aqa gcse english literature 2010 unit 1, section a...
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 1
Touching the Void Joe Simpson
GCSE English Literature Study & Revision Pack
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 2
Unit 1 ‐ Outline In this unit you will study two modern texts and one that will require you to explore a culture different
from your own. On this exam paper, the word ‘modern’ means any text that was written after 1945.
When you study your texts for Unit 1, you will look at three different areas:
• Ideas, themes and issues
• Characterisation
• Settings
But one very important area you must never forget is to think about how the writer uses language and
structure to build their text.
Unit 1 – the Exam
The key information about the Unit 1 is as follows:
• You will have 1 hour 30 minutes to complete the tasks.
• Two sections to complete.
• Section A on your modern text.
• Section B on your text from other cultures.
Unit 1 – Exploring Modern Texts: What do I need to know?
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 3
Unit 1 – The Assessment Objectives Assessment Objectives are the things that your teacher and the examiner want you to be able to do when
you write your answers on the Unit 1 exam.
You can see the Assessment Objectives for Unit 1 in the table below
ASSESSMENT
OBJECTIVE WHAT IS IT ASKING FOR? IN STUDENT‐SPEAK
AO1
Respond critically and
imaginatively; select and
evaluate relevant textual detail
to illustrate and support
interpretations
• Come up with your own
ideas about the texts.
• Use and comment on
quotations to support your
ideas.
AO2
Explain how language, structure
and form contribute to writers’
presentation of ideas, themes
and settings.
• Write about features of
language and structure that
you think are effective.
• Explain how the use of
language links to the ideas
that the writer is trying to
explore in the text.
AO4
Relate texts to their social,
cultural and historical contexts;
explain how texts have been
influential and significant to self
and other readers in different
contexts and at different times.
• Say how the text has been
influenced by the time in
which it was written.
• Explain how texts have had
an influence on their readers.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 4
Annotating your copy of Touching the Void
I was lying in my sleeping bag, staring at the
light filtering through the red and green fabric
of the dome tent. Simon was snoring loudly,
occasionally twitching in his dream world.
We could have been anywhere. There is a
peculiar anonymity about being in tents.
Once the zip is locked and the outside world
barred from site, all sense of location
disappears. Scotland, the French Alps, the
Karakoram, it was always the same. The
sound of rustling, fabric flapping in the wind,
or of rainfall, the feel of hard lumps under the
ground sheet, the smell of rancid socks and
sweat – these are universals, as comforting
as the warmth of the down sleeping bag.
Emphasis on colour –
contrast to setting of
snow covered mountain.
Annotating means making notes on a book, play or poem. This is a very important skill because you only have limited space and you need whatever you write to be clear and convey the most meaning in the smallest number of words. Also, you have to remember that you may make an annotation in September which you don’t then look at again until December! So, making the right kinds of annotations is very important. If your teacher
will allow you to annotate your text, you should do it like the example below.
Shows that the place
is disorientating. They
have no sense of place
here.
Shows the sense of
isolation that they
feel. This place is
somewhere they have
no connections or
anything to relate to.
Emphasis on colour –
contrast to setting of
snow covered mountain.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 5
Plot Overview
Touching the Void tells the powerful story of two climbers – Joe Simpson and Simon Yates – and their
expedition to climb the daunting west face of the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. The story follows
the men as they attempt this daring feat for the first time; no other climbers have ever endeavoured to
climb the Siula Grande. Amongst their fellow mountaineers, if the men were successful, this would be
considered a massive achievement.
Joe and Simon overcome significant obstacles on the first few days of their expedition, including
snowstorms and dangerous terrain, to arrive at the summit on day three of their trip. When the men
stand at the summit they are effectively four miles above sea level; an incredible achievement.
However, as the men attempt their descent down the dangerous North Ridge, disaster strikes the
mountaineers when Joe falls and breaks his leg. In an attempt to rescue Simpson using a complicated
rope manoeuvre, Yates inadvertently lowers Simpson off a cliff. In order to save himself from near‐
certain death, Yates is forced to cut the rope joining them together.
