What Q3 actually is β and why it's tricky
It's not just 'compress the text'. It's 'compress THE PARTS that match the question, in your own words'.
Question 3 of Paper 1 looks simple but trips many candidates because it tests three skills at once:
- Selecting relevant content (AO3) β only ideas that fit the question's brief.
- Re-expressing in own words (AO3 + AO5) β paraphrase, never lift.
- Writing fluently within a word limit (AO5) β concise prose, not bullet lists.
The 15-mark split:
| Marks | What it tests | What you get them for |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | AO3 β Content | Each distinct relevant point on the mark scheme |
| 5 | AO5 β Writing | Own words, fluency, conciseness, grammar |
You can't earn the AO5 5 by writing well alone β you also need to be COMPACT. A 200-word answer that hits every point will lose AO5 marks.
Typical question wording:
"Re-read paragraphs 2-5. According to the writer, what are the dangers of mountaineering AND the rewards of reaching a summit? Write a summary of about 120 words, using your own words as far as possible."
Three things to spot in the wording:
- "Paragraphs 2-5" β you're confined to those paragraphs.
- "Dangers AND rewards" β TWO halves; both must be covered.
- "About 120 words" β the target. 110-130 is the safe band.
Cambridge tip. Mark scheme typically lists 15-20 valid points. Your goal is to hit as many as you can fit in the word limit. Hitting 12 points scores a strong AO3.
- Two AOs: content + writing.
- 10 / 5 mark split.
- Confine to named paragraphs.
- Cover both halves of two-sided briefs.
- Word limit ~120; range 110-130 safe.