The document provides guidance for writing a response to an exam question about John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl". It focuses on analyzing the statement "I like the way the writer develops our sympathy for Kino and his child" and interpreting it throughout the response. The style guide recommends using precise terminology like "the writer" instead of "quote" or "quotation", and avoiding unclear pronouns. Examples from the text are given that develop sympathy for Kino, such as references to the doctor's wealth and racism, as well as Kino's anger and helplessness to cure his son.

1. Feedback: Language Paper One Question 4. A student said:
“I like the way the writer develops our sympathy for Kino and his child.” To what extent do you agree?
Great vocabulary which
encouraged deeper thinking:
Indulgent, trivialises, decadence,
privilege, wealth, greed,
accustomed, affluent,
dehumanises, discriminative,
elegance, abundance
Style guide
• Focus on the statement and your
interpretation of it throughout.
• Never use the word ‘quote’ or
’quotation’. More precise terms.
• Use third person terms like ‘the
writer’ and ‘Steinbeck’ to discuss
writer’s intentions.
• Avoid unclear pronouns
(he/you/they)
• Never use chatty phrases like ‘talks
about’. Select analytical verbs
carefully.
Knowledge relevant to the task
‘red watered gown that had come from Paris’ – Associations with silk
and Paris suggest a decadent lifestyle of privilege and wealth.
‘silver tray with a silver chocolate pot’ – repetition of silver, a precious
metal, again hints at affluence and wealth
‘Oriental Gong’ – Yet another sign of wealth, luxury and materialist life
led by the doctor.
‘Stout’ ‘fat pressed on his throat’ – He is greedy and fat, clearly not poor.
Unpleasant image of the character.
‘second cup of chocolate’ – Has plenty – lives a decadent lifestyle
‘Has he any money?’ – Only interest is money – no compassion. Jars with
our conception of the purpose of being a doctor
‘Have I nothing better to do than cure insect bites for ‘little Indians?’ I
am a doctor, not a veterinary surgeon’ – He trivialises the injury as a
simple ‘insect bite’. Referring to ‘Indians’ shows inherent racism, it’s a
blanket term for non-white people. His prejudice is shown by
dehumanising Coyotito as an animal. He is heartless and cruel.
‘eight small misshapen seed pearls, ugly and great as little ulcers’ –
They are ugly, dull, valueless. Juxtaposes the rich decadence of the
doctor’s house.
‘struck the gate’ ‘split knuckles’ ‘blood flowed’ The anger felt by Kino
generates sympathy. He is helpless and unable to cure his son. A sense of
pain, pity and helplessness.