Simpson wakes to find himself on a small ledge. He assumes – rightly – that Yates will think he is dead. In
turn, Simpson must find his own way back to safety and proceeds to crawl, walk and struggle back to the
base camp.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 6
Narrative – Revision Questions
1. What is the location for the action of Touching the Void?
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2. Why is climbing Siula Grande such an important challenge for the two men?
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3. How many days does it take the men to reach the summit?
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4. Exactly how far above sea‐level is the summit of the mountain?
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5. Siula Grande forms part of which mountain range?
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6. What is the name of the ridge that the men attempt their descent from?
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 7
7. What are the bones that Joe breaks when he injures himself? ______________________________________________________________________________________
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8. Where does Simon spend the night following his separation from Joe?
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9. When Joe wakes up, what does he assume Simon will think about him?
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10. How does Joe get a sense that he is on the right track when he heads back to camp?
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11. Why does Simon become angry when he returns to Base Camp?
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12. In the final chapter, describe Joe’s feelings towards Simon.
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 8
Getting into Touching the Void
To help you find your way into the novel, use the Internet to do some research on the topics in the boxes below. Record your findings.
The Author – Joe Simpson
The Setting – Siula Grande
The Real Life Characters
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 9
Touching the Void: Engaging with the novel’s ideas…
As you probably already know, Touching the Void is a novel about an adventure that goes seriously wrong. To help you begin to empathise with the characters and their situation, complete the tasks below.
Brainstorm everything you know about the story so far – think about what
happens, who is in it, when and where it is set…
With your partner, discuss an adventure that you have undertaken – where was it? What happened? What were the
risks involved?
Think about a time when you have faced adversity, explain to a friend how you
reacted…how did you cope?
What makes a good adventure story? Make a list of the key features and explain why each one is important.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 10
Keeping Track: Chapter by Chapter
Key Ch
aracter Quo
tation
s
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pter ____________________________________
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Key Ch
aracters
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 11
Chapter 1: Beneath the Mountain Lakes The opening chapter of the novel is key to our understanding of why Simon and Joe decide to climb
the mountain in the first place. The vivid descriptions of the mountain give the reader a clear sense of
their amazement at this natural wonder.
In the space below, draw your impression of the mountain as it is described and label it with
quotations to show how you came to see the mountain in this way.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 12
Chapter 1: Beneath the Mountain Lakes (Enlarge to A3)
In the early parts of the text, Joe describes each of the previous summit attempts and the problems
associated with them. He is making us as the reader aware of these failed attempts in order to build
tension in anticipation of their climb.
Complete the table below identifying the problems that arose with each of the attempts to climb to
the summit. In the final column explain how this helps to build tension.
Attempt Problems How is tension created?
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 13
Chapter 1: Beneath the Mountain Lakes – Getting to know
the characters (Enlarge to A3)
In the opening chapter we learn a lot about Joe and Simon. Work in pairs to complete the venn
diagram below to show their similarities and differences. Add quotations to the chart to support your
ideas.
Joe Simon
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 14
Chapter 1: Beneath the Mountain Lakes – Extension Activities
1. Imagine that you are Joe or Simon, write a letter from the base‐camp to your family explaining the
scene at Siula Grande.
2. Imagine that you are a TV producer who is accompanying Joe and Simon on their trip – work with
other students to script and perform a news broadcast at the beginning of their expedition.
3. Based on the information in this chapter, produce a guide for climbers entitled ‘Preparing to Climb
Siula Grande’. Your guide should be informative and appropriate for your audience.
Touching the Void: The Characters
1. Complete the character profiles Joe Simpson, Simon Yates & Richard Hawkings.
2. Use adjectives to describe them.
3. Add quotations to support your ideas.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 15
Character Profile – Joe Simpson (Enlarge to A3) Who is Joe Simpson?
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What is Joe’s role in the novel?
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How does the writer create Joe’s character?
Point Evidence (quote) Explain & Analyse
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_______________________ My personal response to Joe
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 16
Character Profile – Simon Yates (Enlarge to A3) Who is Simon Yates?
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What is Simon’s role in the novel?
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How does the writer create Simon’s character?
