This GCSE English Literature quiz takes a look at an extract from Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This is the first of two extract questions for Never Let Me Go. Tommy and Kathy have accompanied Ruth, Chrissie and Rodney to Norfolk, making a surprise discovery. Only three characters are present: Kathy, Tommy and the man who works in the shop. The friendship between the former Hailsham students develops a new depth here. Why? How do we know? Remember to read the passage through more than once before answering the questions. Think about how this passage relates to the themes of the novel. Which details are significant? What might be the reason behind the language chosen? What does the conversation tell us about the past and about Kathy’s memory of the event? And remember, it’s a good idea to practise several extract questions, so be sure to try the Extract 2 quiz as well!
Be sure always to read the passage through more than once when preparing to answer an extract question. The first time you can aim for a broad understanding of the passage and how you might use it to answer the questions. On the second reading you can begin noting details and making annotations. Ask yourself why this passage has been chosen, why is it important? Pay attention to its place in the text. Does it introduce significant characters or significant themes? What happens afterwards? Does anything in the passage foreshadow later events? What changes? Think about the ending of the extract: why might it end where it does instead of somewhere else? What is significant about the final line?
In an exam, remember to consider exactly what the question asks. You might be asked to write about a particular character, or the mood and atmosphere of the passage. Perhaps you will be asked to discuss dialogue, behaviour or feelings. Always explain the passage’s immediate context: what events precede the extract? Pay close attention to the detail, to setting and characterisation. Think about how the passage relates to the themes of the text. Group related ideas together in your writing, but be sure to discuss the entire passage. Avoid writing about the first half of the passage in detail and then running out of time to write about the second half!
Read the extract from Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go below carefully before answering the questions.