GCSE EnglishEnglish Language AQA Foundation WalkingTalking Mock Exam

GCSE English/English Language AQA Foundation Walking/Talking Mock Exam

Section A: Reading

READ THE QUESTIONS FOR SECTION A HIGHLIGHT key words (so you know what you’re looking for when reading the insert) 2 minutes FOUNDATION questions often have bullet points to help you structure your ideas and your answers.

READ THE INSERT THREE non-fiction texts (newspaper article, extract from a biography, travel writing, etc) HIGHLIGHT key words (that help you understand what the text is about and will help you answer the questions in Section A) 13 minutes

QUESTION 1 6 minutes - Read and understand non-fiction texts Technique: Write FOUR simple bullet points • Make sure each point is relevant to the question • No need for full sentences • Don’t write too much or spend too long • No need for direct quotation – just the facts will do

QUESTION 2 6 minutes - Read and understand non-fiction texts - Select quotations to support ideas Technique: 4 marks = 2 ideas 2 x Idea + Quotation + Impact on reader We discover that beaches in Spain can be very exciting places. For example the author says, “The sea is like a roller coaster”. This description shows that it is unpredictable and fun to visit the beaches there.

QUESTION 3 12 minutes - Read and understand non-fiction texts - Select quotations to support ideas - Comment on the use of language on its impact on the reader Technique: 8 marks = 4 ideas 4 x Idea + Quotation + Impact on reader The reader understands that the author found their experience on the British Ski team very exciting. For example, as he explains his reaction the author says, “It was a thrilling, out-of-this-world experience. ” The use of the words “thrilling” and “out-of-this-world” emphasise how unusual the trip was and how pleased the author was to be taking part in the event.

QUESTION 4 18 minutes - Select quotations to support ideas - Comment on the use of language on its impact on the reader Technique: 12 marks = 6 ideas 3 for each bullet point 3 x Idea + Quotation + Impact on reader – inform 3 x Idea + Quotation + Impact on reader – advise

QUESTION 4 18 minutes Technique: 12 marks = 6 ideas 3 for each bullet point 3 x Idea + Quotation + Impact on reader The article includes dramatic language which describes the disaster. For example, at the start he explains how, “The rocks tumbled and rumbled all around as they crashed heavily to the floor. ” The repetition of sound in “tumbled and rumbled” emphasises the loud and scary noises caused by the earthquake. In addition, the word “heavily” suggests that the rocks were large and possibly dangerous, raising the tension the reader feels as they read.

QUESTION 5 18 minutes - Comment on use of layout and presentational devices and their impact on the reader - Compare and cross-reference texts Technique: 12 marks = 6 ideas 3 comparative PEA paragraphs 3 x Description of presentational feature + Impact on reader – first text 3 x Description of presentational feature + Impact on reader – second text

QUESTION 5 18 minutes Technique: 12 marks = 6 ideas 3 comparative PEA paragraphs 3 x Description of presentational feature + Impact on reader – first text 3 x Description of presentational feature + Impact on reader – second text Source 1 makes use of very vivid and bright colours. For example, the background is bright blue. This reminds the reader of the sea and suggests that the article is focused on persuading us to visit somewhere fun and lively, with plenty of beaches. In contrast, Source 2 uses dark and serious colours. For example, the main picture uses large areas of black and grey, especially in the section which shows the poor people’s houses. These colours emphasise the dark and difficult lives the people have to endure. This is also used to persuade the reader, but this time it is to persuade them to give money to the charity, not to buy a holiday.

Section B: Writing

24 minutes 36 minutes FLAP: Form, Language, Audience, Purpose – HIGHLIGHT these in the question Brainstorm/Plan: Variety of: 16 marks: 3– 4 ideas/sections 24 marks: 4– 6 ideas/sections Vocabulary Sentence Structures Paragraphs Punctuation