Question 6 (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Model Answers

Answer:

Purves largely succeeds in convincing the reader that moving to a smaller house is a positive experience. From the opening of the extract, Purves uses first person to indicate that the events described are personal, creating an authenticity of experience which makes the reader more inclined to believe her. The exclamation 'We did it!' convincingly shows that downsizing was a positive experience that the writer and her husband are proud of. However, as the reader progresses through the text, the positivity shown towards downsizing may appear unrealistic for many, as Purves initially had a very large house with 'a huge basement library, dining-room and mini-cinema, a big sitting room, three bedrooms plus guest flat'. Many readers may not be able to afford such a large house. Downsizing may seem impossible for them, and they might resent Purves for her wealth and ability to move to a smaller house.

Although the readers' financial situation may differ from Purves', the depiction of downsizing is overtly positive. Purves' use of negative adjectives to describe the 'hardly noticed' items and 'junk' that littered her 'sprawling vagueness' of a home in Dunwich provides a stark contrast between the two homes and makes her former home seem like a messy burden compared to her new 'shipshape' accommodation. The extended metaphor of the home and possessions as living things that can be 'neglected' and 'sigh with relief' at the clearing of clutter is effective in painting downsizing as a positive experience that can allow possessions to 'spring back to life in their new setting'. Purves' separation of this phrase from the main body of the text is effective in emphasising the new feeling of life she has found from moving to a smaller house.

The writer also effectively addresses some of the concerns the reader may feel about downsizing. While the bedrooms are 'small', their 'shipshape' nature encourages the reader to feel that downsizing may be a practical option; this is reinforced by the writer's indication that downsizing can be attempted by any reader, as 'many of the lessons we learned apply to anyone'. Her use of imperatives like 'Take a deep breath, get some plastic boxes and start half a year before the move' effectively encourages the reader to take action, and addresses their potential anxieties by encouraging them to 'take a deep breath' before starting. She also answers some of the questions readers may have when she uses the one-word questions 'Furniture?' and 'Books?' to introduce her paragraphs.

Finally, Purves successfully portrays moving to a smaller house as positive when she suggests to the reader that the experience can reinvigorate them and bring back feelings of youth and achievement. There is a clear tone of pride in her assertion that 'We defied sentiment and moved on', and a feeling of regeneration when she concludes that 'it's more like being newlyweds again'. Overall, Purves is successful in using language and structure to portray her move to a smaller house as a positive achievement. However, it should be noted that not all readers would be able to move house like Purves does—either because the space they already have is vital, or because they cannot afford to move.