Preparing for the Longer Answer on the Reading Paper

Q How does the whole extract show that the Ellis Island museum would be an interesting place to visit?

You should comment on how the extract:

-  makes the reader interested in the new arrival’s experiences

-  describes the museum itself

-  shows that the Ellis Island museum plays an important part in American history.

(up to 5 marks)

AF6: identify and comment on writers’ purposes and viewpoints and the overall effect of the text on the reader

Criteria

Award 1 or 2 marks for a response which identifies one or two examples from the extract showing that Ellis Island would be an interesting place to visit, e.g. The museum has a whole lot of belongings that the arrivals brought with them. The text may be paraphrased or referred to but there may be more focus on what the museum is like than on how the extract shows that it would be interesting to visit. There may be some awareness of effect, e.g. The museum is described so you feel as if you’re there and want to go and see it, but the response may tend to be descriptive in content and all the prompts may not be addressed.

Award 3 marks for an explanation which shows some understanding of how the extract shows that Ellis Island Museum would be an interesting place to visit, e.g. The museum would be an interesting place to visit because the people of America could see if their ancestors had been there. There is evidence of awareness of the effect of text, e.g. The museum is described as ‘beautifully laid out’ and ‘it brings the past to life.’ Relevant references are included to support views but all the prompts may not be equally addressed.

Award 4 or 5 marks for a response which explores how the extract shows that Ellis Island Museum would be an interesting place to visit, e.g. ‘clambered onto the decks’ makes the reader realise how exciting and important the passengers’ arrival in America was for them. There will be some recognition that material is deliberately selected or techniques used to show that the museum would be an interesting place to visit, for example a range of effects on the reader may be commented on. e.g. The museum is ‘well-ordered’ which makes it sound an attractive and informative place to the reader. The voices from the past ‘whispering memories’ makes it sound strange and you would want to go and experience the place for yourself. All the prompts should be addressed and appropriate references are precisely and concisely made.