RUAE Close Reading

n 45 minutes I will lead a walking safari through the African bush - with only five days' training under my belt. That's right, dear reader: six days ago I knew as much about the fauna and flora of East Africa as I did about the contents of your fridge. Now I am going to lead six strangers into a two-mile stretch of savannah and attempt to turn this brown world of dry vegetation and nervous, secretive animals into a colourful and exciting abundance of biological complexity. And I'm going to attempt to do so without anyone getting hurt. Q2.Look again at lines 6-12. How does the writer establish a conversational tone?1A

. How does the writer establish a conversational tone? Reference to any ONE of "That's right"/"dear reader"/"your fridge"/"I'm" 1A

70All that lies ahead of me is one last hurdle of embarrassment, when we tell the clients who I am. Then we'll all go down to the beach, light a big bonfire and drink a lot of beer. Occasionally, I'll let my head drop back and look up, through the clear Tanzanian air, at the brilliant night sky. I'll reflect on what an extraordinary week it's been. And I'll ask the stars to grant me one small request. 75 Can I do that again? Q1.Explain how the short final paragraph (line 75) achieves its impact.2A

1. Explain how the short final paragraph (line 75) achieves its impact. It is a sentence on its own/it is a question (1) which emphasises the unexpectedness of its content/the reader's surprise/that it is an unusual way to end (1) 2A

Extract (lines 55-60) Perhaps it has something to do with the challenge. I am sometimes amazed by what I will attempt on the hill, but I am also amazed by what I learn about myself by doing so and perhaps this is why I do it. On the other hand, cycling around city streets is just as risky and physically challenging, so there has to be something still more to it. Perhaps it has something to do with the environment in which hillwalking takes place - outside, away from city streets, in air that has not been breathed by others. Q1.In lines 55-60, the writer begins two sentences with "Perhaps". What effect does it have on the tone of this paragraph (lines 55-60)1A

1. In lines 55-60, the writer begins two sentences with "Perhaps". (a) How does this word link with the previous paragraph (lines 50-54)? 1A (b) What effect does it have on the tone of this paragraph (lines 55-60)? 1A It introduces answers to the questions posed by the writer (1) Questioning/reflection/speculation/pondering/exploring (1)

From whence comes this compulsion to climb mountains? My neighbours seem to be able to enjoy lives of quiet contentment without ever having to leave the horizontal plane. Why do I have this compulsion to get to the top of every insignificant bump on the landscape? I ponder this question not in the hope of providing an explanation for my neighbours, still less in the hope of converting them, but out of a need to explain this outlandish behaviour to myself. If I am to climb mountains I would simply like to know why. Why, no matter how breathless, bruised, battered and bedraggled I become while hillwalking, do I return with a grin on my face and a desire to go out and do it again? Q1In lines 9-16, the writer reflects on his need to climb mountains. By referring to one example of each, show how he demonstrates this need through sentence structure.2A

1. In lines 9-16 the writer reflects on his need to climb mountains. By referring to one example of each, show how he demonstrates this need through: (b) sentence structure. 2A Sentence structure: Use of (three) questions (1) - (the repeated questioning) shows his struggle to find an answer (1) or Use of the list (1) - emphasises the discomforts but he still goes back (1)

Extract (9-16) From whence comes this compulsion to climb mountains? My neighbours seem to be able to enjoy lives of quiet contentment without ever having to leave the horizontal plane. Why do I have this compulsion to get to the top of every insignificant bump on the landscape? I ponder this question not in the hope of providing an explanation for my neighbours, still less in the hope of converting them, but out of a need to explain this outlandish behaviour to myself. If I am to climb mountains I would simply like to know why. Why, no matter how breathless, bruised, battered and bedraggled I become while hillwalking, do I return with a grin on my face and a desire to go out and do it again? Q1.In lines 9-16, the writer reflects on his need to climb mountains. By referring to one example, show how he demonstrates this need through word choice.2A

