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GCSE English Language

Revision Guide

GCSE English Paper 1 Language Exam

1hr 45mins
6th June 2017 (am)

GCSE English Paper 2 Language Exam

1hr 45mins
12th June 2017 (am)
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GCSE English Language Paper 1: 1hr 45mins (50%)

Question It is worth You should You will be asked to
spend
Start with: 40marks 45 minutes Write to Describe/Narrate
Question 5 (5 mins Write giving plenty of description, thinking
Writing (24 planning about the opening and ending.
content, 35mins writing Remember to plan and include:
16 Spag) 5 mins checking Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical Questions,
and correcting) emotive words, lists of 3
Use different types of punctuation ? ! … : ;
Remember to add in paragraphs = //
15 Then READ through the one extract
minutes Underline or highlight important words (e.g.
Facts, Adjectives, etc.)
Question 1 4 marks 5 minutes Highlight the key words in the question.
Reading You will need to list 4 points based on a
AO1 specific idea.
Remember to: just list 4 points.
Question 2 8 marks 10 minutes Highlight the key words in the question.
Reading You will need to analyse how the writer
A02 uses language for a particular purpose.
You will be directed to particular lines.
Remember to: use Point Evidence Explain
You could use your modal verbs and
modifiers here.
Question 3 8 marks 10 minutes Highlight the key words in the question.
Reading You will need to explore how the writer
A02 structures the extract.
Remember to comment on: chronological
order, dialogue, flashbacks, narrator,
opening/ ending, sentence structure
Question 4 20 marks 20 minutes To what extent do you agree…?
Reading Responding to the text with your opinion-
AO4 using the text as evidence.
Remember to: evaluate the statement and
give evidence. This is an ideal place to use
modal verbs and modifiers.
AO1: identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas; select and synthesise
evidence from different texts
AO2: Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve
effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views
AO3: Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across
two or more texts
AO4: Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references
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A01 READING Science Goggles: Scientists need to

Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information identify, retrieve data or facts, interpret
and ideas. Select and synthesise and work with complex material, bring
evidence from different texts. different material together to create new
material, summarise with understanding.

A02 READING 3D Glasses: Movie-goers are able to describe a film

Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use simply, elaborate simple description by explaining
language and structure to achieve effects and how things are constructed to provoke a reaction.
influence readers, using relevant subject terminology They can make links between what they see and
to support their views. the result it has.

A03 READING Superhero Mask: Superheroes analyse the

Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as behaviour of their enemy by recording the
how these are conveyed, across two or more texts. similarities and differences of a crime and then
they can give sustained, detailed and evaluative
observations about what has happened.

A04 READING Harry Potter Glasses: Harry is able to make

Evaluate texts critically and support informed personal judgements based on what he
this with appropriate textual has read about wizarding history. He is able to
references. summarise and detach himself and take an
overview of a situation.

A05 WRITING Shutter Glasses: A music artist writes in different

Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, forms for different purposes and for different
selecting and adapting tone, style and register for audiences. They organise their lyrics with a
different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise structure that will connect with their fans and they
information and ideas using structural and use grammatical features to create a
grammatical features to support coherence and specific tone.
cohesion.

A06 WRITING Ski Glasses: A skier must be accurate at all times

Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and without compromising their creativity and risk
sentence structures for clarity, purpose taking ability. They must be clear about what they
and effect, with accurate spelling and are doing and why they are doing it.
punctuation.
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Paper 1
Question 1. Finding 4 features and listing them.
1. Highlight the key words in the question.
2. Circle the section of the text you are directed to in the question.
3. Reread the section of the text. Highlight the 4 details.
4. Check your details match the key words in the question.
5. List your answers in the booklet.

How do you revise Q1?

Use extracts from your literature texts. Flick to the opening of a chapter or scene.
Read a paragraph- set a question: Find four details about…
You could set a question for a friend based on the Lit text. Get them to text you their
answers.

