Past Paper Questions - Section B (i)

These questions are always based on one of the Language Anthology Section A extracts that we have studied in class. You will be asked to write an analytical essay about these extracts in exactly the same way that you would usually write an essay about your literature texts. As such it is really important that you remember to write PEE paragraphs and include quotations from the text to support your points. This question is testing your ability to read and so spelling and grammar are not awarded but they are still important in creating a good impression. This question is worth 10 marks and so you should spend about 20 minutes on it.

May 2010 – Shopping for Romanian Babies

In the passage, the writer is shocked by some of her experiences. What do we learn about the people she meets, and the places she visits, from her account? You should refer closely to this passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.

November 2009 – Touching the Void

Joe and Simon describe the same event, but react to and write about it in very different ways. How does each writer present his particular point of view? You may include brief quotations from the passage to support your answer.

May 2009 – Chinese Cinderella

Adeline Yen Mah experiences both fear and joy during the course of this passage. How does the writer enable the reader to appreciate both of these aspects of her experience? You should refer closely to this passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.

November 2008 – Impact Alert

How does the writer try to make a difficult subject clear to the reader? You may include brief quotations from the passage to support your answer.

May 2008 – I Never Thought I Could be this Lucky

How does the writer try to interest the reader more in Karen’s achievements than in her accident? You should refer closely to this passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.

November 2007 – Explorers or Boys Messing About

How does the writer’s presentation of the facts in this passage make his opinions clear? You should refer closely to the passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.

May 2007 – Touching the Void

Simon feels powerful emotions and yet reaches calm, logical conclusions. How does the writer present both these aspects of his experience? You should refer closely to the passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.

November 2006 –Shopping for Romanian Babies

Describe something that you feel is unjust or wrong in your own life, or in the wider world, and write about how you would like to see it changed for the better.

November 2005 – Chinese Cinderella

Look again at lines 29 – 79 where the writer speaks with her father. How does the writer help us to understand her thoughts and feelings during this section? You should refer closely to the passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.

May 2005 – Explorers or Boys Messing About?

How does the writer encourage us to take an unsympathetic view of the actions of the two men? You should refer closely to the passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations.