GCSE English Language Mock Walkthrough
Paper 1 - Reading and Writing Using 'The Scarlet Plague' by Jack London Year 11 EDUQAS Specification
Learning Objectives
Understand EDUQAS Paper 1 structure and timing Practice reading comprehension techniques Develop analytical writing skills Apply exam strategies for maximum marks Build confidence for the real exam
Paper 1 Overview
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes Section A: Reading (40 marks) Section B: Writing (40 marks) Total marks: 80 Two distinct texts to analyze
About 'The Scarlet Plague'
Written by Jack London in 1912 Post-apocalyptic science fiction novel Story of disease wiping out civilization Survivor tells story to his grandsons Early example of dystopian fiction
Extract Context
'Granser, one of the only survivors, is telling his grandsons about the time of the plague and just after it.'
Success Criteria for Reading Questions
Always quote from the text to support answers Use your own words to explain quotations Consider the writer's methods and effects Structure answers clearly with topic sentences Show understanding of context and purpose
Question 1: Five Ways the World Changed
Lines 1-14 focus Simple retrieval question Worth 5 marks (1 mark each) Look for clear, obvious changes Quote or paraphrase acceptable
Question 1: Model Answers
{"left":"Cities and towns became empty/deserted\nWild animals took over human spaces\nNature reclaimed civilized areas","right":"Social order collapsed completely\nTechnology and infrastructure abandoned"}
Question 2: Language and Animal Changes
Lines 15-33 focus Language analysis question Worth 5 marks Look for specific words and phrases Explain the effect of language choices
Language Analysis Techniques
Identify specific words/phrases Name the technique (if applicable) Explain the effect on the reader Link to the writer's purpose Use subject terminology
Question 2: Model Response Structure
The writer uses... (technique/word) This suggests/shows that... The effect on the reader is... This helps us understand... Link to overall purpose/theme
Practice: Animal Language Analysis
Find a quotation about animals in lines 15-33 What technique is the writer using? What effect does this have?
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