English Past Paper

SECTION A
Reading

Answer ALL questions in this section.

You should spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes on this section.

The following questions are based on Text One and Text Two in the Source Booklet.
Text One: War Doctor
1 From lines 3–5, select two words or phrases that explain why David Nott works in
war zones.

1. His "desire to use my knowledge as a surgeon to help people".

2. And "thrill of just being in those terrible places" both prove his desire to work to work
in warzones.
2 Look again at lines 26–41.
In your own words, describe what happens.

In lines 26–41, Dr. David Nott and the Italian anaesthetist, Mauro Torre, are in the middle of
performing surgery on a critically injured little girl in a war zone. However, the operation is
abruptly interrupted when the hospital security manager enters the operating theater and
informs them that there is credible intelligence suggesting that the hospital will be targeted
by shelling in just five minutes. As a result, all the hospital staff start evacuating the hospital
hastily, leaving the girl on the operating table. Dr. Nott is faced with a moral dilemma. He is
determined to save the little girl's life and decides to stay behind, urging Mauro to leave if he
wishes. Mauro, after a shared, intense look, also chooses to stay, and they continue the
surgery with the constant threat of a potential missile strike looming over them. The surgery
proceeds calmly despite the peril, and the hospital eventually remains unharmed, with the
little girl's life saved.
3 From lines 62–71, explain what we learn about David Nott’s thoughts and actions.
You may support your points with brief quotations.

David Nott displays a remarkable level of selflessness. He is willing to put the well-being of
the critically injured little girl above his own safety. He states, "I was on my own in the world,
with no parents, no siblings, no wife, no children." This shows that he has a deep sense of
responsibility and empathy, prioritising the life of the innocent child over his own.

David Nott's decision to stay in the operating room despite the imminent threat of an attack
demonstrates his immense courage and determination. He acknowledges the risk but
decides to stay with the belief that he'd rather risk his life than leave the little girl alone. He
says, "I made a conscious decision to stay."

The exchange with Mauro Torre also reveals a sense of companionship and shared purpose.
Mauro decides to stay with David, and their shared look conveys fear, respect, and a
profound understanding of the gravity of their choice.

David Nott's thoughts and actions in this situation underscore his unwavering commitment to
saving lives, even in the face of extreme danger and moral dilemmas.
Text Two: From A Passage to Africa
Remind yourself of the extract from A Passage to Africa (Text Two in the
Source Booklet).
4 How does the writer, George Alagiah, use language and structure in Text Two to
shock the reader?
You should support your answer with close reference to the extract, including
brief quotations.

Alagiah employs vivid and graphic descriptions of the conditions he encounters, evoking
strong sensory reactions in the reader. For example, he describes a woman with a festering
wound on her leg, stating, "Where her shinbone should have been there was a festering
wound the size of my hand. It was rotting; she was rotting." These descriptions shock the
reader by illustrating the gruesome reality of the suffering in Somalia.

The writer uses contrasts effectively to highlight the stark difference between the Western
world and the world of famine and conflict he is reporting on. He mentions the "dignity" of the
people he encounters, who aspire to it even in extreme despair. This highlights the resilience
of the human spirit in the face of adversity and contrasts it with the relative comfort of those
sitting in their living rooms back home.

Alagiah's personal reflection on the smile of one man in the midst of suffering is a poignant
moment in the text. He uses this smile to provoke thought and raise questions about the
observer's role in such situations. He writes, "If he was embarrassed to be found weakened
by hunger and ground down by conflict, how should I feel to be standing there so strong and
confident?" This reflection shocks the reader by challenging them to consider their own
privilege and empathy.

The text presents a shift in perspective when the man's smile turns the tables on the
journalist-subject relationship. This shift is surprising and thought-provoking, as it challenges
the traditional roles and expectations in reporting. The writer's resolution to write the story
with purpose in response to the man's question is a powerful structural element that shocks
the reader by highlighting the journalist's responsibility and the ethical dimension of
storytelling.

Overall, George Alagiah's use of language and structure effectively shocks the reader by
portraying the harsh reality of famine and conflict while prompting reflection on the role of
journalists and the stark contrasts between different worlds.
Question 5 is based on both Text One and Text Two from the Source 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.

Text number one (War Doctor):

Nott's tale has a feeling of urgency and focuses on the human experiences of a physician
operating in a combat zone. To express the gravity of the circumstances, he uses vivid and
detailed language. Nott discusses "pure, hardcore war-trauma surgery" and the turmoil of
mass-casualty situations, for example. He describes medical processes in detail, such as
prepping a girl for surgery and healing her wounds.