Point Evidence (quote) Explain & Analyse
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 17
Character Profile – Richard Hawkings (Enlarge to A3) Who is Richard Hawkings?
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What is Richards’s role in the novel?
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How does the writer create Richard’s character?
Point Evidence (quote) Explain & Analyse
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 18
Character Extension Task ‐ Keeping Track: Joe and Simon’s Relationship Consider the relationship between Joe and Simon and how it develops and changes through the novel. Copy and complete the table below to show the changes.
Chapter What is the same? What is different?
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 19
Character Extension Tasks
1. Which of the two characters do you most relate to and why?
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2. What are the key differences between Simon and Joe, and how does this generate tension and
interest in the novel? ______________________________________________________________________________________
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3. Think about the novel as a whole. How do the interactions of the characters help to develop the
narrative? ______________________________________________________________________________________
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 20
4. What do the periods of time when the characters are alone reveal about their personalities? ______________________________________________________________________________________
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 21
Keeping Track: Setting (Enlarge to A3)
One of the key characters of the novel is, in a sense, the setting of the novel. It is the unforgiving
nature of the setting that causes Joe and Simon to end up in the precarious situation at the heart of the
novel. Complete the table below to show the location, events and their importance in each chapter
Impo
rtan
ce
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Setting in Tou
ching the Void
Chap
ter Num
ber
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 22
Keeping Track: Specific Settings Using the specific key settings listed below, complete the tables to show their significance in the novel.
Siula Grande Base Camp
The North Ridge
The Summit Joe’s Crevasse
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 23
Specific Settings: Siula Grande
Textua
l Evide
nce
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Wha
t doe
s the setting
signify
& sym
bolise?
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Which events take
place he
re?
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ter Num
ber(s)
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 24
Specific Settings: Base Camp
Textua
l Evide
nce
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t doe
s the setting
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bolise?
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Which events take
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re?
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 25
Specific Settings: The North Ridge
Textua
l Evide
nce
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t doe
s the setting
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bolise?
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ter Num
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Location
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 26
Specific Settings: The Summit
Textua
l Evide
nce
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t doe
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bolise?
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ter Num
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Location
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 27
Specific Settings: Joe’s Crevasse
Textua
l Evide
nce
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Wha
t doe
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bolise?
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Which events take
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re?
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ter Num
ber(s)
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 28
Touching the Void: Setting – Extension Questions
1. Why do you think that the Peruvian Andes is an effective setting for a novel about survival and despair?
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2. How do you think Simpson has used the different settings to structure the novel?
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3. In Chapter 7, Joe’s descriptions of the crevasse focus very heavily on the ‘darkness’ and ‘black
spaces’ surrounding him. How and why is this effective?
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 29
Touching the Void: Themes
There are five key themes that you need to understand. However, towards the end of this section,
some more complex themes are explored. To give yourself the opportunity to achieve the higher grades,
you will want to make sure that you think about them and how they relate to other ideas in the novel.
The key themes of the novel are shown below. In the spaces provided, try to explain what you think
each one refers to in the novel.
THEME EXPLANATION
Adventure
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The Wilderness
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Isolation
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Rescue
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Hope
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 30
Themes in Touching the Void – Adventure (Enlarge to A3) Use this worksheet to collect quotations about the theme explored in the central box.
Adventure
One of the central motivations for Simon and Joe appears to be their determination to conquer one of the most treacherous mountains in the world. This is a mountain, after all, that no other mountaineer has endeavoured to climb. Simpson uses this idea to explore the theme of adventure throughout the novel. When tragedy strikes and Joe is left alone, stranded and injured, it brings the idea of adventure clearly into focus: were the two men too ambitious? Were they stupid to attempt such an endeavour? Or is there something far more fundamental that drives man’s determination to tackle nature’s challenges?
Man’s Thirst for Adventure – Key Quotations
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The Dangers of Adventure – Key Quotations
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The Triumph of Adventure – Key Quotations
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 31
Keeping Track: Themes in Touching the Void – Adventure (Enlarge to A3)
In the table below is a section for each of the chapters where the theme of adventure is explored.
