Eduqas GCSE English Literature
Eduqas GCSE English Literature The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Exam Questions
Free Eduqas GCSE English Literature practice questions for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Covers Simon Stephens's play, Christopher Boone, Ed and Judy, Siobhan, truth, trust, independence and dramatic methods.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time practice questions
1 pack of exam-style practice questions for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Plan and write as many answers as you can under timed conditions, then compare them with the guidance on this page and your notes.
About Eduqas GCSE English Literature The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a set text in Component 2, Section A (post-1914 prose/drama) of the Eduqas GCSE in English Literature. Eduqas sets Simon Stephens's stage adaptation of Mark Haddon's novel, in which fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone investigates the death of Mrs Shears's dog, Wellington, and discovers his father's lies. You answer one 40-mark question that starts from a printed extract and covers the whole text. The section assesses AO1, AO2 and AO4 (spelling, punctuation and grammar); context is not assessed here. Because the extract is from a play, analyse stage directions and theatrical methods as well as dialogue.
Key themes, characters and context
- Christopher Christopher is logical, honest and brilliant at maths, but finds noise, touch and crowds overwhelming. His investigation becomes a journey towards independence.
- Ed Christopher's father is devoted but lies that Judy is dead and admits killing Wellington. His attempts to rebuild trust, including the gift of a puppy, close the play.
- Judy Christopher's mother left for London, and her letters reveal how hard she found family life. When Christopher arrives she takes him in.
- Siobhan Christopher's teacher reads from his book, guiding the audience. In Part Two the story becomes a play within a play.
- Stagecraft The ensemble, minimal set, projections, sound and movement show Christopher's mind, especially on the journey to London.
Common mistakes in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- Writing about the novel's details. Refer to the play's stage directions and staging.
- Diagnosing Christopher. The play never names a condition; write about how he is presented.
- Ignoring how the extract fits the whole play. Link it to earlier and later scenes.
- Writing about context, which is not assessed in this section.
Try three The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time practice questions
1. Using the extract as a starting point, write about Ed and how he is presented in the play. (40 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse Ed's care and frustration; his lies and confession; Christopher's terror; Ed's efforts to rebuild trust; evaluate whether the audience sympathises.
2. Using the extract as a starting point, write about how Stephens presents Christopher's journey to London. (40 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse staging of the station and train; voices and noise; Christopher's strategies; his courage; how the audience experiences his view.
3. Using the extract as a starting point, write about the importance of truth and lies in the play. (40 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse Christopher's honesty; Ed's lies; Judy's letters; Siobhan's guidance; the ending's attempt to rebuild trust.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time FAQs
What does Eduqas GCSE English Literature The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time cover?
It covers Simon Stephens's play as a post-1914 text: Christopher, Ed, Judy and Siobhan, themes of truth, trust and independence, and the play's stagecraft.
Which component is The Curious Incident examined in?
It is in Component 2, Section A (post-1914 prose/drama). You answer one 40-mark question that starts from a printed extract and asks you to write about the whole text.
What should I learn about the staging of The Curious Incident?
Learn how the ensemble, Siobhan's narration, sound and lighting show Christopher's experience, and use stage directions as evidence in your answer.
