← English Language syllabus

EnglandEnglish Language

Component 01: Communicating information and ideas

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you analyse the way a non-fiction writer uses language to influence the reader, moving from method to effect?

Analysing how a non-fiction writer uses language to achieve effects and influence the reader (AO2), the language question on Component 01 Section A, naming methods with subject terminology and explaining the effect on the reader.
How to answer the AO2 language question on OCR GCSE English Language Component 01: selecting precise evidence from a non-fiction text, naming the method with subject terminology, and explaining how the writer's choices influence the reader rather than just spotting features.
9 min answer →

How do you compare two non-fiction writers' ideas and perspectives, and the way they convey them, across the 19th-century and modern texts?

Comparing writers' ideas and perspectives, and how these are conveyed, across the two non-fiction texts (AO3), the comparison element of the final question on Component 01 Section A, using linked, evidenced points about both attitude and method.
How to handle the AO3 comparison on OCR GCSE English Language Component 01: comparing the two non-fiction writers' ideas and perspectives and how they convey them, building linked points that set the 19th-century text against the modern text with evidence from both.
9 min answer →

How do you evaluate a non-fiction text critically, forming a personal judgement on how convincingly the writer presents their ideas?

Evaluating a non-fiction text critically and supporting the judgement with textual references (AO4), the highest-tariff element of the final question on Component 01 Section A, responding to a statement with a clear, evidenced personal view.
How to answer the AO4 evaluation element on OCR GCSE English Language Component 01: forming a clear personal judgement on how convincingly a non-fiction writer presents ideas, responding to the given statement, and supporting it with analysed textual evidence.
9 min answer →

How do you retrieve and interpret explicit and implicit information accurately from an unseen non-fiction text under exam pressure?

Retrieving and interpreting explicit and implicit information and ideas from an unseen non-fiction text (AO1), the short opening questions of Component 01 Section A, staying inside the named lines and reading the question stem precisely.
How to answer the short AO1 retrieval questions that open Section A of OCR GCSE English Language Component 01: locating explicit and implicit information in an unseen non-fiction text, staying inside the named lines, and matching the number of points to the marks.
8 min answer →

How do you select and synthesise information from two unseen non-fiction texts into a single, evidenced answer?

Selecting and synthesising evidence from two unseen non-fiction texts (AO1), the synthesis question on Component 01 Section A, drawing points from both the 19th-century and the modern text and combining them clearly.
How to answer the AO1 synthesis question on OCR GCSE English Language Component 01: selecting evidence from both the 19th-century and modern non-fiction texts and combining it into clear, paired points, without analysing language or comparing how ideas are conveyed.
8 min answer →

How do you plan and craft a transactional non-fiction piece that matches its form, purpose and audience while protecting the accuracy marks?

Producing transactional non-fiction writing for a specified form, purpose and audience (AO5 and AO6), the Section B writing task on Component 01, choosing the right register and conventions and writing accurately under time pressure.
How to answer the transactional writing task in Section B of OCR GCSE English Language Component 01: matching the specified form (letter, article, speech, report, review, leaflet), purpose and audience, organising ideas for AO5 and writing accurately for AO6.
9 min answer →