KS4 English Paper 1 - Mock Exam: Readings and Questions / Rubrics and Answers (Higher Level)

KS4 English Paper 1 - Mock Exam: Readings and Questions / Rubrics and Answers (Higher Level)

Seven Readings: The passages used in this resource are as follows:

Source 1: The opening of a short story titled ‘A Vendetta’ by Guy de Maupassant.
Source 2: The opening of a short story titled ‘The Terrible Old Man’ by H.P. Lovecraft (1920).
Source 3: The opening of a short story titled ‘Lost Hearts’ by M.R. James (1904).
Source 4: The opening of a short story titled ‘The Cat’ by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (19th century).
Source 5: A short story titled ‘One Summer Night’ by Ambrose Bierce (1893).
Source 6: The opening of a short story titled ‘The Splendid Cannibals’ by Ransom Riggs (2016).
Source 7: The opening of a book titled ‘Wereworld: The Shadow of the Hawk’ by Curtis Jobling (2012).
Four Types of Questions: The questions reflect the typical structure of Paper 1, with tasks that test:

Reading comprehension (e.g., identifying specific details or explaining language use)
Analytical skills (e.g., exploring language, structure, and effect)
Evaluation (e.g., interpreting the writer’s intentions and the impact on the reader)
Sample Answers: Each question is accompanied by well-structured example answers that demonstrate how to respond effectively. These responses are designed to showcase higher-level analysis and critical thinking.

Marking Rubrics: The rubrics provide a clear guide to how answers are marked, explaining the criteria for each level of response. Students can use these to assess their own work or guide their revision.

Progression of Difficulty: The readings and questions increase in complexity, encouraging students to develop and refine their analytical skills as they move through the resource.

Focus on Key Exam Skills: The resource supports the development of essential skills such as:

Identifying and analyzing language and structural features
Evaluating the writer’s choices and their effect on the reader
Demonstrating clear and concise written expression
Understanding and responding to different types of exam questions
Usage:
In-Class Practice: Teachers can use this resource in lessons for group work, discussions, and individual practice.
Independent Study: Students can use the resource for self-study, enhancing their exam readiness with clear examples of how to approach each question type.
Targeted Feedback: The rubrics help both students and teachers provide targeted feedback based on clear criteria, allowing for focused improvement in specific areas.
Revision Tool: Ideal for exam preparation, as it offers a detailed breakdown of how to approach Paper 1 effectively and how to achieve higher-level responses.
This resource provides everything a KS4 student needs to refine their reading, analysis, and writing skills, ensuring they are fully prepared for Paper 1 of their English Language exam at the higher level.