Question 3: Model Answer (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)

Revision Note

Deb Orrock

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:

An example of Question 3 with labels pointing to the important parts of the question
Question 3 example

Once you have done this, section off the lines of the text and highlight anything that directly answers the question.

For example:

The section of text for Question 3 with underlining
Question 3 section of text

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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Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

Kate Lee

Author: Kate Lee

Expertise: English and Languages Lead

Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.