For each chapter you need to identify and make a note of three quotations that show the theme.
In the final column, explain how the quotations you have recorded show the theme.
THE THEME OF ADVENTURE
CHAPTER QUOTATION HOW DOES THIS SHOW THE THEME OF ADVENTURE?
Beneath the Mountain Lakes
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Tempting Fate
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Storm at the Summit
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A Land Without Pity
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 32
Themes in Touching the Void – The Wilderness (Enlarge to A3) Use this worksheet to collect quotations about the theme explored in the central box.
The Wilderness
One of the most haunting aspects of the novel is the way that the characters, at different points in the novel, are forced to confront the loneliness of the environment around them. Indeed, they are not faced with just the loneliness, but also the vicious and, at times, aggressive nature of their surroundings. In turn, the wilderness, its power and brutality are central ideas at the heart of the novel.
The Brutality of the Wilderness – Key
Quotations
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The Mystery of the Wilderness ‐ Key Quotations
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Overcoming the Wilderness – Key Quotations
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 33
Keeping Track: Themes in Touching the Void – The Wilderness (Enlarge to A3)
In the table below is a section for each of the chapters where the theme of the wilderness is
explored.
For each chapter you need to identify and make a note of three quotations that show the theme.
In the final column, explain how the quotations you have recorded show the theme.
THE THEME OF ADVENTURE
CHAPTER QUOTATION HOW DOES THIS SHOW THE THEME OF WILDERNESS?
Tempting Fate
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Storm at the Summit
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On the Edge
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Disaster
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 34
Themes in Touching the Void – Isolation (Enlarge to A3) Use this worksheet to collect quotations about the theme explored in the central box.
Isolation
The characters in the novel
spend some of their most
terrifying moments alone on
the mountain. As they face
near certain death, they are
alone. This is an effective
way for Simpson to create
tension because it asks the
audience to think about how
we might find the strength
to survive horrific
circumstances with only
ourselves for support.
The Terror of Isolation – Key Quotations
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The Mental Effects of Isolation – Key Quotations
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Overcoming Isolation – Key Quotations
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 35
Keeping Track: Themes in Touching the Void – Isolation (Enlarge to A3)
In the table below is a section for each of the chapters where the theme of isolation is explored.
For each chapter you need to identify and make a note of three quotations that show the theme.
In the final column, explain how the quotations you have recorded show the theme.
THE THEME OF ADVENTURE
CHAPTER QUOTATION HOW DOES THIS SHOW THE THEME OF ISOLATION?
On the Edge
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Disaster
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Shadows in the Ice
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Silent Witness
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AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 36
Themes in Touching the Void – Rescue & Hope
Work in groups of four to compile pairs of revision worksheets like the ones above for the themes of
‘Rescue’ and ‘Hope’. Then, work in pairs to identify and make a note of key quotations for both themes.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 37
Language in Touching the Void
• Simpson uses a range of techniques in the text.
• Some of them are listed in the table below.
• Complete the table below for each of the features.
FEATURE OF LANGUAGE EXAMPLE FROM THE TEXT EFFECT
Vivid description
Sensory description
Subject Specific Language
Motivational Language
Impact Sentences
Direct Speech
Internal Dialogue
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 38
Simpson’s Use of Language in Touching the Void
Feature Effect on the Reader?
Why is Simpson’s language use effective in this example?
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Why is Simpson’s language use effective in this example?
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Feature Effect on the Reader?
• Look at each of the quotations below.
• Highlight the features of language that you can find.
• Write a paragraph explaining the effects of Simpson’s language.
“We could have been anywhere.”
“It feels menacingly remote and exhilarating at the same time… no hordes of climbers, no helicopters, no rescue – just us and the
mountains.”
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 39
Simpson’s Use of Language in Touching the Void
Feature Effect on the Reader?
Why is Simpson’s language use effective in this example?
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Why is Simpson’s language use effective in this example?
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Feature Effect on the Reader?
“Hit hard. Hit again ‐ that’s it, now the hammer. Look at your feet… no time to answer. This way is wrong. Damn, damn!
