1. AQA English Language Unit One
Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts
QUESTION 1
Main menu:
 overview of question one
 active reading strategies
 active reading example
 active reading practice
 question 1a exemplar
 question 1b exemplar
 skills checklist
 mini-assessment

2. Overview
Question 1 is split into two separate parts. Question 1a is
straightforward, as it asks you to find four things relating to what you have
read. 1b is slightly more tricky and requires you to identify ideas about the
text and make 2 inferences (little conclusions) to show your understanding.
You are being assessed on finding and understanding information.
Key information
 question 1a and 1b are always based on Source One
 both parts of the question are worth 4 marks
 there are therefore a total of 8 marks available for the whole question
 you need to gain a minimum of 6 marks in total to gain a C grade
 use active reading strategies to help you later on (see slide 3)
 spend about 18mins on both parts of the question, including reading
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3. Active Reading Strategies
In order to help you understand the information in each source, it is
important that you employ a range of active reading strategies.
These active reading strategies should be used for question 1.
 read the question carefully and highlight key words
- make sure you understand what each question is looking for
 highlight the topic sentences (see slide 4)
- a topic sentence tells the reader the focus of the paragraph
- it is often (but not always) the first or second paragraph
 summarise each paragraph (see slide 4)
- in the margin sum up what you think the paragraph is about
- do this in only a few words e.g. what to do; where to go; costs
- if they are long paragraphs, it might help to summarise sections
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4. Active Reading Example
The following text is taken from the June 2011 Foundation Level exam.
Look at how the reader has been actively involved by highlighting the
topic sentence and summarising the content.
New York, the most exciting and vibrant city in the world
awaits you. You’ll be staying for 3 nights at the Grand
Hyatt New York Hotel on 42nd Street. You’ll have time to
visit the iconic Empire State Building, walk through
Central Park, take a ferry to Staten Island, and even
take in a show on Broadway. Naturally, you can shop till
you drop in all the famous department stores, getting all
your friends and family unique gifts for Christmas. On the
way home, there is no luggage limit! Yes, rather than
flying back, you are coming home in style on the Cunard
ship Queen Mary 2.
Things to do
in NY
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5. What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one?
Summarise the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your
paragraph will be about.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the
world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have
access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high
standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are
encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean
and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for
people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
Topic Sentences

6. Active Reading Practice
Activity: read the second paragraph in this source and try to identify the
topic sentence and summarise the paragraph focus.
You board the QM2 in New York, and set sail from the city that never
sleeps, passing the Statue of Liberty, as you settle back into the lap of
luxury. For the next 5 nights you will enjoy the pampering and excitement
of a Cunard transatlantic voyage. The QM2 commands a certain amount
of regal awe. It is 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary ship with
outstanding facilities onboard: 14 bars, 10 restaurants, 8 whirlpools,
fitness suites and more. There is an opportunity to down a pint in the
Golden Lion Pub, a traditional style English public house. Entertainment,
like the opulence of the ship, is also not in short supply. Theatre
performances in the Royal Court Theatre, live jazz in the Commodore
Club, even a casino, can all be found on board. There is also a computer
centre for guests to use with WI-FI spots across the ship. Whatever your
taste there is something to entertain everyone.
It might have helped to break this long paragraph into two sections.
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7. Question 1a exemplar
Check
source
Use your
notes to
identify 4
main points
Highlight key words
i.e. activities in NY
e.g. ‘visit the iconic Empire State Building’
Activity: list three other activities that you can do in New York.
Use spaces provided to
guide answer length
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8. Question 1b exemplar
Highlight key words
i.e. learn about QM2
e.g. We learn about the size of the Queen Mary 2 . It is
‘113 feet longer than the original’. This suggests that
the new boat is extremely impressive.
1. Make a Point
about the ship
2. Give short
quotation as
Evidence
3. Infer to show your
understanding (you
need min. of 2 points)
Activity: Write another Point Evidence Inference paragraph about what we
learn about the QM2.
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1b

9. Q1 Skills Checklist
What you need to do:
 use active reading strategies
 make 4 points related to the question
 keep focused on key words
 write in own words or use quotation
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10. January 2012
Time Allowed 18mins
Read Source 1, the online newspaper interview with Rachael Latham
and answer the questions below.
1 (a) List four things we learn about Rachael Latham. (4 marks)
1 (b) How does Rachael feel about her swimming career? (4 marks)
Assessment practice
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