Question 2 This question is always about how the writer uses language. You
use PEE in all your Literature work and most questions for the Language exam.
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You need to learn some subject specific words for this question. Fill in the
definitions and check on line.
adjectives
adverbs
alliteration
hyperbole
onomatopoeia
metaphor
personification
plosives
simile
verbs

Your Point could always focus on a technique and the key word from the question. So
IF the question said: How does the writer use language to create atmosphere? You
could put:
The writer uses a simile to create atmosphere.
You need to use a short quotation as Evidence.
Your Explanation after the quotation could start with: This + modal verb + modifier…
Your Explanation should focus on the connotations of the word AND how it could make
the reader respond.

Learn some of the modal verbs and modifiers (will clearly show you are evaluating.)
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Do you get told you explanations are too general?

Well, you can check this- if you could say your explanation about any quotation you
need to change it.
Think about: how it makes the reader think/ feel.

How can you revise?

Use an extract from your Literature novel. Choose a section that is about half a page
long- openings of chapters, descriptions of setting or where a character is introduced
are good to use.
Your question could be: How does the writer use language to present atmosphere/
character/ setting/ tension/ weather?
Annotate the passage- aim to pick 3-4 quotations. Try to pick ones with a technique-
this can be verbs and adjectives. Check the list of subject words.

The writer uses personification

to describe the coal tips as a
‘killer with a rotten heart’ to
create an image of the coal tips
Useful sentence structure being a heartless murderer
making the reader imagine
that the coal tips didn’t care
1. The writer uses…. for example… to create
an image of… making the reader imagine… about the deaths they caused
(x4 aspects) and were always going to kill.
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The code marking grid below highlights the skills you need for this question.

A Follow the ‘technique-intention-effect’ analysis structure

B Select quotes from the text to support your ideas
C Use a wide number of short quotes in response, synthesising from
different places in the text
D Use sophisticated vocabulary in your analysis, such as:
- specific language terms – simile, metaphor, alliteration
and/or
- grammar terms – verbs, nouns, nouns, adverbs, adjectives
and/or
- advanced terminology – passive sentence , assonance, pathetic
fallacy
E Zoom in on specific words or phrases
F Comment on what the technique suggests / hints / implies about the
person and the effect on the audience
G Explore how there is more than one possible feeling / effect
H Explain why the writer chose the technique / word
I Explain how this word / technique links to the whole extract
J Comment on how sentences are used for impact
K Make a connection across the whole text
and/or
Link techniques together with a similar effect or spot patterns
L Analyse a wide range of literary devices – word, phrase, technique and
sentence form
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Question 3

This question is always about structure. You need to learn some subject specific
words for this question too. Fill in the definitions and check on line.

chronological
cyclical
First person narrator
focus
foreshadowing
juxtaposition
Omniscient narrator
panoramic
perspective
Third person narrator
transition
Zoom in / zoom out

Useful sentence structure Top Tactics

1. Sketch quick pictures to show how
 At the start of the extract, the writer the focus of the extract changes.
uses ….. to …. 2. Highlight key words that match up
 For example it says ‘…’ with your images.
 This makes the audience
think/feel/imagine… You are aiming to write about the opening,
 This then changes/continues in the two points in the middle, and the end of the
middle… extract.
 The end of the extract mirrors
/contrasts with the opening by….

How to revise this question?

Watch a 3-5 clip of a film. How has the director structured the clip to get our
interest?
Think about: zooming in on details, viewpoint of the camera, change in angle,
setting.
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Now look at an opening of a book. Can you label

examples of how it is structured using the key word
list?
Look back at the PEE advice on Q2.

Useful sentence starters

If you find this question hard you can start by saying:
At the beginning...
In the middle…
At the end…

The code marking grid below highlights the skills you need for this question.

