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AQA English Language Paper 2 Example Answers and Criteria PDF - GCSE Past Papers and Model Answers

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2

A

Alex Martin 11

11/22/2022

English Lang.

Language paper 2 - Example answers and exam criteria

Subjects

/

English Lang.

/

Analysing fiction

/

Responding to a fiction text

AQA English Language Paper 2 Example Answers and Criteria PDF - GCSE Past Papers and Model Answers

English Language Paper 2 is a 1 hour 45 minute exam focusing on writers' viewpoints and perspectives. It involves analyzing two non-fiction extracts on a similar topic and answering questions that test various skills.

Key points:

  • Consists of 5 questions worth a total of 80 marks
  • Requires careful time management and reading comprehension
  • Tests skills like identifying information, analyzing language, comparing perspectives, and persuasive writing
  • Examiners look for detailed analysis, evidence-based arguments, and sophisticated writing
...

11/22/2022

915

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

View

Question Types and Skills Assessed

English Language Paper 2 tests a range of skills through its 5 questions:

Question 1 4marks4 marks: Tests ability to identify and interpret explicit and implicit information from texts. Usually involves selecting true/false statements.

Vocabulary: Explicit information is directly stated, while implicit information requires inference.

Question 2 8marks8 marks: Requires comparing specific aspects of the two texts, such as differences in perspectives or relationships described.

Question 3 12marks12 marks: Focuses on language analysis of one text, asking students to examine how writers use language to achieve effects.

Example: Analyzing use of metaphors, personification, or specific word choices to create mood or convey ideas.

Question 4 16marks16 marks: Involves comparing writers' perspectives and methods across both texts.

Question 5 40marks40 marks: Tests students' ability to write persuasively on a given topic, demonstrating sophisticated vocabulary and writing techniques.

Highlight: Practice identifying key information quickly and developing concise analytical responses for the shorter questions to allow maximum time for the extended writing task.

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

View

Sample Answers and Analysis

This page provides sample answers for Language Paper 2 example questions, demonstrating the level of detail and analysis expected.

Question 2 sample answer: The answer compares how companions are portrayed differently in the two sources. It identifies that in Source A, the companion is a paid guide, while in Source B, the companion is described as a partner.

Quote: "In source A, the companion is a paid guide to help the climber. This is shown when it says he was a 'local guide' who had been 'hired'."

Question 3 sample answer: This response analyzes the writer's use of language to convey intense pain during a climb. It focuses on the metaphor "flame of agony" and explores its implications.

Definition: A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by stating that it is, on a literal level, something else.

Question 4 sample answer: This answer compares the writers' perspectives on their adventures, noting that the writer in Source A seems troubled, while the writer in Source B appears calmer. It uses specific textual evidence and analysis to support these claims.

Highlight: Effective answers for comparison questions should consistently refer back to both texts, drawing clear contrasts or similarities.

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

View

Extended Writing Task and Conclusion

The final section focuses on Question 5, the extended writing task in English Language Paper 2.

Sample Question 5 topic: "The truth about travelling"

Key points for a strong response:

  • Clear stance on the topic inthiscase,acriticalviewoftravelin this case, a critical view of travel
  • Well-structured arguments with supporting evidence
  • Sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures
  • Persuasive techniques to engage the reader

Example: The sample answer begins with a counterargument acknowledging travel's appeal before presenting reasons against it, such as cost and environmental impact.

Conclusion: English Language Paper 2 assesses a wide range of skills, from close reading and analysis to persuasive writing. Success requires:

  • Careful time management
  • Ability to quickly identify and interpret key information
  • Skills in language analysis and comparison
  • Capacity to construct well-reasoned arguments

Highlight: Regular practice with past papers and model answers is crucial for improving performance in this exam.

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Subjects

English Lang.

Analysing fiction

Responding to a fiction text

 

English Lang.

•

915

•

Jul 18, 2025

•

4 pages

AQA English Language Paper 2 Example Answers and Criteria PDF - GCSE Past Papers and Model Answers

A

Alex Martin 11

@alexmartin11_epaj

English Language Paper 2 is a 1 hour 45 minute exam focusing on writers' viewpoints and perspectives. It involves analyzing two non-fiction extracts on a similar topic and answering questions that test various skills.

