The PDF includes a complete exam-style experience with the following components:
Source A (19th Century): A fictionalised article from The Nova Scotia Gazette (1865). It uses a “Wonder” perspective, focusing on mystery, pirates, and “ingenious mechanisms” (p. 1).
Source B (Modern Day): A scientific/sceptical article from The Global Science Review (2026). It attributes the site’s features to geology and “natural channels” rather than treasure (p. 2).
Reading Questions (Q1–Q4):
Q1: True/False retrieval (p. 3).
Q2: A summary of differences (focused on flooding) (p. 4).
Q3: Language analysis of “peculiar features” (p. 5).
Q4: Comparison of the writers’ perspectives and methods (p. 6).
Writing Task (Q5): A 40-mark persuasive writing prompt asking students to write a newspaper article about whether “scientific fact” ruins the sense of adventure (p. 7).
Teacher Support Materials
Unlike a basic worksheet, this pack includes scaffolded planning tables to help students structure their answers:
Comparison grids for flooding (Q2) and perspectives (Q4).
Language technique breakdowns for Q3, identifying key phrases like “ingenious mechanisms” and explaining their effects on the reader (pp. 5-6).
Who is this for?
This is an ideal resource for KS4 (Year 10 and 11) teachers looking for fresh, engaging practice material that fits the AQA specification. It balances a high-interest topic (treasure hunting) with the rigorous academic requirements of the GCSE.

Unlike many resources that use existing news articles, this pack provides two bespoke pieces—one in a 19th-century “Wonder” style and one in a modern “Scientific” style—carefully crafted to contain the specific linguistic devices and contrasting viewpoints students need for high-mark answers.