A Select quotes from the text to support your ideas

B Use speech marks ( ‘quote’) to show you have used a quote
C Use specific language terms – beginning, ending, climax, resolution,
sentence types, linear
D Explain how the mood / reader’s or character’s feelings changes in the
extract
E Describe what creates that feeling in the text – content / ideas
F Make three points based on three different parts of the text
G Explain in your own words what the writer is trying to do with the extract
H Comment on clear structural choices made by the writer
I Comment on how the use of sentences / paragraphing affects the reader
J Comment on how the beginning, middle or ending differ
K Comment on links across the text – opening and closing link
L Uses a wide number of short quotes in response
M Explore how tone changes / varies across the text
N Link two or more techniques together
O Evaluate the effectiveness of a technique
P Make a reference to how the perspective changes / whole text
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Question 4
This question always wants you to respond to a statement about the text. This
question is all about the reader and your response to the ideas and words/ phrases
in the text.

This question is another reason for learning the modal verbs and modifiers. You can
develop a sense of having different layers of interpretation or response by using a
wider range of verbs. You can use these words after the modal verb and modifier
BUT make sure you understand the meaning of the work to make sure it makes
sense.
e.g. This will definitely declare that you are a great candidate.

Useful sentence structure

I agree with the statement because…
The reader feels…because……
The writer uses… which creates the effect on the reader….
For example…
It could be said that..
My response to the statement is that..
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How can you revise?

Argue and justify! You could make up statements about anything: your Lit texts, life,
politics, friends, school or music. You need to build an argument and prove/ justify
your ideas with evidence.
You could plan ideas using this
layout - notice how the
argument is where everything
starts from.

The code marking grid below highlights the key skills for this question.
A Select quotes from the text to support your ideas
B Use speech marks ( ‘quote’) to show you have used a quote
C Explain if you agree or disagree with the statement.
D Give examples from the text that support your opinion
E Refer to the writer’s techniques / methods in your argument
F Make at least 5 detailed points
G Explain what the reader is supposed to feel and why they feel that
H Explore more than one way of reading the text
I Evaluate the choices made by saying why the writer wrote it in this particular way
J Link the reader / writer and writer’s choices in your writing.
K Make connections across the text – techniques / content / ideas
L Explain what parts of the statement you agree with and what parts you disagree
with
M Comment on what other critical opinions you could say about the text
N Explore the symbolism of the text or the wider context
O Give examples from different parts and aspects in the text

Question 5
This marked for content and accuracy. Go online and search for spelling and grammar
games- a fun way to revise.
This question will be a choice either based on a picture or based on a written suggestion.
Planning is key. Your planning needs to include planning for paragraphs as well as
vocabulary.
For either question you need to work out the Text Audience Purpose so TAP it out.
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Text type: article, speech, blog, story

Audience: young, adults, local people
Purpose: describe, entertain, imagining
For the picture question try and use the following strategy.

The TAP for this question is:

T- newsletter
A – local people of all ages
P- describe and encourage

Now draw 3 different sized circles on the picture- these will be the focus of 3 paragraphs.

Look at the planning mind map. Notice how the start and end return to the same idea; this
will show the examiner that you are structuring your writing. Just make sure that time has
changed in the last paragraph e.g. the markets might be silent.
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For the written question you could use the same strategy but you will need to imagine the
place where you are setting your story. Make sure you highlight the key words in the
question so that you are sure about the theme of the story/ writing.
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The code marking sheets highlight the skills you need. You could colour code these at
different stages of your revision: Green can do, Yellow partly can do,
Red stuck.

40marks (24 content, 16 Spag)

Write in clear sentences

Use commas to separate parts of a sentence
and for lists
Use punctuation marks correctly (? ! “)
Make sure commonly used words are spelt
correctly
Use conjunctions to link sentences together
Use paragraphs to separate ideas
Make your writing suitable for the audience –
formal / informal
Make your writing sound and look like the text
is supposed to be
Use a range of sentence openings / lengths
for effect
Use a range of punctuation marks for effect
Use a variety of paragraph lengths for effect
Make sure your writing is structured
effectively – links / opening /closing
Develop ideas in paragraphs – zoom in and
out
Build links across the text
Vary the tone of your writing across the text
Aim for a consistent style of writing across
the text
Use knowledge from other sources within
your writing
Use humour
Use writing techniques (simile, metaphor,
personification, alliteration)
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GCSE English Language Paper 2: 1hr 45 mins (50%)

