Discovery: Section 1

The first Section of Paper 1 will test your understanding of the Area of Study: Discovery.  You will analyse a series of unseen texts - usually 3-5 - and typically there is also a visual text.   All of Paper 1 will usually explore 1-2 aspects of Discovery and it is designed for you to move the sections in order (although this is not compulsory!)  In order to succeed in this section you will need to:

• know the key terms or the rubric.....what aspects of Discovery could you be asked to explore? 
• read and analyse a variety of texts, not only the written, but visual.  This will help you when it comes to analyse the unseen texts
• use quotes to support your ideas (yes, you can reuse a quote/example on later questions, especially the last one)
• remember to analyse the language forms, features and structures present in the texts and be able to explain HOW meaning is shaped
• have a number of thesis statements present which will convey your understanding of Discovery
• as a general rule, have one point per mark (feel free to have more!!)
• for the Mathematicians, as the section is worth 15 marks and you have 40 minutes to complete it, each mark is worth 2 mins and 40 seconds.   Even if maths isn't your thing, allocate your time wisely and leave enough time for the later questions which are worth more marks
• finally, the last question is usually worth 5 or 6 marks (roughly a third of your overall time for the section.)  Leave enough time to create a substantial response, use a thesis as your opening and support your answer with quotes and analysis of techniques.