GCSE English Language 2.0 – New Years – Paper 1

Section A – Reading

Read Text 1 below and then answer Questions 1–3.

In the essay which first appeared in the January 1821 issue of The London Magazine, essayist Charles Lamb reflects on the passage of time.

Every man hath two birth-days: two days, at least, in every year, which set him upon revolving the lapse of time, as it affects his mortal duration. The one is that which in an especial manner he termeth his. This custom of solemnizing our proper birth-day hath nearly passed away, or is left to children, who reflect nothing at all about the matter, nor understand any thing in it beyond cake and orange. But the birth of a New Year is of an interest too wide to be pretermitted by king or cobbler. No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left.

The elders, with whom I was brought up, were of a character not likely to let slip the sacred observance of any old institution; and the ringing out of the Old Year was kept by them with circumstances of peculiar ceremony. In those days the sound of those midnight chimes, though it seemed to raise hilarity in all around me, never failed to bring a train of pensive imagery into my fancy. Yet I then scarce conceived what it meant, or thought of it as a reckoning that concerned me.

Not childhood alone, but the young man till thirty, never feels practically that he is mortal. But now, shall I confess a truth? I feel these audits but too powerfully. I begin to count the probabilities of my duration, and to grudge at the expenditure of moments and shortest periods, like miser’s farthings.

I am not content to pass away “like a weaver’s shuttle.” I care not to be carried with the tide, that smoothly bears human life to eternity. I am in love with this green earth; the face of town and country; the unspeakable rural solitudes, and the sweet security of streets.

I am content to stand still at the age to which I am arrived; I, and my friends: to be no younger, no richer, no handsomer. I do not want to be weaned by age; or drop, like mellow fruit, as they say, into the grave. Any alteration, on this earth of mine, in diet or in lodging, puzzles and discomposes me. My household-gods plant a terrible fixed foot, and are not rooted up without blood. A new state of being staggers me.

Read Text 2 below and then answer Questions 4-6.

In this edited extract from an 1823 newspaper report, the writer describes their New Year’s Day celebrations.

New Year’s Day in Paris is the most remarkable day in the whole year; all the shops are shut; labour suspends his toil; commerce reposes on her oars; and the philosopher postpones his studies.

For several weeks preceding New Year’s Day, various classes of ingenious artists employ all their talents and skill to shine with an uncommon lustre on the auspicious opening of the New Year; these are the confectioners, the embossers of visiting cards, the jewellers, etc; and their shops on this day display a degree of taste and magnificence difficult to describe, and totally unknown in England. This is the day of universal greetings, of renewing  acquaintances, of counting how many links have been broken by time last year in the circles of friendship, and what new ones have replaced them.

All persons, whatever may be their rank, degree, or profession, form a list of the names of persons whose friendship they wish to preserve or cultivate, to each of these persons a porter is sent, to deliver their card. Those more particularly connected with them by blood or friendship are visited in person; and all who meet embrace on this happy day. Millions of cards are distributed; and nothing is seen in the streets but well-dressed persons going to visit their friends and relations, and renew, in an affectionate manner, all the endearing charms of friendship. On this day, too, parents, friends, and lovers, bestow their presents on the various objects of their affection, and pour out many draughts of the most delightful balm that human nature can partake.

SECTION A – Reading

Read Text 1 and answer Questions 1–3.

Q1. Identify four feelings or thoughts the writer has about the passing of time. (4 marks)

Q2. In paragraphs 2 and 3, the writer tries to show how his attitude to time has changed as he has grown older. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. Give three reasons for your opinion and use examples from paragraphs 2 and 3. (6 marks)

Q3. How does the writer use language to interest and inform the reader? You should include:

• the writer’s use of language
• the effect on the reader

Use examples from the whole text and relevant subject terminology.  (8 marks)

Read Text 2 and answer Questions 4–6.

4a. From paragraph one, identify two ways in which Paris changes on New Year’s Day. (2 marks)

4b. Read this extract.

All persons, whatever may be their rank, degree, or profession, form a list of the names of persons whose friendship they wish to preserve or cultivate, to each of these persons a porter is sent, to deliver their card. Those more particularly connected with them by blood or friendship are visited in person; and all who meet embrace on this happy day.

From the extract, identify two actions people take to maintain or strengthen friendships on New Year’s Day.  (2 marks)

Q5.  Read this extract.

Millions of cards are distributed; and nothing is seen in the streets but well-dressed persons going to visit their friends and relations, and renew, in an affectionate manner, all the endearing charms of friendship. On this day, too, parents, friends, and lovers, bestow their presents on the various objects of their affection, and pour out many draughts of the most delightful balm that human nature can partake.

In the extract, the writer tries to create excitement about New Year’s Day celebrations. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. Give three reasons for your opinion and use examples from the extract. (6 marks)

Q6.  For this question refer to the whole of Text 2.

‘In my view, this text shows how New Year’s Day in Paris was a joyful celebration that brought people together.’

Based on your evaluation of the text, how far do you agree with this opinion? Use examples from the text to support your evaluation. (12 marks)

SECTION B – Writing

Answer ONE question. You should spend about 45 minutes on this section.

EITHER

Q7. Write an article for a youth magazine with the title ‘Do New Year’s Resolutions Still Matter?’ A student has started the response.

The New Year gives us a rare moment to pause, reset and decide who we want to become. Some people say resolutions are pointless. Some say they are necessary. What do I think? Let’s find out together.

Continue this article using your own ideas.

*Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. (40 marks)

OR

Q8. Write a speech encouraging students to use the New Year to improve their wellbeing. You should include:

• Practical ideas for improving mental or physical health
• Tips for staying motivated
• An explanation of why small steps matter

*Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. (40 marks)

Sources:

Text One: https://www.thoughtco.com/new-years-eve-by-charles-lamb-1690273

Text Two: https://shannonselin.com/2017/12/new-years-day-paris-1800s/