Question It is worth You should You will be asked to
spend
Start with: 40marks 45 minutes Write to Argue/ Persuade
Question 5 (5 mins Remember to plan and include:
Writing (24 content, planning Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical Questions,
16 Spag) 35mins writing emotive words, lists of 3
5 mins checking Use different types of punctuation ? ! … :
and correcting) ;
Remember to add in paragraphs = //
15 Then READ through the two extracts
minutes Underline or highlight important words
(e.g. Facts, Adjectives, etc.)
Question 1 4 marks 5 minutes Highlight the key words in the question.
Reading You will need to pick out the 4 correct
AO1 statements from a list
Remember to: just select 4 points.
Question 2 8 marks 8 minutes This is a summary question using both
Reading sources which tests your inference skills
AO1 Remember to: highlight the key words in
the questions in order that you know what
to select. Use conjunctions to show that
you are synthesising information eg
however, also, whereas, both.
Question 3 12 marks 12 minutes Highlight the key words in the question.
Reading You will need to analyse how the writer
AO2 uses language for a particular purpose.
You will be directed to particular lines.
Remember to: use Point Evidence Explain
You could use your modal verbs and
modifiers here.
Question 4 16 marks 20 minutes Compare how the writer presents..
Reading Remember to: comment on how the
AO3 writer uses words to present an idea. You
can use PEE here and modal verbs and
modifiers.

AO1: identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas; select and synthesise
evidence from different texts
AO2: Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve
effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views
AO3: Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across
two or more texts
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Paper 2
Question 1
This question is a True or False question. Same skill as Paper 1 on the Language
exam.
1. Highlight the key words in the question. It could ask you to find True or False
from the list of statements.
2. Circle the section of the text you are directed to in the question.
3. Reread the section of the text.
4. Look at the list of statements- work out the best 4 that fit the question .
5. Now shade in the boxes. A computer marks this question SO if you don’t
shade you won’t get a mark.

How can you revise?

Pair up with a friend or someone at home. Both of you make up a list of statements
based on an extract from one of your Lit texts, some true and some false. Swap:
can you get the right answers?
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Question 2 – Synthesise

1. Read the question

2. Highlight the key words
3. Highlight and list what you know about the topic in the first extract on a
table
4. Read the second extract and highlight information about the topic- add
to your table
5. Match up anything that is the same
6. Circle and match up anything that is contrasting
7. What does this lead you to infer/realise/appreciate about what I’ve been
asked to focus on?

How do you a structure your answer?

This question is about Statement Quotation Inference: SQI.

Statement Make a point about the topic

Quotation Refer to the text or quote
Inference This might suggest to me that…
You could infer from this that…
LINK- use a conjunction (Linking to the second article)

Statement Make a point about the topic

Quotation Refer to the text or quote
Inference This might suggest to me that…
You could infer from this that…

Inference means what the quotation is telling the reader or suggesting. You are not
analysing the writing or mentioning techniques.
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You need to learn some conjunctions for this question:

Conjunctions
Conjunctions
Similarities Differences
Also
Both Contrastingly
In the same way However
Similarly Whereas

The code marking grid below highlights the skills you need for this question.
Question 2: Write a summary of similarities / differences of… 8 marks
A Pick out up to four differences / similarities between the texts
B Summarise the writer’s perspective for each text (think about
audience and purpose)
C Select key points from both the texts for evidence
D Compare texts within a paragraph
E Use phrases like whereas, similarly, in contrast, on the other hand
F Make connections and links within a whole text and between texts
G Explain ideas by reading between the lines – this suggests / this
implies / this hints – making original points which are not obvious
and predictable
H Comment on why there are similar/different perspectives by making
a connection to the wider world in your explanation
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Question 3- analysing Language

This question is the same as Q2 on Paper 1 of the Language exam.

Use those pages to help you as it IS EXACTLY THE SAME!

The code marking grid below highlights the skills you need for this question.

