Exam practice for Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 1: 'The Brazilian Cat'

An example exam-style question from the resource:

4. In this text there is an attempt to convey the narrator’s feelings about a frightening situation. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. (15 marks)

Peer or self-assessment mark scheme:

It’s important that your response focuses on the question and on how well the writer has achieved a representation of the narrator’s feelings about a frightening situation (not just on how it has been achieved).

In an examiner’s report it says:

The focus of evaluation is upon how well something has been achieved, not merely upon how it has been achieved; it is an assessment of the relative success of the writer rather than simply an explanation of the techniques that have been used. (Examiner’s report 2018)

Make use of words such as: successfully, effectively, certainly, clearly, skillfully, convincingly in their response.

In addition, you could include comments on:

• The opening of the text with the puma’s initial assault on the narrator: ‘One sharp white hook’ to describe the claw and the fact that this is classed as ‘an experiment’ but results in a ‘furrow’ of an injury; the reader realises how serious an attack would be.
• The narrative viewpoint — the first-person narration makes the scene seem more immediate and real.
• Chronological narrative without flashbacks or backstory concentrates the reader on events as they unfold and on the narrator’s increasing fear as the night passes.
• References to the passing of time throughout the text.