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The two texts show events at the Olympic Games - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 7
The two texts show events at the Olympic Games. What similarities do these events share in these extracts? Use evidence from both texts to support your answer. (b) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The two texts show events at the Olympic Games - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 7 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
What similarities do these events share in these extracts?
Answer
Both texts depict the challenges faced by runners during Olympic events, illustrating key incidents that reveal emotional states and societal perspectives. In Text 1, Zola Budd's experience is marked by a collision leading to her disqualification, which emphasizes the pressure athletes face. She states, 'Straight after the collision, though, Zola glared sharply to her left to see what had happened,' highlighting the intensity of the situation. Similarly, Text 2 covers the event from the perspective of another runner who says, 'the important thing was not the winning but the taking part,' which signifies a broader understanding of sportsmanship beyond victory.
Moreover, both texts showcase the reaction of the crowd, underscoring the significance of public perception. In Text 1, there are 'crowd’s boos,' while Text 2 reports the crowd's view of the athletes, where they felt 'admirat[ion] for the winner.' These shared experiences reflect the universal nature of struggles and triumphs in Olympic events.
Step 2
Compare how the writers of Text 1 and Text 2 present ideas and perspectives about taking part in international competitions.
Answer
Both texts emphasize the importance of competing for one's country, illustrating diverse perspectives on international competitions. In Text 1, Mary Decker and Wendy Sly express their motivations, with Sly stating, 'Out in the lead I felt inspired,' which conveys a sense of pride. In contrast, Text 2 presents Sir Roger Bannister's views on the experience, noting that 'he felt no bitterness at the outcome of my own race,' showcasing a more philosophical approach.
Additionally, the texts present differing attitudes towards success and failure. Text 1 shows a sense of disillusionment, as reflected in Zola's frustration after an incident during her run. In contrast, Text 2 mentions the more supportive view of runners as they learn to appreciate participation over just winning. This highlights how the writers convey contrasting ideas about the essence of competition: Text 1 focuses on individual struggles, while Text 2 promotes community and sportsmanship.
Lastly, the use of language differentiates the texts; Text 1 uses emotive language to draw readers into the athletes’ personal battles, while Text 2’s objective tone provides a broader perspective on the nature of the events.