A Follow the ‘technique-intention-effect’ analysis structure

B Select quotes from the text to support your ideas
C Use a wide number of short quotes in response, synthesising from
different places in the text
D Use sophisticated vocabulary in your analysis, such as:
- specific language terms – simile, metaphor, alliteration
and/or
- grammar terms – verbs, nouns, nouns, adverbs, adjectives
and/or
- advanced terminology – passive sentence , assonance, pathetic
fallacy
E Zoom in on specific words or phrases
F Comment on what the technique suggests / hints / implies about the
person and the effect on the audience
G Explore how there is more than one possible feeling / effect
H Explain why the writer chose the technique / word
I Explain how this word / technique links to the whole extract
J Comment on how sentences are used for impact
K Make a connection across the whole text
and/or
Link techniques together with a similar effect or spot patterns
L Analyse a wide range of literary devices – word, phrase, technique and
sentence form

Question 4 Comparing viewpoints

Suggested tactics
1. Read the question and highlight the key words
2. List in a table words to explain viewpoint for both articles
3. Highlight and annotate examples on the extract
4. Match up similarities/ differences/ contrasts

You are aiming to write about 4 quotations.

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This question is all about viewpoints which means:

Attitudes to
Reactions to
Feelings towards
Opinion about
With this question think about:
1. Why did the writer choose that word? Put the word/ phrase in the middle of a circle.
Now draw another circle around this and put another words the writer could have
used.
2. Why was the original word chosen? Why is it more effective than the other words?

The examiner says they want you to table about effects of language as well as
other methods that could include such things as tone of the writing, use of image to
reinforce meaning, testimonies, foregrounding or emphasis, bias (what is present or
omitted), level of selectivity of information etc.

A Select quotes from the text to support your ideas

B Use speech marks ( ‘quote’) to show you have used a quote
C Spot the different perspectives / ideas on the topic
D Explain the different perspectives
E Comment on how the two perspectives differ
F Comment on how the text is written
G Link an idea / perspective to how the text is written
H Compare how the two texts are written differently
I Use quotes from different parts of the text
J Compare the two texts within a paragraph
K Link different parts of the text together to prove a point
L Link different writing techniques together to show a perspective - humour
and exaggeration
M Comment on how the perspective changes in a text
N Offer subtle and original ideas that are only found after several readings of
the text
O Comment on how the context for writing influences the writing methods and
perspective used
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Question 5

This is marked for content and accuracy. Go online and search for spelling and grammar
games- a fun way to revise.

This question is all about you expressing your viewpoint. You need to make sure your
planning takes account for paragraphs. There are a number of ways you can plan this
question.

You might aim for 5.

1. Engaging opening
2. Main viewpoint
3. Supporting point
4. Attack the opposing view (or you might say why you agree with some aspects)
5. Strong ending summarising your key point

Or you might plan visually:

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Viewpoint writing is marked out of 40marks (24 content, 16 SPaG)

The code marking sheets below show you the skills you are being marked against. You code colour
code each one to show how well you feel you are doing: Green can do, Yellow partly can do or Red
stuck.

Content – 24 marks

A Use a hook to engage the reader from the beginning

B Use connectives to link sentences together
C Use a range of sentence lengths for effect
D Use a register of language suitable for the audience (i.e. formal / informal)
E Use paragraphs to separate ideas & Use a variety of paragraph lengths for effect
F Develop ideas in paragraphs by using counter arguments
G Make sure your writing is structured effectively – links / opening /closing
H Use a range of rhetorical devices correctly and consistently (e.g. repetition,
rhetorical question, address to the reader etc)
I Use knowledge from other sources within your writing
J Use figurative language
K Vary the tone & pace of your writing across the text (e.g. humorous asides,
repeated short sentences, emphatic interjections)
L Present complex and original ideas on the topic showing you have engaged with
and understood different aspects of the argument.

SPAG – 16 marks

A Write in clear sentences

B Use commas correctly (i.e. To mark subordinating clauses and lists – NOT to join
sentences)
C Use a range of sentence openings for effect
D Use a wide range of punctuation marks correctly and consistently (e.g.? ! “ ( ) – : ;)
E Use standard English throughout (except where non-standard English is used for
dramatic effect)
F Use a wide range of ambitious vocabulary terms
G Accurate spelling throughout even of ambitious vocabulary terms
H Use a range of sentence constructions correctly and consistently
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On the next pages there are extracts and questions for both Paper 1 and 2.