1. In lines 9-16 the writer reflects on his need to climb mountains. By referring to one example of each, show how he demonstrates this need through: (a) word choice 2A Word Choice: 'compulsion' (1) - conveys the strength of his drive to climb (1) or 'outlandish' (1) - recognition that it seems mad to go back time after time but he does (1) or 'breathless/bruised/battered/bedraggled' (1) - reference to alliteration plus comment (1) or comment on the cumulative effect of the words (1) or reference to the physical discomfort he may suffer but he is so driven that he still goes back (1)

Extract (lines 17-27) The first thought that occurs to me is not why but why not? Our close relatives the apes enjoy climbing, so why not us? Perhaps the desire to get to the top of things is an ancient animal drive that modern society has suppressed. After all, a society geared to material gain can hardly be expected to support such an unproductive pursuit (the only material gain I've made on the hill is finding a glove that didn't fit). Then again, perhaps the act of climbing is simply too ape-like and unsophisticated for most; it is difficult, for example, to maintain any semblance of dignity while lying spread-eagled on the ground after having tripped over a clump of heather. Ironically, the freedom to adopt such a position and have no-one give disapproving looks is one of the secret joys of hillwalking...The Great Outdoors is a giant funhouse where we can cast off adult worries and become carefee kids again. It's no accident that children love climbing. Q1.Read lines 17-27 again. In your own words, give the two reasons the writer uses to explain people's desire to climb hills. Quote briefly to support each reason. 4U

1. Read lines 17-27 again. In your own words, give the two reasons the writer uses to explain people's desire to climb hills. Quote briefly to support each reason. 4U It is a natural instinct (1); 'an ancient animal drive' (1) It provides adults with release (of childish fun) (1); 'the Great Outdoors is a giant funhouse' OR 'we can cast off adult worries and become carefree kids again' OR 'have no-one give disapproving looks' (1)

Back in England, I felt quite unexpectedly bereft. After a long night of confused passage making, dodging tows, skidding on boils and racing through chutes, I'd wake up in the morning and remember with a pang, that I'd lost the river and the boat. There was only one way to stop the dreams coming, and I bought a scuffed 15-foot launch which I kept moored on the Thames at Hammersmith. I took it to Lechlade at one end of the river and Tilbury at the other in a succession of soft, suburban outings. Q1.What is the effect of the writer's use of alliteration in "...a succession of soft, suburban outings." (line 25)1A

1. What is the effect of the writer's use of alliteration in "....a succession of soft, suburban outings." (line 25)? The repeated 's' sound conveys the gentle, leisurely nature of the outings.(1) 1 A

From Girvan in Scotland to Hogänäs in Sweden, they were chosen by the weather, these windfall-landfalls. It is true about any port in a storm: as you round the inner breakwater after a few hours out in a rough sea, the dingiest town seems a wonderful place to be. I've come humiliatingly close to kissing the stones of Grimsby fish dock, I was so glad to be there. The worse the weather, the more you love the town - which is useful, since you'll probably have time to learn the name of every single street before the wind will allow you to leave it. Q2."It is true about any port in storm." (line 63) How effective do you find the final paragraph in elaborating on this idea? You may wish to consider any one feature such as structure, word choice or illustration.2E

2. "It is true about any port in a storm" (line 63). How effective do you find the final paragraph in elaborating on this idea? You may wish to consider any one feature such as structure, word-choice or illustration. Structure - begins with "It" which is only explained after the colon OR - comment on the final sentence, particularly after the dash Word-choice - comment on, for example, "dingiest...wonderful"/ "humiliating"/"windfall-landfall" Illustration - comment on, for example, "kissing the stones of Grimsby.." 2 E

Come on, get on with the climb. Each move now seems more insecure than the last. The eggshell is getting thinner and at one point I smash through and dig as far back as I can but find no purchase. The gaping hole I've made in front of me now makes it extra difficult to get higher but I manager, using a mixture of fear and bad style. Now I'm committed - I can't climb back down that slope. With my ice screw seventy feet below, it would be way too risky a manoeuvre. I stop being scared and start to feel a bit like a cardboard cut-out. There's a bulge above me with a reasonable looking patch of ice above it. I'll aim for that. I edge left with my tools right in from of my face, standing on the tip of a thin crust. I go up into the bulge. At a reach, I slam my left axe into the good looking ice and to my detached disappointment it shatters like a breaking mirror. I sigh and can already feel the bad luck descending upon me. I stay motionless, calmly having a schizophrenic debate in my head. One of me wants just to go for it, just start fighting. It's worked before, it could work now. Q2 . I stopped being scared. (line 31) Show how the writer's word choice in this paragraph indicates how his feelings had changed as his predicament had worsened. 4A

