The two texts show personal experiences of poverty - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
The two texts show personal experiences of poverty.
What similarities do these experiences share in these extracts?
Use evidence from both texts to support your answ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The two texts show personal experiences of poverty - Edexcel - GCSE English Language - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Similarities in Experiences of Fear and Danger
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Answer
Both texts convey a profound sense of fear and danger related to poverty and homelessness. In Text 1, the writer articulates the fear of an uncertain future with the line, 'it is the thing you have feared all your life.' Similarly, in Text 2, the phrase 'it can happen terrifyingly easily' highlights the precariousness of their situation.
Step 2
Everyday Struggles
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Answer
The writers in both texts depict the everyday struggles associated with poverty. For instance, Text 1 includes experiences like washing clothes and attempting to focus on basic tasks such as 'trying to do my homework,' indicating an effort to maintain normalcy despite their situation. Similarly, Text 2 offers a glimpse of their daily challenges when mentioning the need to 'keep up appearances,' reflecting ongoing attempts to cope.
Step 3
Isolation and Loneliness
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Both texts emphasize feelings of isolation. In Text 1, the writer discusses solitary experiences, whereas in Text 2, the mention of a woman who is left alone captures the sense of abandonment and loneliness that often accompanies poverty.
Step 4
Stages of Emotional Impact
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The emotional toll of poverty is another shared theme. Text 1 describes how individuals go through stages of depression, echoing Text 2's mention of experiencing 'stages of despair.' This emotional exhaustion commonly arises from their situations.
