A Student's Guide to AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Section A (Questions 1 & 2)

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of tackling AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Section A, you're not alone. But, don't worry - this guide will explain everything you need to know about Questions 1 and 2 so you can approach them with confidence.

What You Need to Know About AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2

Paper 2 is all about "Writers' viewpoints and perspectives" which means that you'll be assessed on your ability to understand, analyse and compare how different writers use language and structure to express their ideas and opinions in non-fiction texts.

In AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2, you’ll be provided with two non-fiction texts:

1. A modern text (from the 20th or 21st century).

2. A 19th-century text (written before 1900).

   
   

These texts are carefully chosen to present contrasting viewpoints and perspectives on similar themes or topics so your task is to explore how the writers present their ideas and the techniques they use to influence their readers. For example, a newspaper article could use statistics, facts and anecdotes to inform a reader whereas a diary entry might use emotive language to interest readers in the writer's personal experiences.

You’ll have to answer four questions, each designed to assess a specific skill but, in this blog post, we’ll just focus on Questions 1 and 2.

Assessment Objectives

These questions test the following Assessment Objectives (AOs):

• AO1: Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts (Question 1).

  
  

• AO3: Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two texts (Question 2).

  
  

  To summarise, you will be assessed on your ability to:

  
  

• Read and understand non-fiction texts.

• Compare ideas and viewpoints presented by different writers and recognise the similarities and differences in their attitudes.

• Analyse how language choices, structural features and tone is used to influence, persuade or inform readers.

• Understand how historical and cultural contexts shape viewpoints.

  
  

Answering the Questions

Question 1

Read again the first part of Source A from lines...

Choose four statements below which are true.

What Do You Have to Do?

You'll be given eight statements and asked to identify which four are true. There's no need to explain or justify your answers but you will need to make sure you read the text and the statements carefully.

How to Approach Question 1

• Read each statement carefully and underline key words, such as names of people, numbers and dates.

• Read (and re-read) the section of text you are being asked about. You don't need to read the whole text again - you can just focus on the key part.

  
  

• Highlight or underline the parts of the text that confirm your answers.

•  Re-read the statements and the text to check the accuracy of the information as even small details like dates or numbers can make a statement incorrect.

• Double check your answers to avoid careless mistakes.

  
  

Question 2

You need to refer to Source A and Source B for this question. Use details from both sources to write a summary of what you understand about...

What Do You Have to Do?

Question 2 is a summary question that tests your ability to summarise similarities or differences between two sources. It's worth 8 marks, so you should spend about 10 minutes on it during the exam.

The question will ask you to focus on specific details from both texts and explore what you understand about them.

For example, imagine you are given two texts which each describe the writer's memories of school and you are asked to summarise the differences between the personalities of two students, Paul and James.

How to Approach Question 2

1. Read (and re-read) the question and make sure you understand the focus.

   The question always gives you a clear focus (in this case, the differences between Paul and James) so underline or highlight key words in the question to ensure you stay on topic.

   
   

2. Skim and Highlight Relevant Details

   Go back to Source A and Source B and highlight or underline any details you can find about Paul and James and any words or phrases that reveal the writers' viewpoints. These could include their personalities, actions, relationships with the writer or how they interact with their environment.

   
   

3. Summarise and Compare

   Use information from both texts to write a summary that outlines the key differences between the two friends. You must use information from both texts but avoid simply quoting large chunks of text as you need to ensure that your statements are concise and relevant to the question.

   
   

4. Use Inference

   Inference means going beyond what is explicitly stated. For example, if Paul is described as cheerful and full of energy, but James seems withdrawn or nervous, you could infer that Paul is more confident and optimistic.

   
   

5. Use Connectives to Help You Clearly Structure Your Comparison

   For example, "However," "in addition," "on the other hand," "in contrast" and "similarly."

How to Structure Your Answer to Question 2

1. Opening Sentence

   Start with a clear statement about the differences you’ve identified. For example, "Paul and James differ in their attitudes and behaviour towards their teachers and classmates."

   
   

2. Point + Evidence for Source A

   Refer to Paul first, providing a detail from Source A and a brief explanation or inference. For example, "Paul is described as enthusiastic and proactive, offering advice to his classmates and making jokes, which suggests he is confident and positive."

   
   

3. Point + Evidence for Source B

   Contrast this with a detail from Source B about James:

   "In contrast, James is quiet and hesitant, often relying on the teacher or older students for reassurance. This suggests he is less self-assured and more reserved."

   
   

4. Link and Compare

Link the two points:

"This highlights how Paul is a leader at school whereas James seems more cautious."

Top Tips

1. Look beyond the surface meaning of the text to infer attitudes, emotions or behaviours.

2. Remember, you're aiming for "quality over quantity." You don’t need to write a long essay and write down every single thing that you think is relevant to the question - just focus on 2 or 3 key differences and try to explain them clearly.

3. Support your points with short, precise quotations from both texts.

4. The examiner is looking for direct comparisons between the two texts so always link your points.

   
   

Example Answer

Paul and James are very different in their attitudes and behaviour at school. In Source A, Paul is described as "cheerful" and "confident," often joking with the writer and providing support and advice with homework and friendship issues. This suggests that he is positive and outgoing at school and is a trustworthy and reliable friend to his classmates.

On the other hand, in Source B, James is portrayed as quieter and more nervous. He repeatedly asks the writer if "that would be ok?" which makes him seem hesitant and insecure. This contrast highlights the differences in their personalities as Paul appears to be a positive and proactive student, whereas James comes across as reserved and dependent.

Additional Help

If you found this guide helpful, you might enjoy exploring my other blog posts on both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

They’re packed with practical tips, clear explanations and examples on creative writing, analysing non-fiction texts and practising exam techniques so you can tackle the exams with confidence.

AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2

Section A: Questions 3 & 4

AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 1

Section A

Section B

AQA GCSE English Literature

An Overview to An Inspector Calls

An Overview to A Christmas Carol

For even more support, why not take a look at my downloadable and printable revision guides?

These guides are tailored specifically to AQA GCSE English Language and offer detailed strategies, model answers and handy tips for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. They’re perfect for independent study or last-minute revision and can make your exam preparation easier and more effective!

EHS Masterclass Revision Guides

AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 1

AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2

Save money with the EHS Masterclass Revision Bundle and buy BOTH guides to AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 1 and AQA English Language: Paper 2.

AQA GCSE English Language: Revision Bundle

About the Author

I’m a private tutor, a former secondary school English Teacher and the founder of English Home Studies. In addition to offering 1:1 tuition sessions for students from 9 - 16 years old (Year 5 - Year 11), I create digital and printable revision guides and activity packs.

I often post advice and links to free and affordable English resources on the English Home Studies Facebook and Instagram pages but, if you have a child in KS3 or KS4, you might like to join one of my Facebook groups:

KS3 English Support for Parents 

GCSE English Language & Literature Support  

If you would like to find out more about my qualifications and experience or read some of the lovely reviews I've received from previous clients, please have a look around my website and, if you have any questions, please send me a message. Many thanks.