Criterion C rewards…
A focused, well-organised response (intro, paragraphs, conclusion).
Criterion D rewards…
Clear, precise, academic and accurate language (your own writing).
How is each criterion scored at SL?
Each out of 5 — total /20.
Where do most students lose marks?
B (describing not evaluating) and C (listing devices, no focus).
Can one good sentence hit several criteria?
Yes — an evaluated, quoted, precisely-worded point hits A, B and D at once.
What earns Criterion C across the essay?
Keeping every paragraph pointed at one clear thesis.
Do the criteria matter equally?
Yes — each is /5; don't chase one and neglect the others.
Topic 3.1 study notes
Full notes & explanations for The guided-analysis method
English A Lang & Lit exam skills
Paper structures, command terms & tips
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