This is the first of several exemplars from the May 2022 Paper 1 examination (time zone 2) we are publishing.  This model example responds to a blog by a journalist travelling by bike.  Of course, Higher Level students must write a guided textual response to each text provided, and this one was tough.  InThinking has already published an exemplar on the other text, found here.    

The guiding question for this text was: Examine how the narrative voice is used in this text to create a sense of immediacy whilst also attempting to involve the reader.

This is an excellent exemplar to use with students.  It is one of the rare responses that is able to identify and discuss humor effectively.  The student also understands and interprets the text really well.  But, this response doesn't score top marks; there needs to be more in-depth analysis of the writer's choices, especially after the evidence.  There are too many missed opportunities in criterion B.  And this is where your teaching can come in!  Ask students where and how they would expand the textual analysis to achieve top marks.  

Teachers – and students who have been given “student access” for free - can find the exemplar here.

Best,

Tim and David