Key points:

  • Consists of 5 questions... Show more

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

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Question Types and Skills Assessed

English Language Paper 2 tests a range of skills through its 5 questions:

Question 1 4marks4 marks: Tests ability to identify and interpret explicit and implicit information from texts. Usually involves selecting true/false statements.

Vocabulary: Explicit information is directly stated, while implicit information requires inference.

Question 2 8marks8 marks: Requires comparing specific aspects of the two texts, such as differences in perspectives or relationships described.

Question 3 12marks12 marks: Focuses on language analysis of one text, asking students to examine how writers use language to achieve effects.

Example: Analyzing use of metaphors, personification, or specific word choices to create mood or convey ideas.

Question 4 16marks16 marks: Involves comparing writers' perspectives and methods across both texts.

Question 5 40marks40 marks: Tests students' ability to write persuasively on a given topic, demonstrating sophisticated vocabulary and writing techniques.

Highlight: Practice identifying key information quickly and developing concise analytical responses for the shorter questions to allow maximum time for the extended writing task.

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

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Access to all documents

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Join milions of students

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Sample Answers and Analysis

This page provides sample answers for Language Paper 2 example questions, demonstrating the level of detail and analysis expected.

Question 2 sample answer: The answer compares how companions are portrayed differently in the two sources. It identifies that in Source A, the companion is a paid guide, while in Source B, the companion is described as a partner.

Quote: "In source A, the companion is a paid guide to help the climber. This is shown when it says he was a 'local guide' who had been 'hired'."

Question 3 sample answer: This response analyzes the writer's use of language to convey intense pain during a climb. It focuses on the metaphor "flame of agony" and explores its implications.

Definition: A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by stating that it is, on a literal level, something else.

Question 4 sample answer: This answer compares the writers' perspectives on their adventures, noting that the writer in Source A seems troubled, while the writer in Source B appears calmer. It uses specific textual evidence and analysis to support these claims.

Highlight: Effective answers for comparison questions should consistently refer back to both texts, drawing clear contrasts or similarities.

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

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

Extended Writing Task and Conclusion

The final section focuses on Question 5, the extended writing task in English Language Paper 2.

Sample Question 5 topic: "The truth about travelling"

Key points for a strong response:

  • Clear stance on the topic inthiscase,acriticalviewoftravelin this case, a critical view of travel
  • Well-structured arguments with supporting evidence
  • Sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures
  • Persuasive techniques to engage the reader

Example: The sample answer begins with a counterargument acknowledging travel's appeal before presenting reasons against it, such as cost and environmental impact.

Conclusion: English Language Paper 2 assesses a wide range of skills, from close reading and analysis to persuasive writing. Success requires:

  • Careful time management
  • Ability to quickly identify and interpret key information
  • Skills in language analysis and comparison
  • Capacity to construct well-reasoned arguments

Highlight: Regular practice with past papers and model answers is crucial for improving performance in this exam.

Language Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives [1hr 45mins] 2 non-fiction extracts on a similar topic. Remember to allow for 5-7 mi

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

Language Paper 2 Overview

English Language Paper 2 assesses students' ability to analyze non-fiction texts and express their own viewpoints. The exam lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is based on two extracts on a similar topic.

Key exam details:

  • 5-7 minutes recommended for initial reading time
  • 5 questions worth 4, 8, 12, 16, and 40 marks respectively
  • Total of 80 marks 40forcontent,40fortechnicalaccuracy40 for content, 40 for technical accuracy

Highlight: Careful time management is crucial - allocate appropriate time to each question based on mark value.

Examiners are looking for:

  • Ability to identify and interpret explicit and implicit information
  • Analysis of language and structure
  • Comparison of writers' perspectives and ideas
  • Compelling persuasive writing with sophisticated vocabulary

Example: For the 40 mark question, aim to write 4-5 paragraphs in about 40 minutes.

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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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

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Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

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Android user

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