English Language Paper 1 mock exam: A School Visit and A Passage to India

The following questions are based on A School Visit

1. From lines 4-8 select two words or phrases that describe how the boys
or girls are dressed. (2 marks)

2. Look again at lines 9-17.

In your own words, explain how the how the writer feels about what he
experiences. (4 marks)

3. Look again at lines 18-37.

What do you learn about the school and its community? You may
support your points with brief quotations. (5 marks)

Remind yourself of the extract from A Passage to Africa

4. How does George Alagiah present his views about his experiences as a
television reporter?
You should support your answer with close reference to the extract,
including brief quotations. (12 marks)

Question 5 is based on both texts from the extract booklet

5. Compare how the writers present their ideas and perspectives about
their experiences.
Support your answer with detailed examples from both texts, including
brief quotations. (22 marks)

Total = /45
Answers:
1. From lines 4-8 select two words or phrases that describe how the boys or girls are
dressed. (2 marks)
 “dressed in their smartest party outfits”
 “shirts became untucked”
 “odd hole appeared in the knee of a new pair of trousers”
 “neat”
 “tidy”

2. Look again at lines 9-17.

In your own words, explain how the how the writer feels about what he
experiences. (4 marks)
 The singing of the school’s anthem was impressive and accomplished
 He was impressed by how patriotic and serious the students took the singing of their
national anthem
 The piano player’s singing had a detrimental effect on the rendition of the national
anthem as she was too loud/made it difficult to hear the children
 The seriousness of the affair made the writer feel a shared sense of respect and want
to reflect this seriousness too.
 He thought the whole affair was conducted in a respectful way and was impressed
by it.

3. Look again at lines 18-37.

What do you learn about the school and its community? You may support your
points with brief quotations. (5 marks)
 “a number of children stood up to report” – the children take an active part in their
school and learning
 “impressively numerous” – the pupils are offered a lot in terms of extra-curricular
activities
 “the staff had provided all this for the children” or “roughly 600 miles away” – the
staff are dedicated and went ‘above and beyond’ for the benefit of their pupils
 “every child had the chance to stand up and receive a small neatly wrapped parcel” –
the school had an inclusive and celebratory attitude
 “the Headteacher to wish[ed] everyone a happy holiday” – the headteacher creates
a positive and friendly atmosphere in the school
 “smart new building” – the headteacher is proud of the new facilities
 “all eyes were upon me” or “smug satisfaction and shrugged” – the headteacher is
happy to embarrass a guest if it means the best outcome for his school
 “an encouraging thump on the shoulder” or “enthusiastic nodding of heads” – the
teachers and parents are keen and for the writer to work in the school and
appreciate his support
4.

5.