GCSE English Language Paper 1

Walking/Talking Mock Exam

Section A:Reading

READ THE INSERTYou will read ONE extract from a 20th or 21st century piece of FICTION.

Read the text through once so that you have a clear understanding of what it’s about.

5 minutes

QUESTION 1: The information retrieval question

Technique: Re-read the part of the text the question directs you toHighlight key pieces of information related to the question (about the boy)Identify and write down FOUR pieces of explicit information related to the questionWrite your four points clearly

Skill(s) tested:Identify explicit information and ideas in texts

5 minutes

Skill(s) tested:Comment on the use of language and sentence structures and their effect on the readerSelect relevant quotations to support your ideas

QUESTION 2: The language analysis question

Technique: Re-read the part of the text the question directs you toHighlight examples of interesting vocabulary, writer’s devices and sentence formsIdentify specific words/language techniques/sentence structures (including quotations)Comment on their impact / effect on the reader

The writer uses a metaphor to describe the excitement of the journey. He calls the train “a blaze of gold across the desert”, suggesting that the train is fast (“blaze”) and that the journey they are taking is worthwhile: ‘gold’ has connotations of wealth and power. This makes the reader feel excited about the journey and hopeful that it succeeds, since it seems to be doing good. The use of the one word sentence, “Onward”, also implies the journey is a positive one. The word “Onward” is an imperative and the sense of command is emphasised by the dramatic impact of the one-word sentence.

12 minutes

Skill(s) tested:Comment on the use of structure and its effect on the readerRefer to the text to support your ideas

QUESTION 3: The structure analysis question

Technique (1): Re-read the extractHighlight examples of structural techniques as you read, using the bullet points to guide what you highlight:

what the writer focuses your attention on at the beginning

how and why the writer changes this focus as the Source develops

any other structural features that interest you

12 minutes

QUESTION 4: The critical response question

Skill(s) tested:Evaluate what another person thinks about the text – and if you agree or notComment on the techniques the writer uses and how they affect the readerSelect relevant quotations to support your ideas

Technique: Re-read the part of the text the question directs you toHighlight any parts that agree/disagree with the statement in the questionState your opinion either for or against the statementIdentify specific words/language techniques (including quotations)Comment on their impact / effect on the reader

This part of the extract definitely creates a sense of fun and excitement for the reader by the hyperbolic way the writer describes the things they will see at the fair. The simile, ‘toffee apples like sentries standing to attention’ makes them appear like they’re on parade, waiting for the children’s arrival. Likewise, the use of personification to describe the merry-go-round ‘laughing happily’ implies that the fair is a happy place and the attractions are joining in with the fun.

26 minutes

Section B:Writing

Skill(s) tested:Content and Organisation (24 marks)

Write in a powerful, interesting way Use powerful, effective vocabulary and

language techniques Use paragraphs to structure your work

Technical accuracy (16 marks) Use a variety of sentence structures Spell accurately, including ambitious

words Use a range of punctuation accurately

FLAP: Form, Language, Audience, Purpose – HIGHLIGHT these in the question

Brainstorm/Plan:

45 minutes

Variety of: Vocabulary ParagraphsSentence Structures Punctuation

Choose ONE question from the two options