Sample Exam Response: Explorers, or just boys messing about? (Grades 5-9)
Past Exam Question:
"How does the writer criticise the actions of the two men in this passage?
You should refer closely to the passage to support your answer. You may include brief quotations." (10 marks)
[Click here for the Pearson exam past paper]
Top-Level Sample Answer (Grade 8-9 style):
In the passage, the writer uses tone, expert opinion, and structural techniques to strongly criticise the actions of the two men, portraying them as reckless and immature.
From the outset, the rhetorical headline “Explorers or boys messing about?” immediately casts doubt on their professionalism. The informal phrase “messing about” trivialises their actions, setting a mocking tone. By questioning their status as explorers, the writer suggests they are undeserving of the title.
The use of expert opinion is also key in criticising the men. The writer quotes an Antarctic expert who refers to one of them as “a clown.” This direct insult from an authority figure discredits the men’s competence and highlights how their behaviour is viewed as foolish by professionals. Additionally, the writer juxtaposes the scale of the rescue operation with the men’s poor judgement. Phrases like “Royal Navy, the RAF and British coastguards” list the vast resources used, while the men are described as flying a “tiny helicopter” into dangerous conditions. This contrast emphasises how irresponsibly small their means were compared to the scale of the consequences. Structurally, the article begins in media res-in the middle of the action-which immediately creates urgency and leads the reader to view the men as the cause of unnecessary chaos. Finally, the use of sarcastic and dismissive language throughout the article, such as “plucked from the sea” and reference to the “costly rescue,” reinforces the view that the men are not only foolish but burdensome to others. The writer’s purpose is to criticise the men’s reckless behaviour, warning readers about the dangers of such irresponsibility. Overall, the writer consistently undermines the men’s credibility, mocks their judgement, and highlights the unnecessary strain they caused on rescue services.
Why this answer fits Grades 8–9:
This answer demonstrates a strong, detailed understanding of how the writer criticises the two men. It includes:
- Clear and focused analysis directly addressing the question throughout.
- Confident use of analytical vocabulary such as juxtaposition, sarcastic tone, and in media res to explain how language and structure create effects.
- Well-chosen quotations smoothly embedded to support points without over-quoting.
- Detailed explanation of how language and structure influence the reader’s view of the men.
- Clear organisation and logical progression of ideas with strong topic sentences.
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Middle-Range Sample Answer (Grade 5-6 style):
The writer criticises the two men by showing they acted irresponsibly and caused unnecessary problems.
At the start, the headline question “Explorers or boys messing about?” makes the men seem immature. The phrase “messing about” suggests they are not serious or careful.
The writer includes an expert calling one man “a clown,” which is a strong insult. This shows that people who know about the area think the men’s actions were foolish.
The passage also explains how a big rescue team, including the “Royal Navy, the RAF and British coastguards,” had to help. This contrasts with the “tiny helicopter” the men used, showing that their plan was unsafe and caused a lot of trouble.
The writer starts the article in the middle of the rescue, which creates a sense of urgency and makes the men’s actions seem immediately dangerous.
Throughout the passage, the writer uses sarcastic and critical language, like “plucked from the sea” and “costly rescue,” to show that the men wasted resources and were careless.
In conclusion, the writer makes it clear that the men were irresponsible and their actions were criticised for being reckless.
Why this answer fits Grades 5-6:
This answer is clear and focused, showing a good understanding of how the writer criticises the two men. It includes:
- Clear points linked to the question - the writer’s criticism of the men’s actions is explained simply and logically.
- Relevant examples and brief quotations - the answer uses quotes like “messing about” and “a clown” to support ideas without overloading the response.
- Basic explanation of language and structure - it identifies the tone (sarcastic, mocking) and the technique of starting in the middle of the action (in media res) without using complicated terms.
- Simple but effective vocabulary and sentence structure - the writing is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible but still analytical.
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I hope these sample answers help you see what makes a strong exam response and how to improve your own writing. The key is to practise spotting how writers use language and structure to create meaning, then explain it clearly with good examples. Keep trying out these techniques in your answers, and don’t worry if it feels tricky at first - it gets easier with practice. If you want to share your own responses or have any questions, please leave a comment below or get in touch.
Good luck - you’re well on your way to nailing this!
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Just a quick note: These sample answers are based on my own study and interpretation from when I took my GCSEs and aren’t official examiners’ answers. They’re meant to help you get a feel for how to approach these types of questions, but always remember to check your own exam board’s guidance and practice widely. I’m sharing this to support fellow students - not as a formal teaching resource.
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