Question 4: Model Answer (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)

Model answer:

The writer uses language and structure to show that people thought the actions of the two explorers were foolish and irresponsible. [Marking comment] The writer establishes doubt over the respectability of the men’s actions immediately through the use of the rhetorical “Explorers or boys messing about?” in the title. The use of the phrase “boys messing about” also suggests the immaturity of the explorers, which is an implication repeated throughout the text. [Marking comment] This establishes the writer’s point of view that the two men probably behaved irresponsibly. This is reinforced by the use of language such as “farce” suggesting the absurdity of the situation.

The writer alternates between factual short paragraphs and opinion, which in itself is presented as fact through the use of “experts” and spokespeople. This again presents the writer as biased towards the idea of this adventure being a waste of time and money. [Marking comment] Again, this is reinforced by including the information that the rescue cost “tens of thousands of pounds”, suggesting disapproval of the explorers’ selfish attitude, especially as it is “highly unlikely” that the cost would be recouped. [Marking comment]

Furthermore, the writer continues to use language that implies a childhood adventure gone wrong by describing their helicopter as “trusty” and one of the men’s wives describing them as “boys messing about with a helicopter”, which in itself indicates a lack of pride or patience for her husband’s exploits. The writer then goes on to include detailed facts about the rescue, including the fact that HMS Endurance was involved, to convey the severity of the situation and contrast this with the men’s immature attitudes. [Marking comment]

This contrast is reinforced by the use of experts to question the men’s competence. One Antarctic explorer thinks that it was “nothing short of a miracle” that the men had survived, and Gunter Endres’ criticism of their choice of helicopter is backed up with his credentials. In contrast, the writer makes clear that one of the men only “claims” to have been flying since the age of five, casting doubt upon this assertion. To cement his criticism of the pair, the writer uses another example of a failed expedition, as this is “not the first time” the two men have found themselves in difficult situations.

Finally, the writer concludes the passage with the patronising comment that the men will probably have “their bottoms kicked and be sent home” to circle back to the idea of them being immature children playing a game, reinforcing the overall negative view of the actions of the two explorers. [Marking comment]