GCSE-ready- Home
- Lessons
- GCSE & IGCSE English Language
- Paper 1 Section B: choosing your task
Paper 1 Section B: choosing your task
In Paper 1 Section B you choose one of two imaginative writing tasks. Both are linked by theme to the reading extract, and one of them gives you two images for ideas.
The facts
Choosing well
Pick the task where you can see a story or scene clearly in your head.
Ask: can I write a strong opening line now? Do I know how it ends?
An image can give you a setting, a character or a mood. You can zoom in on one small detail of it.
Ask: can I write a strong opening line now? Do I know how it ends?
An image can give you a setting, a character or a mood. You can zoom in on one small detail of it.
Using 45 minutes
A sensible split:
About 5 to 10 minutes: choose and plan (an outline, key images, an ending).
About 30 minutes: write.
About 5 minutes: check spelling, punctuation and paragraphing.
Planning time is not wasted: it makes the writing better organised, which AO5 rewards.
About 5 to 10 minutes: choose and plan (an outline, key images, an ending).
About 30 minutes: write.
About 5 minutes: check spelling, punctuation and paragraphing.
Planning time is not wasted: it makes the writing better organised, which AO5 rewards.
A task gives two images: a busy railway station and an empty platform at night. How could you use them?
- You could use just one: the empty platform suggests loneliness or mystery.
- You could use both as a contrast: the same place at two times.
- Or use neither, if the theme gives you a better idea.
Answer: Use one image for setting and mood, or contrast both. Using neither is also allowed.
Choose one task of the two. Both are worth 40 marks (AO5 24, AO6 16). Images are optional help. Spend about 45 minutes: plan, write, then check.
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.