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30 Nov 2025

754

2 pages

English Paper 1 Question 5: AQA 36/40 Grade 9 Example

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Zainab @zainab_02839

This powerful piece of creative writing explores a young person's complex relationship with faith, family conflict, and personal... Show more

Vocab/Phrases
TODAY:
A canvas of fire, destroying the once clear, tranquil blue heavens, now covered in
raging orange, sulphurous yellow and

Today Finding Beauty Amidst Pain

The narrative opens with stunning descriptive writing that paints the sunset as a "canvas of fire" with colours ranging from orange to red. This immediately shows the writer's skill in using metaphors and personification - notice how the sun is described as "tired" and "closing her eyes."

The protagonist experiences a moment of spiritual questioning whilst watching this beautiful scene. They don't believe in God, yet feel drawn to thank someone for creating such beauty. This internal conflict between doubt and wonder is a key theme that drives the entire piece.

The contrast between the peaceful setting and the character's inner turmoil creates dramatic tension. They feel punished by life and question what they've done wrong, which hints at the trauma that's revealed in the next section.

Key Writing Technique Notice how the writer uses sensory details like "chilling cold" and "pleasant winds" to make you feel present in the scene.

Vocab/Phrases
TODAY:
A canvas of fire, destroying the once clear, tranquil blue heavens, now covered in
raging orange, sulphurous yellow and

Yesterday to Tomorrow A Journey of Faith and Desperation

The flashback structure reveals shocking domestic violence - the protagonist has been physically abused by their father, who ironically tells them they're "going to hell." This creates powerful irony, as the religious parent behaves in deeply un-Christian ways.

The writing uses visceral imagery like "bolt of pain" and "railroad spike" to make the violence feel immediate and real. The father becomes dehumanised as a "bestial, savage silhouette," showing how abuse destroys family bonds.

In the final section, the protagonist reaches a moment of clarity about faith. They realise they can believe in a "true God" separate from their parents' hypocritical version of religion. This distinction between genuine spirituality and corrupted religious practice is crucial to understanding the character's journey.

The ending is deliberately ambiguous but deeply concerning. The protagonist steps onto the balcony gate, suggesting they're contemplating suicide whilst believing they'll "meet God." This tragic conclusion shows how abuse and isolation can lead to desperate decisions.

Literary Device Spotlight The time structure Today/Yesterday/TomorrowToday/Yesterday/Tomorrow creates a powerful narrative arc that reveals information strategically for maximum emotional impact.

We thought you’d never ask...

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Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

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Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

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Rohan U

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Xander S

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Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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English Language

754

30 Nov 2025

2 pages

English Paper 1 Question 5: AQA 36/40 Grade 9 Example

user profile picture

Zainab

@zainab_02839

This powerful piece of creative writing explores a young person's complex relationship with faith, family conflict, and personal crisis. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, it shows how someone can struggle with belief whilst finding beauty in the world around... Show more

Vocab/Phrases
TODAY:
A canvas of fire, destroying the once clear, tranquil blue heavens, now covered in
raging orange, sulphurous yellow and

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Today: Finding Beauty Amidst Pain

The narrative opens with stunning descriptive writing that paints the sunset as a "canvas of fire" with colours ranging from orange to red. This immediately shows the writer's skill in using metaphors and personification - notice how the sun is described as "tired" and "closing her eyes."

The protagonist experiences a moment of spiritual questioning whilst watching this beautiful scene. They don't believe in God, yet feel drawn to thank someone for creating such beauty. This internal conflict between doubt and wonder is a key theme that drives the entire piece.

The contrast between the peaceful setting and the character's inner turmoil creates dramatic tension. They feel punished by life and question what they've done wrong, which hints at the trauma that's revealed in the next section.

Key Writing Technique: Notice how the writer uses sensory details like "chilling cold" and "pleasant winds" to make you feel present in the scene.

Vocab/Phrases
TODAY:
A canvas of fire, destroying the once clear, tranquil blue heavens, now covered in
raging orange, sulphurous yellow and

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Yesterday to Tomorrow: A Journey of Faith and Desperation

The flashback structure reveals shocking domestic violence - the protagonist has been physically abused by their father, who ironically tells them they're "going to hell." This creates powerful irony, as the religious parent behaves in deeply un-Christian ways.

The writing uses visceral imagery like "bolt of pain" and "railroad spike" to make the violence feel immediate and real. The father becomes dehumanised as a "bestial, savage silhouette," showing how abuse destroys family bonds.

In the final section, the protagonist reaches a moment of clarity about faith. They realise they can believe in a "true God" separate from their parents' hypocritical version of religion. This distinction between genuine spirituality and corrupted religious practice is crucial to understanding the character's journey.

The ending is deliberately ambiguous but deeply concerning. The protagonist steps onto the balcony gate, suggesting they're contemplating suicide whilst believing they'll "meet God." This tragic conclusion shows how abuse and isolation can lead to desperate decisions.

Literary Device Spotlight: The time structure Today/Yesterday/TomorrowToday/Yesterday/Tomorrow creates a powerful narrative arc that reveals information strategically for maximum emotional impact.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

8

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Exploring Love in Poetry

This study note analyzes a Grade 9 English response (35/40) focusing on themes of love and relationships through visual imagery and descriptive vocabulary. It delves into the complexities of first love and familial connections, drawing parallels with literary works like 'A Christmas Carol'. Ideal for students preparing for English language assessments.

English LanguageEnglish Language
9

Evaluative Language Essentials

Explore essential evaluative language for GCSE English Language, focusing on vocabulary enhancement, descriptive techniques, and effective writing structure. This resource is ideal for improving responses in Q3 and Q4 of Paper 1 and 2, featuring key concepts like imagery, figurative language, and sentence structure.

English LanguageEnglish Language
10

language devices

english lang devices

English LanguageEnglish Language
11

Eva Smith Insights

Explore key quotes and insights about Eva Smith from J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This summary highlights her character's struggles, societal issues, and moral implications, making it essential for understanding the play's themes. Ideal for exam preparation and character analysis.

English LanguageEnglish Language
11

Poppies Poem Insights

Explore a detailed analysis of 'Poppies' by Jane Weir, focusing on themes of loss, memory, and the emotional impact of conflict. This examination highlights key literary devices, including metaphor and imagery, and discusses the poem's portrayal of a mother's grief and nostalgia. Ideal for GCSE English Literature students seeking to deepen their understanding of this poignant work.

English LanguageEnglish Language
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Gothic Atmosphere Analysis

Explore a Grade 9 example of descriptive writing that captures the gothic atmosphere and mood in short fiction. This analysis focuses on key elements such as vivid imagery, emotional depth, and the use of descriptive vocabulary, drawing inspiration from works like 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Woman in Black'. Ideal for students preparing for English Language Paper 1, Question 5.

English LanguageEnglish Language
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user