Practice Paper 2C

You need to refer to Source A and Source B for this question.The way the two writers celebrate Christmas with their families is different.Use details from both sources to write a summary of the different activities the girl in Source A and the woman in Source B take part in at Christmas.

Look again at this part of Source B:

The potato-peeling. The same conversation, every year: “I prefer them with the skins on. More fibre.” Nine other people shouting, “MASH MUST NOT HAVE SKINS IN!”

The bins already full, those without mortgages, or children, crushing more bottles and cans down into it, like gonzo gunslingers; those with greater domestic awareness tutting and pointedly taking the bags out to the kerb.

The fight over the stereo – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing replaced by Kanye West; Kanye replaced by Slade. The breakaway group in the toilet upstairs, wrapping presents at the last minute while crouched by the toilet, while someone else sits in the bath going, “Could you wrap mine, too? I just don’t have the knack.”

How does the writer use language to describe her family?

For this question, you need to refer to the whole of Source A, together with the whole of Source B:Compare how the writers convey their similar perspectives and feelings about spending time with their family at Christmas?In your answer, you could:

• compare their similar perspectives and feelings about spending time with their family at Christmas
• compare the methods the writers use to convey their ideas and perspectives
• support your response with references to both texts.

‘Christmas should be about spending time with family and loved ones, even if you’re not religious. Christmas these days has become too commercial and only seems to be about buying presents and spending money.’Write an article for an online news site in which you explain your point of view on this statement.