Use these articles to try out the help strategies and techniques shown earlier in the
booklet. Don’t just assume you are getting it right- you probably are- make sure you
give some of your longer answers to a teacher to check. You can also look at the
code marking sheets.

The idea of this booklet is that it is a digital device. You will be able to zoom into the
following articles easier on the screen- if you print it they might be blurry.

Good luck.
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25

Enduring Love Questions Paper 1

1. List four features that we find out about the balloon and its passengers in the
opening paragraph.

2. Look in detail at lines 14- 21.

How does the writer use language here effectively to describe the rescue?
You could include the writer’s choice of:
 Words and phrases
 Language features and techniques
 Sentence forms

3. How does the writer structure the whole extract to create a sense of drama?
You could write about:
 What the writer focuses your attention on at the beginning
 How and why the writer changes the focus as the extract develops
 Any other structural features that interest you

4. Focus this part of your answer on the final twenty lines of the source, from line
29 to the end. A student, having read this section of the text said: @In these
lines, the narrator is shown to be a natural leader.’

To what extent do you agree with this view?

In your response, you could:
 Write about your own impressions of the narrator
 Evaluate how the writer has created these impressions
 Support your opinions with quotations from the text

Remember to use the help notes in the earlier part of the booklet.
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27

Paper 1 Questions for Day of the Triffids Paper 1

1. Using the last paragraph list four symptoms of the narrator.

2. Look in detail at lines 32 to 38. How does the writer use language here to
make the triffids seem both strange and threatening?

You could include the writer’s choice of:

 Words and phrases
 Language features and techniques
 Sentence forms

3. How has the writer structured the whole text to interest the reader?

You could write about:

 What the writer focuses your attention on at the beginning
 How and why the writer changes the focus as the extract develops
 Any other structural features that interest you

4. Focus this part of your answer on the second half of the source from line 35 to
the end.
A student, having read this section of the text said:’ In the last twenty lines or
so of this passage, the writer increases the tension as it finally becomes clear
that the triffids are dangerous.’

In your response you could:

 Write about your own impressions of the tension and the way it is
increased
 Evaluate how the writer has created these impressions
 Support your opinions with quotations from the text

Use the help section of the booklet! Remember you might want to give your answer
to an English teacher to check it.
28

Possible Paper 2 extracts

29
30

Paper 2 Questions using Sources 13a and b

1. Read again source 13b, lines 1-7.

Choose four statements below which are TRUE
Shade the boxes for the ones you think are true
Choose a maximum of four statements.

A People are deluded if they think no harm can come to a child if they get
their own way.
B Babies should get their own way until they are older.
C Babies are easy to damage.
D Children should be taught obedience.
E Rules are there to be broken.
F Obedience is the first lesson to be taught.
G Rules are no important to babies.
H Well managed babies understand the meaning of obedience.

2. You need to refer to source 13a and source 13b for this question.
Use details from both sources. Write a summary of the rules for mothers bringing
up young children.

3. You now need to refer only to source 13b.

How does the writer use language to express her viewpoint on parenting?

4, For this question, you need to refer to the whole of source 13a together with
source13b.
Compare how the two writers convey their different attitudes towards children.
In your answer you could:
o Compare their different attitudes
o Compare the methods they use to convey their attitudes
o Support your ideas with quotations from both texts
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32
33

2, You need to refer to source 14a and 14b for this question.
Use details from both sources. Write a summary of the positive aspects of mind-
altering techniques.

3. You now only need to refer to source 14b.

How does the writer use language to interest the reader in hypnotism?

4. For this question, you need to refer to the whole of source 14a together with
source14b.
Compare how the two writers convey their different attitudes towards mind
altering techniques.
In your answer you could:
o Compare their different attitudes
o Compare the methods they use to convey their attitudes
o Support your ideas with quotations from both texts