“Simon was coming up, hitting hard, ice splintering down below him, hitting hard and strong… head down, hitting, hopping, on past
me and up without a word.”
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 40
Simpson’s Use of Language in Touching the Void
Feature Effect on the Reader?
Why is Simpson’s language use effective in this example?
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Why is Simpson’s language use effective in this example?
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Feature Effect on the Reader?
“We had a silent agreement. We both knew the truth…I was injured and unlikely to survive. Simon could down alone…I remained silent,
but it was no longer for fear of losing control.”
“I was standing on an open face with a drop of nearly 4000 feet below me and felt very unnerved by the exposure. There was a long gap of unprotected rope between me and Simon…his anchor was his axes buried in the snow, and I knew all too well how useless these would
be if I made a mistake.”
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 41
Touching the Void – Exam Preparation
What do I need to know about the Unit 1 Examination?
Time Allowed 1 hour 30 minutes
How many questions?
Two: one from Section A and one from Section B
Touching the Void is in Section A
How many marks? 30 marks
Am I allowed my book? Yes – but it must be clear of all annotations
Understanding the Mark Scheme
To get a C you must
Focus on the question.
Use effective quotations to prove your points.
Explain the effects of language on the reader.
Include a range of points in your answer.
To get an A* you must
Keep the focus on the question all the way until the end of your answer.
Write with insight – get to the core of what the writer is trying to say.
Use quotation analytically.
Make evaluative comments on language / structure.
Suggest different interpretations of the text.
Other things to remember!
Re‐read the novel several times before the examination.
Keep thinking about quotations that you could use in your answer.
Try and think of a range of points you could use in your answer.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 42
Touching the Void – Sample Response (C)
Choose a passage that is particularly tense.
Write about:
• what is tense in the passage; • the methods that Simpson uses to create tension.
Annotation
• Look at the sample response below. • Using the C grade descriptors, identify which of those
qualities it demonstrates. • The response is on the question below.
One of the most tense parts of the book is in Chapter 1, Beneath the Mountain Lakes. At one point Simpson writes ‘It feels menacingly remote and exhilarating at the same time…no helicopters, no rescue – just us and the mountains.” This is a very effective quotation because it helps to build tension for the reader. The reason why this quotation builds tension is because it gives us the impression that Joe and Simon are alone and abandoned in the Andes. The sentence ‘no helicopters, no rescue’ is very effective because he repeats the word ‘no’ which makes us realise that if anything goes wrong that there is no one there to help or save them. This quotation creates tension for the reader because we realise that the two men are alone on the mountains attempting to achieve something that no other mountaineer has ever attempted. We quickly realise that the men are in serious danger.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 43
Touching the Void – Sample Response (A*)
Choose a passage that is particularly tense.
Write about:
• what is tense in the passage; • the methods that Simpson uses to create tension.
Annotation
• Look at the sample response below. • Using the A* grade descriptors, identify which of those
qualities it demonstrates. • The response is on the question below.
Simpson creates tension in the novel from the first chapter; he evokes the climbers’ sense of isolation and separation from all that they know. He writes ‘It feels menacingly remote and exhilarating at the same time…no helicopters, no rescue – just us and the mountains.” It is clear that while the sense of isolation is, in a sense, a threat to them, the threat itself is exciting and a reason to undertake the climb. This is an interesting opposition, almost as if the men find the idea that they are in danger a thrill. This, perhaps, is Simpson’s way of exploring the nature of adventure; he suggests to the reader that it is only when we are forced to the extremes of the natural world that we are forced to face the extremes within ourselves. It is, Simpson, appears to suggest the point at which we overcome these extremes that we have truly prevailed over all that life has to offer.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2010 Unit 1, Section A: Exploring modern texts Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Copyright © 2011 TES English www.tes.co.uk/tesenglish 44
Touching the Void – Planning a Response (Enlarge to A3)
Use the diagram below to plan your essay and remember to include:
• Points
• Quotations
• Comments on the effects of language
Choose a passage from the book that creates tension.
Write about:
• what creates tension in the passage; • the methods that Simpson uses to create tension.
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Conclusion