2. 'committed' suggests he is determined - he has pledged himself to continue. 'cardboard cut-out' suggests deliberately suppressed fear / emotions. 'edge' suggests some trepidation or caution. 'slam' also suggests determination and effort. 'detached' suggests objectivity and going through the motions - as if he is going through a well rehearsed routine of survival. 'motionless' suggests perhaps indecision, perhaps shock. 'calmly' suggests deliberate attempt to suppress rising fear or panic. Also suggests ability to think rationally. 'schizophrenic' suggests debate or indecision, trying to decide between two opposite ways to proceed.

"In Victorian times people took to the seaside to escape dark satanic mills; now it is the countryside that beckons." (lines 61-62) Q 2.Look again at the sentence "In Victorian times people took to the seaside to escape dark satanic mills; now it is the countryside that beckons." (lines 61-62) Identify and give an example of one technique the writer uses to achieve the effect of balance or contrast.2A

2. Look again at the sentence "In Victorian times people took to the seaside to escape the dark satanic mills; now it is the countryside that beckons." (lines 61-62) 2A Identify and give an example of one technique the writer uses to achieve the effect of balance or contrast. Imagery/Word choice (1) + reference to contrast/balance eg Victorian and now or seaside and country (1) or escape and beckons (1) Or Sentence structure (1) - use of the semi-colon to balance the two parts of the sentence (1)

Actually, there's very little chance that we are going to meet anything dangerous. This is the Saadani, not the Serengeti. It's a small game reserve on the coast, north of Dar-es-Salaam, and although there are plenty of animals here - from a kaleidoscope of kingfishers to a wide range of buck, giraffes, and even lions - it's also the site of one of the oldest settlements in Tanzania. The presence of humans long ago taught the local carnivore populations who really is the king of the jungle. Just in case one of them attempts a takeover, however, we're going to be accompanied by an armed warden. Dave will be there too. That's not what I'm worried about. What really concerns me is the fact that, in order to make this test a little more "interesting" as he puts it, Dave has decided not to tell his clients who I am. Bit of a surprise, that. After all, this course is not supposed to be the real thing. It's more of a taster, at least, that's what I thought. Now, however, I am faced by the prospect of six trusting souls who all think I'm an expert. And I am terrifyingly short of the information that I need. Don't get me wrong, Dave has done his best to prepare me for this moment. Working with a specially prepared training manual, he's introduced me to the vast range of skills that a safari guide needs. We've worked on Jeep and boat handling, plant and animal identification, tracking, safety, conservation issues and local politics. We've travelled from Dar-es-Salaam to the magnificent and undeveloped Selous Game Reserve, and then to a beachfront camp in the Saadani. And all the time, Dave has been talking. Q2.Show how the sentence "That's not what I'm worried about." (line 21) is a successful link between paragraphs 3 and 4.2A

2. Show how the sentence "That's not what I'm worried about". (line 21) is a successful link between paragraphs 3 and 4. Answers must explain how "That's" refers to the latter part of the previous paragraph (about the possibility of being attacked) (1), while the whole sentence introduces the writer's real concerns which are the subject of paragraph 4. (1) 2A

Extract (lines 31-35) Perhaps it has something to do with exercise and fitness - the feelgood feeling that comes from muscles that don't ache when you climb stairs, lungs that don't wheeze when you run for a bus and endorphins that buzz round your head and keep you feeling high even after you have returned to sea-level. Q2.Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the three reasons the writer gives in lines 31-35 for returning to the hills despite all the obvious discomforts.3U

2. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the three reasons the writer gives in lines 31-35 for returning to the hills despite all the obvious discomforts. 3U Sense of achievement/fulfilment (1) (gloss of 'glow of satisfaction') The fitness achieved (1) (gloss of 'muscles that don't ache/lungs that don't wheeze') Natural exhilaration/pleasure that comes from exercise (1) (gloss of 'endorphins that buzz round your head' or 'keep you feeling high').

