English Language Paper 2 (AQA NEW SPEC)

The exam is split into two sections- A and B

Section A focuses on two texts- one modern and one generaly from the 19th century. Four questions are asked in realation to these texts and it is advisable to spend 45 minutes of the 1hr 45min exam on this section. The questions could focus on one source, both, or a specific part of one source. Make sure to read the question so you go to the source(s) asked.

Section B is one question asking to write to persuade, argue or inform. It is advised you spend time planning, writing and reading over the answer in about an hour.

Other times to spend on the questions will be advised on each card for each question if it would be easier to split up the questions in another way raher than using the exam as a guide (as the exam is what advises 45 minutes on the first section)

This is a simple 4 mark question which targets A01 (identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas). It is advised to spend around 6 minutes on this question.

Below is an example of a question one, the important parts are in bold.

E.G. Read again the first part of Source B, from lines 1 to 16. Choose four statements below which are TRUE.

There will be an option of 8 boxes and you shade the ones you pose to be true. Remember not to do any more than 4 because this may cause you to lose marks. Drawing a box around the given lines can help to focus yur attention.

Advice- try and find the ones that are false if you're struggling as this can help; if you make a mistake, clearly cross it out in one line; be careful because some of the statements may only be partially true.

This is a more complex 8 mark question focusing on AO1 (identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas, select and synthesise evidence from different texts). A given time for this question would be around 12 minutes.

Below is an example of a question 2, important parts are in bold:

E.G. You need to refer to Source A and Source B for this question. Use deatils from both sources, Write a summary of the differences between "...." and "....".

Remember to reference both of the given texts in this question using details (quotations). It may also ask for similarities but remember to focus on what is being asked. The last bold part will state what you need to compare and this is only what you should focus on. All points should be relevant to this.

Advice - Highlight all the relevant details form both sources when reading through the texts; put a note of what you're looking for at the top of the source- don't forget

This is a detailed 12 mark question focusing on AO2 (explain, comment, analyse language, structure to influence readers- use subject terminology). Spend approx 15 minutes on this.

Below is an example of  a question three with important parts in bold:

E.G. You now need to refer only to Source A, the description of "...." (from lines 5 onwards). How does the writer use language to make the reader feels as if they're with them?

Focus only on the source given (A or B) and the lines within this. Analyse language in the source and comment on methods due to the 'How'. You will be asked how it makes the reader feel like they're there, how they're influenced or about the effects on the reader.

Advice- draw a box around the given lines; milk the method for whats its worth; be perceptive.

This is a 16 mark question targeting AO3 (compare writer's perspectives and ideas as well as how these are conveyed, across two texts) Spend 22 minutes.

Below is an example this question with important parts in bold:

E.G. For this question you need to refer to Source A together with Source B. Compare how the two writers have conveyed their different  views and experiences of "....". In your answer you should: compare their different views and experiences; compare methods they use to convey those views and experiences; support your ideas with references to both texts.

Remember to reference both texts. Compare so include similarities and differences unless one of these is specifically metioned for you to include. Along with the views being compared, compare the methods that they use in order to convey these perspectives. Detail both sources in the form of references but preferably quotations.

Advice - If lines to focus on are given, draw a box around this; reread the texts if you have time; quickly note down the viewpoints per paragraph for both sources as they can change; highlight all the methods used that support what the question is asking and choose what's best to analyse and compare with methods and viewpoints of the other texts.

Remember to analyse and compare viewpoints and methods used as this is where the marks are gained.

E.G. In Source A the writer has a positive viewpoint and uses pathetic fallacy to demonstrate this..... Alternatively, the writer of Source B has a negative perspective on"...." but still uses pathetic fallacy to portray their ideas.....

This question is worth 40 marks, hence it being its own section- it means a lot to include.

When writing to persuade, argue or inform these techniques can be useful:

SHIPAFOREST- Superlatives, Hyperboles, Imperative, Personification, Alliteration/Anecdote, Fact, Opinion, Rhetorical questions, Emotive language, Statements, Triadic structure (rule of three/ triplets).

Beginning with an imperative or a rhetorical question can immediately grab the attention of the reader. Remember, if writing to inform for a broadsheet newspaper or taking this approach, to include sophisticated vocabuary, be factual (make up statistics etc.), be professional, think about current affairs, and elaborate in the form of complex sentences (only use some short to use a range of sentence structures)

(More information near to end when I comment on structure of answers).

SQI-CONNECTIVE-SQI

S- Statement (make this clear)

Q- Quotation (from the referenced source)

I- Inference should be made from the quotation( not necessarily analysis- only 8 marks)

Conective- alternatively, whereas, however, similarly, Lke this

Then repeat SQI for the alternate source and this would create one paragraph. Aim for at least two paragraphs but three detailed ones would definitely confirm marks. But be aware of time management as two paragraphs can be enough.

It can help to conclude the paragraphs with a final sentence tha relates the content of the paragraph with the task.

SQIA

S- Statement which is clear and references the task and what you will talk about in the paragraph.

Q- a quotation (embed in the sentence) or reference that is relevant to the task.

I- inference of the quotation.

A- analyse and explain the quotation and remember to milk it for what it is worth- go into as much detail as possible and be perceptive.

Repeat this at least once more of a minimum of two detailed paragrpahs but again, three paragrpahs can secure marks.

SQIA-CONNECTIVE-SQIA

S- Statement which is clear in relation to the task and what is being compared.

Q- a Quotation or reference supporting the statement which is embedded.

I- make an Inference of the quotation

A- Analyse and explain the quotation in detail

CONNECTIVE- alternatively, similarly, whereas etc.

Then repeat the SQIA for the alternate source and this would make one comparative paragraph. Then repeat to have a minimum of two paragpraphs that both compare ideas and methods. You can aim for three paragrpahs to secure marks.

Persuade- Introduction, X, X, X, Conclusion.

Intro- your viewpoint on the subject disguised as fact; X- three viewpoints supporting your opinion; Conclusion- link back to intro as a summary- answer any questions you may have asked in the introduction or other paragraphs.

Argue- Introduction, X, X, O, X, Conclusion.

Intro- your viewpoint; X- three ideas.points supporting your viewpoint; O- a point for the other side of the arguement (keep it short and don't elaborate to much- you want to win the arguement); Conclusion- link back to the intro as a summary.

Inform- Still write an introduction and conclusion and aim for at least two informative paragraphs on the subject.

Allow cohesion through paragraphs e.g. using a topic loop, with dsourse markers e.g. consequestly, surely, however, alternatively etc. Also, remember to use the techniques of 'SHIPAFOREST' and use as many as possible :)