Tackling question 1 of the AQA English Language Paper 1 exam

Updated for exams from 2026, this focused resource enables students to strengthen specific question 1 skills for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 Section A to help build confidence and exam proficiency. 

What's included

Get everything you need to help students become more accurate in their question 1 multiple choice responses for GCSE English Language Paper 1 Section A from 2026: 

• Free printable PDF worksheet for students to explore a typical exam-style text and multiple choice format for question 1 from Section A. 
• For subscribers only, an adaptable and customisable worksheet. 

Tackling question 1 of AQA Language Paper 1 resource

Using extracts from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, this resource is specifically designed to support students as they become familiar with the layout and format of AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 Section A, particularly the new style of questions being tested from 2026.

This resource features a step-by-step guide with sensible advice to help prepare students for the kind of text they may experience in the exam. The multiple choice format for question 1 is new and the resource takes students through the whole process so that they know exactly what to expect and how to respond to the four multiple choice questions involved in question 1 quickly and effectively. 

After a clear explanation of the kind of vocabulary students may see in a fiction text on this exam, the resource guides students through the question style so that, once they have read and digested the extract, they can work through the multiple choice questions to increase confidence and exam capability. 

Incorporating practice in this way is helpful for students as they prepare for the exam because they can consolidate their familiarity with the exam format, increase their knowledge of question types and enhance the quality of their answers. 

Key features of this resource

Perfect as an introduction to AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1, this resource guides students through what to expect from a typical source extract, the vocabulary they may read in the extract and how to best prepare for this section of the paper.

The resource then takes students through question 1, with its new multiple choice format. There are four multiple choice questions, each worth 1 mark to make a total of 4 marks for the whole of question 1 on this paper from 2026 onwards.

Students work through a sample question 1, considering possible correct answers and how an examiner will assess a student's marks based on a model student response for each of the four multiple choice questions that make up question 1. 

Once completed, students are asked to reflect on their experience and create an advisory sentence that helps them tackle question 1 effectively.

Students then move on to another extract and are asked to create their own multiple choice questions in the new style of question 1 to enhance their learning. 

How to use this Tackling question 1 of AQA English Language Paper 1 resource

This resource is perfect for:

• Building understanding of the new multiple choice style of question 1 for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 Section A
• Consolidating language analysis skills
• Completing revision sessions and exam or assessment preparation
• Strengthening exam question answer accuracy at KS4

Additional GCSE English Language Paper 1 resources

• AQA Paper 1 GCSE English Language sample practice questions
• Practice exam question for AQA Paper 1A: responding to literary fiction texts
• AQA English Language Paper 1 Jane Eyre extract
• AQA English Language Paper 1: practice reading assessment task
• AQA GCSE Language Paper 1: practice exam question using 'The Hunger Games'

Browse additional resources in the AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 section.