Though long winter nights in New Hampshire, while snow piled up outdoors and my wife slumbered peacefully beside me, I lay saucer-eyed in bed reading clinically precise accounts of people gnawed pulpy in their sleeping bags, plucked whimpering from trees, even noiselessly stalked (I didn't know this happened!) as they sauntered unawares down leafy paths or cooled their feet in mountain streams. Q3. "reading clinically precise accounts of people gnawed pulpy" (lines 2-3) Considering this expression as a whole, explain fully how the language used makes it humorous. 2 A

3. "reading clinically precise accounts of people gnawed pulpy" (line 2-3) Considering this expression as a whole, explain fully how the language used makes it humorous. 2 A Full explanation of the humour created by the contrast between the formality of "clinically precise" (dispassionately, objectively, impassively or medically exact) and the informality/ horror of "gnawed pulpy" = 2 Less complete explanation still suggesting contrast = I

I take out my right boot and go to kick it in lower down. As I swing my foot back my left foothole breaks and my body slumps down. I brace myself on my axes . . . But they start to rip. They slow down for less than a moment and I kick in my foot . . . Then they go. The ice falls away from my face and I throw my axes at it in one last attempt to retain contact. I knew it was futile. I remember beginning to scream, very loudly. Deeply at first, then getting higher in pitch. A mass of white flashes past my eyes, now slow motion here. I don't touch anything as I rocket past my companions on the belay. I hit the end of my fall fully conscious and spring back up the gully on the stretchy 8.5. The wobbly ice screw has held. Q3. By referring to the writer's language, show how he builds up a feeling of tension as he describes what happens in this paragraph. Refer to word choice. 2A

3. 'brace myself' - suggests tensing oneself, exertion, anticipating next move. 'last attempt' - suggests the danger and extremity of his situation 'futile' - failure of last attempt and danger of imminent fall 'scream' - suggests panic, terror 'rocket', 'flashes' - suggests high speed of fall

That's the problem, really. Every time he opens his mouth there is something new to remember. It might be a little titbit of information that is going to liben up a dull moment out in the bust, such as the recent discovery of a whole system of low-frequency murmurings that elephants use to keep in contact with each other. There's so much fascinating stuff to learn about this place, and that's before you've got to the tricky business of remembering what everything is called. One by one, Dave throws names at me. One by one, I forget them. Q3.Comment on the effectiveness of the structure of the final two sentences in lines 38-39.2A

3. Comment on the effectiveness of the structure of the final two sentences in lines 38-39. Reference to balance/repetition of "One by one" (1) suggesting the names are endless/it's hopeless trying to remember them all OR to introduce a humorous tone (1) Reference to brevity (1) emphasising despair OR to introduce a humorous tone (1)

Extract That's not what I'm worried about. What really concerns me is the fact that, in order to make this test a little more "interesting" as he puts it, Dave has decided not to tell his clients who I am. Bit of a surprise, that. After all, this course is not supposed to be the real thing. It's more of a taster, at least, that's what I thought. Now, however, I am faced by the prospect of six trusting souls who all think I'm an expert. And I am terrifyingly short of the information that I need. Don't get me wrong, Dave has done his best to prepare me for this moment. Working with a specially prepared training manual, he's introduced me to the vast range of skills that a safari guide needs. We've worked on Jeep and boat handling, plant and animal identification, tracking, safety, conservation issues and local politics. We've travelled from Dar-es-Salaam to the magnificent and undeveloped Selous Game Reserve, and then to a beachfront camp in the Saadani. And all the time, Dave has been talking. Q3.Look again at lines 21-32. What are the writer's two main concerns?2U

3. Look again at lines 21-32. What are the writer's two main concerns? The clients will not be told that he is a trainee (1) and he feels desperately lacking in knowledge/information/training. (1) 2U

All that lies ahead of me is one last hurdle of embarrassment, when we tell the clients who I am. Then we'll all go down to the beach, light a big bonfire and drink a lot of beer. Occasionally, I 'll let my head drop back and look up, throught he clear Tanzanian air, at the brilliant night sky. I'll reflect on what an extraordinary week it's been. And I'll ask the stars to grant me one small request. Q3.What image does the writer use in the second last paragraph (lines 70-74) to show that he felt the safari had been an ordeal, and how does it do so?2A

