AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 5

Overview

• AQA English Language paper 1 Question 5 is a creative writing task.
• Two questions are provided: one with a picture prompt, one without.
• Choose one question to answer; spend around 45 minutes.
• Questions could be narrative (story opening) or descriptive.
• No guaranteed choice between narrative or descriptive—be comfortable with both.

Example Question

• A nature website creative writing competition.
  • Option 1: Write a description of an imagined animal (picture optional).
  • Option 2: Write the opening of a story titled 'The Animals Take Over'.
• Marks: 24 for content & organization (AO5), 16 for technical accuracy (AO6) [Total 40 marks].

Mark Scheme Changes (2026 Onwards)

• Picture as a jumping-off point; not restrictive.
• Mark scheme includes typical features of descriptive writing.

Descriptive Writing Features

• Imagery: Use of descriptive and figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification).
  • Example progression:
    • Basic description: "The dog is small and fluffy."
    • Improved: "The little dog scampers across the garden."
    • Advanced: "The tiny pup darts across the garden, its golden fur ruffled by the breeze."
  • Effective imagery matches mood and atmosphere.
• Mood and Atmosphere: Integral to achieving marks.
• Original Imagery: Avoid clichés; create fresh comparisons.

Sample Answer by Izzy Lidmore

• Description of a powerful person.
• Imagery Examples:
  • Crown "crammed onto her pillow of cascading red curls."
  • Parting in hair as "a hideous scar."
  • Pearls "strangling" her neck.

Conceptualized Ideas

• Central theme: Contrast between queen’s lost freedom and her royal role.
• Consistent development throughout the piece.

Compelling and Evocative Description

• Grabs reader’s attention; stirs emotional response.

Writing Tips

1. Plan Atmosphere/Mood: Before writing, determine desired atmosphere.
2. Use Figurative Language: Employ similes, metaphors, personification for mood.
3. Creativity: Use original comparisons, avoid clichés.

Technical Accuracy (AO6)

• 16 marks available.
• Accuracy: Check spelling, punctuation, grammar.
• Ambition in Technical Skills:
  • Vary sentence/paragraph lengths.
  • Use varied punctuation and sentence openings.
• Planning:
  • Consider including varied punctuation in plan.
  • Actively incorporate these as you write.

Final Note

• Importance of conscious crafting.
• Time management: 45-minute task allows for thorough execution and review.

• For further learning, consider accessing additional resources such as ebooks.