GCSE English Language revision · Writing

Paper 1 Question 5: a story opening

The idea

From 2026 the narrative option asks for the opening of a story, not the whole story. Build one situation, one or two characters and a clear point of view, and stop at a deliberate point that makes the reader want more.

Open with a hook: action, dialogue, a striking detail or a question.
Develop the setting and character through detail rather than events.
End at a purposeful point: a discovery, a decision or a question left open.

Watch out Racing through a whole plot leaves no room to develop the opening the task asks for.

See it worked

Worked example

Task: write the opening of a story about a journey. Write a one-sentence hook.

Choose a hook type: a striking detail.
Make the reader ask a question.
"The ticket in my hand was for a station that did not exist."

Answer "The ticket in my hand was for a station that did not exist."

Your turn

Question 11 mark

Which is the strongest story opening?

Question 21 mark

Why should a story opening focus on one situation?

Question 32 marks

Write a final sentence for a story opening about a boy afraid of the sea, ending at a purposeful point.

Write your answer, then see a model answer

Stop at a moment that raises a question.
Leave the reader wanting the next part.

Answer Example: "Then the wave pulled back, and on the wet sand lay his brother's shoe."

In past papers

1 official question in 1 paper since 2024. The latest:

AQA November 2024 Paper 1Q5 · 40 marks

All GCSE English Language past papers

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