How to Answer Paper 1 Question 4 Flashcards
All 11 cards in this deck
How many marks is Paper 1 Question 4 worth, which AO does it test, and how long should you spend on it?
20 marks, testing AO4: evaluating a text critically with textual references. It is the biggest reading question on Paper 1, so spend about 20 minutes on it.
What does the 2026 wording of Paper 1 Question 4 look like?
'For this question focus on the second part of the source, from line X to the end.' Then a two-part statement, e.g. 'In this part… the character seems calm. The writer suggests that…', followed by 'To what extent do you agree and/or disagree with this statement?'
What are the three bullet points under the 2026 Question 4?
Consider your impressions of [the character or situation]; comment on the methods the writer uses; support your response with references to the text. Together they mean: give a view, explain how the writer creates it, and prove it.
Which part of the source can you use in Question 4, and what happens if you go outside it?
Only the lines given: usually the second part of the source, to the end. Material from outside those lines is unlikely to be credited and can hold your mark down, however good it is.
What does 'agree and/or disagree' allow you to do in Question 4?
You can agree, disagree, or agree with one part of the statement and not the other. You can also agree to an extent. A Level 4 answer can weigh both parts, or explore one part in depth; what counts is the quality of the evaluation.
What are the four mark bands for Paper 1 Question 4?
Level 4: 16–20 (perceptive, detailed evaluation). Level 3: 11–15 (clear, relevant evaluation). Level 2: 6–10 (some evaluation). Level 1: 1–5 (simple, limited comment).
What does a Level 4 answer to Question 4 do?
It develops a convincing, critical view of the ideas, shows perceptive understanding of the writer's methods, evaluates in detail their impact on the reader, and uses a range of judicious quotations.
Do you have to use the words 'I agree' and name the writer's methods explicitly to score well in Question 4?
No. The mark scheme says both can be implicit: a clearly argued view and comments on how the text works are credited on their quality. Stating your position clearly still helps you stay focused.
Examiners say some Question 4 answers drift into context, such as the patriarchy or toxic relationships. Why is that a problem?
Context isn't credited on this paper. A brief lens is fine, but long sections on society take time away from what earns marks: evaluating this text's ideas and methods.
What are the other common examiner complaints about Question 4?
Agreeing with the statement without reasons; retelling the plot instead of evaluating it; one-sided, polarised readings that ignore nuance; and mixing up characters. Re-read the given lines carefully before you start.
What is a sensible plan for a Question 4 answer?
Split the statement into its two parts. Decide how far you agree with each. Pick 3–4 short quotations from across the given lines. Write paragraphs of view + quotation + method + effect on the reader, then end with an overall judgement.