3. What image does the writer use in the second last paragraph (lines 70-74) to show that he felt the safari had been an ordeal, and how does it do so? He refers to a "hurdle (of embarrassment)" (1) suggesting a challenge/series of obstacles. (1) 2A

Nothing unnerved the native Americans more than the grizzly, and not surprisingly since you could riddle a grizzly with arrows - positively porcupine it - and it would still keep coming. Even later hunters with big guns were astounded and unsettled by the ability of the grizzly to absorb volleys of lead with barely a wobble. Q3.Why might "positively porcupine it" (line 17) be considered an effective expression here?2E

3. Why might "positively porcupine it" (line 17) be considered an effective expression here? 2 E The alliteration on the letter "p" (1) suggests pricking/puncturing (1) The image of the porcupine is appropriate (1) to something covered in arrows (1) The humorous image (1) suits the tone of the passage (1) Porcupine used as verb (1) is unusual (1)

We should therefore look upon the city's health problem as an exaggerated version of the woes that afflict the rest of the nation. It is just that Glaswegians do it with more élan - as well as more lard, dripping, beer, chips and cigarettes. In the process they have made the city a health administrator's nightmare, a cholesterol-ridden hell where their most vexed problems are condensed into one suet-sodden dumping ground. Q4. Look at the sentence 'In the process . . . suet-sodden dumping ground' (lines 41-43) Comment fully on how the writer's word choice in this sentence emphasises the extent of the city's health problem. 2A

4. 'nightmare' - suggests frightening, horrifying 'hell' - suggests suffering, torment, misery, turmoil, discomfort, destruction, ruin, havoc. 'dumping ground' - suggests unpleasant, toxic, rotten

Extract You can imagine what the walking safari is like. There is a brief moment of triumph at the start when I manage to get an antlion to perform for us. Antlions are little grubs that live in the ground and excavate cone-shaped holes in the soil. They're expert hunters and perfect examples of how murderous the bush is, even when the animals involved are smaller than your fingernail. They also happen to be a useful way of keeping your clients entertained when there is nothing more glamorous to look at. The reason why antlions dig their holes is because they want ants to fall into them and provide them with a meal, and - lo! - just as I'm telling my group this, along comes an ant and tumbles into the miniature death-pit. He's too big for this particular grub, however, and after a struggle, he escapes. But, he's proved my point perfectly. My clients are excited. So am I. Q4.In what two ways did the writer think the antlion's performance provided him with "...a brief moment of triumph..." (line 40)?2U

4. In what two ways did the writer think the antlion's performance provided him with " ... a brief moment of triumph ..." (line 40)? It performed as required (1) and enabled him to demonstrate his knowledge. [Accept also reference to being a good example of violence in the bush and/or being something to look at when there's nothing more interesting.(1)] 2U

It has all happened so quickly. Just a few years ago, Americans embarked somewhat blindly on what amounted to a media revolution. The pioneers were cautious. Newspapers and magazines constructed websites to complement their paper products. The network television news gingerly joined in, reminding viewers after the nightly broadcast that they could always catch up with the latest on the web as well. Michael Kinsley, my old boss, went a small step further and set up a traditional opinion magazine, with paid subscription, entirely on the net. What a risk taker, we all thought. Q5. In line 9, the writer states 'it has all happened so quickly'. How does the writer's word choice in the rest of this paragraph suggest otherwise? 2A

5. 'somewhat blindly' - suggests hesitancy 'cautious' - suggests proceeding prudently, carefully 'gingerly' - suggests soft, delicate steps, wariness 'small step' - only a little, slow advancement

In 45 minutes I will lead a walking safari through the African bush - with only five days' training under my belt. That's right, dear reader: six days ago I knew as much about the fauna and flora of East Africa as I did about the contents of your fridge. Now I am going to lead six strangers into a two-mile stretch of savannah and attempt to turn this brown world of dry vegetation and nervous, secretive animals into a colourful and exciting abundance of biological complexity. And I'm going to attempt to do so without anyone getting hurt. Q6. How does the writer's contrasting word choice in the sentence beginning "Now I am going to lead..." (lines 8-9) convey the difficulty of his task?2A

