����ý

Here are examples of answers for both foundation tier and higher tier that are just focused on point one of the extract.

Foundation tier question sample answer one – based on main point one

At the start of the extract, Lennie has killed Curley’s wife and he realises what he has done: And then he whispered in fright, “I done a bad thing. I done another bad thing. This shows that Lennie knows that he has killed Curley’s wife and that this is wrong. Lennie pets soft things all the way through the story and kills them, like mice and then the puppy which Slim gives to him, so this shows that he is capable of killing people as well as animals.

Feedback

• This response is not focused on the extract only. You should not write about other parts of the story, just about the section you have been given for this question.
• The quotation used is too long. Try to use quotations of only a few words.
• The comment on this quotation explains what it means rather than what it suggests. To get a good mark for this question, you must comment on the sub-text, not just the basic meaning of quotations.
• The second half of this answer does not answer the question, as it is just focused on Lennie’s character. Make sure you read the question carefully and keep your whole answer centred around it.

Foundation tier question sample answer two – based on main point one

The extract immediately has a feeling of unease as Lennie begins to realise the seriousness of what he has done and whispered in fright. This makes me think that he understands that Curley’s wife is dead and that this will have consequences, as he is scared and is whispering as if he cannot face up to what has happened. He repeats that he has done a bad thing, which makes me feel that he is panicking and does not know how to respond to what has happened, which creates a feeling of anxiety.

Feedback

• A secure foundation tier response.
• This has started to track through the response so the content is covered logically and comprehensively.
• Quotations (which are not too long) are used regularly to support the answer.
• Comments are all focused on answering the question and show understanding of what is suggested by the quotations.
• This is just the start of the response – try finishing it yourself, making sure you cover as much of the extract as you can.

Higher tier question sample answer one – based on main point one

There is an anxious atmosphere in this extract as a result of the death of Curley’s wife and Lennie’s reaction to this. Lennie whispers I done a bad thing. I done another bad thing. This demonstrates his awareness of the reality of what he has done in killing Curley’s wife, creating a sense of fear because his realisation alerts the reader to the potential consequences of his crime. Lennie then goes to the brush, as instructed by George at the start of the book, and waits for him there, and he is then killed by George. Lennie’s recognition of what he has done in this extract is the start of the events that will lead to his tragic death.

Feedback

• This answer uses a quotation from the extract, but it begins to talk about the book as a whole, which is unnecessary in an extract question.
• The second part of the question is not answering the question. It is very important to concentrate on what the question is asking throughout your answer, otherwise you will not be able to achieve high marks.
• In higher tier responses, more detailed close analysis of quotations is required. Try to focus on particular words and phrases and their effect on the reader.

Higher tier question sample answer two – based on main point one

Lennie’s sudden understanding of Curley’s wife’s death creates an atmosphere of anxiety early in this extract. Lennie whispered in fright, upon his realisation; this whispering implies that he is too scared to be able to express himself or disturb the silence of the barn, creating a mood of uncertainty for the reader. Lennie’s repetition of a bad thing, reminds us of his vulnerability through the simplistic language, suggesting childishness and lack of deeper understanding. Coupled with his fright, this establishes an atmosphere of apprehension, as Lennie’s actions have been so severe that there must be some consequences for them.

Feedback

• A strong higher tier response.
• This answer also shows signs of tracking through the extract carefully.
• Brief quotations are analysed in some detail.
• There is evidence of evaluation of the text.
• There is a clear focus on exploring the mood and atmosphere of the extract.
• This is just the start of the response – try finishing it yourself, making sure you cover as much of the extract as you can.