Question 3: Model Answer (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)
Revision Note
Written by: Deb Orrock
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Question 3 is a short-answer question that is worth 5 marks. It will again be based on Text One, the unseen extract, and tests AO1, your ability to select and interpret information, and present this information in your own words.
The following guide will demonstrate how to answer an example of Question 3. It includes:
Example question and text
Question 3 model answer with annotations
Embedding quotations
Summary
Example question and text
Remember, this question will direct you to certain lines of Text One. It is important that you highlight the focus of the question (what you will be looking for in the text).
For example:
Once you have done this, section off the lines of the text and highlight anything that directly answers the question.
For example:
Question 3 model answer with annotations
Based on the above question, the following model answer demonstrates how to write your answer in order to achieve the full 5 marks:
Model answer: The argument between the writer (Deborah) and her parents is about her going away to university. [Marking comments] Deborah’s mother argues that Deborah’s place “is at home with us” until she is married. Deborah does not understand this point of view as her mother has been telling her “how much you hate” Motherwell “all my life”. Her mother’s “pursed lips” clearly show that she is unhappy and she tells Deborah that “your father and I forbid you” from going away to university. [Marking comments] Deborah is defiant and argues back that they can’t “forbid” her because she is “almost eighteen”. [Marking comments] |
Embedding quotations
Embedding quotes from the text means that the quotation forms part of your sentence and it is broken up into the most relevant words or phrases that help you answer the question. Quotes that are not embedded “stand out” from what you are writing and tend to be longer. This becomes an issue if the quotes you are using to support the points you are making in your answer are so long it is not clear which part of it you are using as evidence.
Embedding your quotes also adds maturity and sophistication to your responses, which is required for the highest grades.
Generally quotes that are not embedded are “tacked on” to the beginning or end of a sentence. They are introduced using phrases such as:
This is shown by the quote…
We see this when the writer says…
In line 8 it says…
or if you start your sentence with a direct quote from the text
In contrast, embedded quotes form part of your sentence:
The writer uses the metaphor of the character’s eye as a “laser” which “soon pin-pointed” Sacha. This implies that her eyes are a weapon and that Sacha is the target to be locked in on
The character is described as a “big, ugly” guy with a “mean” expression on his face. The use of the adjective “mean” suggests that this is someone you would not want to aggravate
Embedding your quotations helps you to identify the specific language the writer has used and comment on why the writer may have used it. This helps to get you marks!
Summary
Remember to read the question carefully and highlight:
The instructions (what you have got to do)
The focus of the question (what you are being asked to write about)
This answer should be written in paragraph form, or in five separate, complete sentences - do not use bullet points or single words:
However, do not spend too long on this question or write too much
You can only gain 5 marks so use your time wisely
There will always be more than five possible points that could be made
The best answers use a good balance of short quotation and some interpretation, paying attention to how many marks the question is worth
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