This original fiction extract is written for Eduqas GCSE English Language – Component 1: 20th‑Century Reading. It is inspired by the themes and social conflicts of Catherine Cookson’s The Round Tower but is not taken from the novel and does not copy its language. The source centres on a private, confrontational conversation between Mrs Radcliffe and Irene Brett, two adults locked in conflict over values, reputation and responsibility. The focus is not on events themselves, but on how authority, judgement and control are expressed through dialogue, body language and silence. Key thematic links for GCSE study include: Power and control – dominance shown through positioning, declarative language and gatekeeping of reputation Judgement vs protection – conflicting beliefs about whether rules safeguard or restrict Social expectations – fear of gossip, propriety and public scrutiny Tension and atmosphere – created through sharp dialogue, pauses, silence, and structural choices The extract is particularly effective for: AO1: retrieving clear information about characters and attitudes AO2: analysing language choices such as verbs, adjectives, repetition and contrast AO4: evaluating character presentation and the success of atmosphere and tension This source is suitable for: Full Eduqas Paper 1 Section A (Q1–Q5) practice WAGOLL modelling, low‑stakes analysis, and exam‑style responses SEND‑friendly adaptations, including quote banks and colour‑coded scaffolding Classroom discussion around authority, morality, and perspective It works well as a stand‑alone unseen extract while remaining accessible, mature, and exam‑appropriate for GCSE learners.

A boy grows up in a sacred family of scribes, where faith, heritage, and strict training shape his identity under constant political threat. The exam tests reading analysis and creative writing, focusing on how writers use language, structure, and ideas. It has two sections: Section A: Analyze a fiction extract (answer questions on impressions, methods, and evaluation) Section B: Write your own story or description (showing creativity, structure, and accuracy)

This practice paper provides GCSE Eduqas Component 2 reading questions, extracts, and a simplified mark scheme to help students prepare effectively. After this introduction, the document contains both 19th, 20th and 21st‑century texts, Section A reading questions, comparison tasks, and a student‑friendly mark scheme explaining what examiners look for. All extracts, questions, and mark‑scheme guidance are included below in full.