Key Idea: Timed practice means writing both Paper 1 analyses in the real 2 hours 15 minutes. The goal is two complete, focused analyses, not one perfect essay.
| Stage | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1: One text | Single unseen texts: 15 plan / 45 write / 5 check; mark each /20 against A–D | 65 min |
| 2: Two texts | Full sittings, back to back; switch at about 1h10 | 2h15 |
| 3: Watch Text 2 | Compare your Text 2 marks with your Text 1 marks | After each sitting |
Rules for practice
- Time yourself for real, with no pausing.
- Each text gets its own plan, even when you are behind.
- If Text 2 marks drop, rehearse the switch and the second plan.
Mark each analysis separately: the second one tells you the most.
What does panic try to skip? Text 2's plan, when Text 1 ran long.
How long is each text's plan? About 15 minutes.
How do you make the routine automatic? Repeat full two-text sittings until the switch and both conclusions are a habit.
What should both analyses end with? A conclusion.