6. How does the writer's contrasting word-choice in the sentence beginning "Now I am going to lead ..." (line 8-9) convey the difficulty of his task? Answers should explain that the writer's job is to change a dull reality into something glamorous (1) and provide appropriate reference, eg "brown (world)/(of) dry vegetation" becoming "colourful/(and) exciting" OR "(nervous,) secretive animals" becoming "(an exciting) abundance (of biological complexity)." (1) 2A

Extract (lines 17-35) The first thought that occurs to me is not why but why not? Our close relatives the apes enjoy climbing, so why not us? Perhaps the desire to get to the top of things is an ancient animal drive that modern society has suppressed. After all, a society geared to material gain can hardly be expected to support such an unproductive pursuit (the only material gain I've made on the hill is finding a glove that didn't fit). Then again, perhaps the act of climbing is simply too ape-like and unsophisticated for most; it is difficult, for example, to maintain any semblance of dignity while lying spread-eagled on the ground after having tripped over a clump of heather. Ironically, the freedom to adopt such a position and have no-one give disapproving looks is one of the secret joys of hillwalking...The Great Outdoors is a giant funhouse where we can cast off adult worries and become carefree kids again. It's no accident that children love climbing. Yet there must be more to it than a desire to have fun, or else why do I keep going when it ceases to be fun? When I'm cold and tired and out of breath, why do I keep putting one foot in front of the other and, when I've returned to the comfort of my home, why do I recall these times with a glow of satisfaction? Perhaps it has something to do with exercise and fitness - the feel-good feeling that comes from muscles that don't ache when you climb stairs, lungs that don't wheeze when you run for a bus and endorphins that buzz round your head and keep you feeling high even after you have returned to sea-level. Q1.Explain how the sentence "Yet there must be more to...it ceases to be fun?" (lines 28-29) performs a linking function.2A

Link Question 1. Explain how the sentence "Yet there must be more to ... it ceases to be fun?" (lines 28-29) performs a linking function. 2A 'a desire to have fun' refers back to the idea of childish fun as discussed in the previous paragraph (1) and 'there must be more to it' or 'when it ceases to be fun' introduces the idea which he discusses in the rest of the paragraph OR the sentence is in the form of a question which the rest of the paragraph answers (1). A sensible comment on the function of the word 'Yet' = 1.

But it is the wind - the endless shifting gradients of atmospheric pressure - that makes travelling in a small boat into an adventure, in the sense defined by the dictionary ("That which happens without design; chance, hap, luck"). The wind blows you into places that you'd never meant to visit, and keeps you pinioned there. The wind is a made travel agent, with a malicious and surrealist turn of wit. You want to go to France - the wind will maroon you for ten days in Dover. You want to go to the Shetland Islands, and the wind will make you spend a week in Bridlington as penance for you vanity. You suddenly rescheduled, headed for a destination that you hadn't heard of ten minutes ago. Every day the chart and pilot book produce surprises; and if you have any sense, you always take the wind's advice and go where it listeth, to the obscure village or small town that offers shelter. Sometimes you have to stay out at sea, missing your original destination altogether. More often, you're driven in haste into harbours you'd overlooked, far short of where you'd planned to be that night. Q2.The purpose of lines 41-54 is to illustrate how the wind makes travelling in a small boat an adventure. Giving an example to support your answer, explain how the writer has used either sentence structure or imagery to do this.2A

The purposes of lines 41-54 is to illustrate how the wind makes travelling in a small boat an adventure. Giving an example to support your answer, explain how the writer has used either sentence structure OR imagery to do this. Sentence structure - "wind" placed at the beginning of the 2nd and 3rd sentences indicating its importance/repeated use of the word "wind" OR balance of 4th and 5th sentences reflect the wind being in opposition to your desire. Accept answers which argue that the rhythm created by the sentence structure/punctuation in the paragraph suggests unpredictability Imagery - personification of the wind (pinioned/mad travel agent/malicious/maroon/consent/advice/driven). 1 mark for appropriate example + 1 mark for successful explanation. 2 A