GCSE-ready- Home
- Lessons
- GCSE & IGCSE English Language
- Evaluating a text: Paper 1 Question 4
Evaluating a text: Paper 1 Question 4
Question 4 is the biggest reading question on Paper 1: 15 marks. It asks you to evaluate how successfully the writer achieves something, such as tension or a sense of character.
What evaluation means
Analysis asks how a writer creates an effect. Evaluation asks how well it works.
A typical task: 'In this extract, there is an attempt to create tension. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. Support your views with detailed reference to the text.'
You give a judgement, back it with evidence and explain why it works.
A typical task: 'In this extract, there is an attempt to create tension. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. Support your views with detailed reference to the text.'
You give a judgement, back it with evidence and explain why it works.
Evaluative language
Use words that judge: successfully, effectively, convincingly, powerfully, vividly, cleverly, gradually builds.
Example: 'The writer very effectively builds tension by slowing the pace as the footsteps climb the stairs.'
Mention methods only when they support your judgement. Pearson's examiners say that references to techniques are credited at the higher levels only if they support the critical judgement.
Example: 'The writer very effectively builds tension by slowing the pace as the footsteps climb the stairs.'
Mention methods only when they support your judgement. Pearson's examiners say that references to techniques are credited at the higher levels only if they support the critical judgement.
How it is marked
Question 4 is marked in five levels.
Write an evaluative sentence about the ending of the Pellow extract.
- Judgement: the ending is very successful.
- Evidence: 'very gently, the handle began to turn'.
- Why: the gentle movement is more frightening than a crash, and the extract stops before we see who it is.
Answer: The ending is highly effective: the handle turning 'very gently' is more unsettling than a loud entrance, and stopping there leaves the reader in suspense.
Question 4 = AO4, 15 marks. Make a judgement about how successfully the writer achieves the effect, support it with well-chosen references, and use methods only to back your judgement.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
Check you have got it
Answer 6 quick questions with instant marking. If you get one wrong, GCSE-ready shows you why and gives you another go. It is free, and you do not need an account.