Nott's viewpoint is heavily influenced by the medical and humanitarian components of his
profession. He expresses his emotional reactions, such as his determination to stay with the
dying girl despite the possibility of an attack. His point of view is one of direct engagement
and the ethical issues he confronts on the job.

Text One's narrative style is chronological and contemplative, bringing the reader step by
step through Nott's experiences. He emphasises the immediacy and ferocity of the
circumstances he faces, as well as the moral and emotional components of his work.

Text Number Two (A passage to Africa):

Alagiah's account of his experiences as a television reporter in war-torn Somalia is more

introspective and philosophical. He is concerned with the larger context and ramifications of
his work, particularly in respect to the Western audience. He uses descriptive language, but
his depictions are frequently more subdued. He notes the "dignity" of the individuals he
meets, for example, underlining their endurance.

Alagiah's viewpoint differs from Nott's in that it is more observing and introspective. He
considers the ethical elements of his journalistic work, the difficulties of reporting on misery,
and the sharp contrast between the worlds he inhabits and writes on.

Text Two's narrative structure is more contemplative and conceptual. It dives into the ethical
issues created by seeing misery, with Alagiah's comments on a man's desperate grin serving
as a prominent motif. This framework helps him to communicate his experiences in a more
introspective and thought-provoking manner.

In conclusion, while both works convey the difficulties and suffering experienced by people in
crisis circumstances, they do it from different viewpoints and with different narrative
approaches. Nott's Text is distinguished by its immediacy and personal participation in the
area of medicine, whereas Alagiah's Text is more reflective and philosophical, focused on
the larger ramifications of reporting on human suffering.
SECTION B
Transactional Writing
Answer ONE question in this section.

You should spend about 45 minutes on your chosen question.

Begin your answer on page 15.

EITHER
6 ‘By helping others, we can also help ourselves and our communities.’
Write a guide for young people suggesting ways in which they might help
other people.
Your guide may include:
• suggestions as to who might be helped and how
• ways in which helping others can help us and our communities
• any other points you wish to make.
Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling,
punctuation and grammar.

(Total for Question 6 = 45 marks)

OR
7 A magazine is inviting readers to send in an article about the people, places or things
that they will never forget.
Write the article that you would submit to the magazine.
Your article may include:
• a description of the people, places or things that you will never forget
• an explanation of why these are so memorable
• any other points you wish to make.
Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling,
punctuation and grammar.

(Total for Question 7 = 45 marks)

Helping others is not just a noble act, it's a powerful way to make the world a better place. As
young people, you have the energy, creativity, and potential to create positive change. By
helping others, you not only make a difference in their lives but also experience personal
growth and contribute to building stronger, more compassionate communities.

1. Assist the Elderly:

Offer to run errands for elderly neighbours or family members, such as grocery shopping or
picking up prescriptions.
Spend time with them, listening to their stories, and providing companionship.
By helping the elderly, you gain wisdom, patience, and a deeper appreciation for life
experiences.

2. Volunteer for a Cause:

Join local nonprofit organisations, shelters, or environmental groups.

Participate in community clean-up events, charity runs, or food drives.
Volunteering fosters a sense of purpose, empathy, and strengthens your community bonds.

3. Tutoring and Mentorship:

Offer to tutor younger students in subjects you excel in.
Become a mentor to children or teens who may need guidance.
Sharing knowledge and guidance helps them succeed while improving your teaching and
leadership skills.

4. Random Acts of Kindness:

Surprise someone with a small act of kindness, like paying for a stranger's coffee or leaving
an uplifting note in a public place.
Acts of kindness create positivity and joy, both for the receiver and the giver.

5. Environmental Management:

Participate in local eco-initiatives, such as tree planting or recycling programs.

Reduce waste, conserve resources, and help combat climate change.
Contributing to a sustainable environment ensures a better future for all.

6. Fundraising and Charity:

Organise fundraisers or charity events for a cause you're passionate about.

Donate to local charities or nonprofits.
Engaging in fundraising not only supports critical causes but also teaches financial
responsibility and organisational skills.

7. Support Mental Health:

Be there for friends or peers going through tough times, offering a listening ear.
Promote mental health awareness and participate in events to reduce the stigma
surrounding mental health.
Compassion and understanding make us more empathetic individuals and help those who
need it most.

By helping others, you enrich your life and make your community a better place. The impact
of your actions, big or small, extends far beyond the immediate moment. It moulds you into a
responsible, empathetic, and empowered young person who has the potential to create
positive ripples throughout society. Remember, making the world better starts with your
willingness to lend a hand.

Indicate which question you are answering by marking a cross in the box . If you change
your
mind, put a line through the box and then indicate your new question with a cross .
Chosen question number: Question 6 Question 7