Common Paper 1 mistakes
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Flip to reveal answersThe big four Paper 1 mistakes?
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Question
The big four Paper 1 mistakes?
Answer
Feature-spotting, summary, no focus, ignoring the reader.
Question
What is feature-spotting?
Answer
Naming a device without saying what it achieves.
Question
Fix for feature-spotting?
Answer
Add the effect (and evaluate how well it works).
Question
Why is summary a mistake?
Answer
It retells the text instead of analysing choices; it earns almost nothing.
Question
Fix for ‘no focus’?
Answer
Write a thesis and make every paragraph prove it.
Question
Fix for ignoring the reader?
Answer
Link each point to the audience or the effect on the reader.
Question
Which criteria does feature-spotting cost?
Answer
Criterion B (analysis and evaluation).
Question
Which criteria do summary/no-focus cost?
Answer
A (understanding) and C (focus and organisation).
Question
The sneaky disguised mistake?
Answer
‘Uses a metaphor to show a metaphor’ — naming with no real effect.
Question
Self-check question as you write?
Answer
Effect given? Summary avoided? Focus kept? Reader linked?
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Full study notes for Common Paper 1 mistakes
Topic 3.7 hub
Examiner feedback and common mistakes
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English A Lang & Lit exam skills
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