Top Tips for AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Questions 1 - 4

AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2 might seem like the trickier sibling of Paper 1, but once you know what the exam is really looking for, it feels far less daunting.

With the updated specification from summer 2026, a few details have shifted, but the core skills you need, such as careful reading, comparing ideas, and clear written explanations, haven’t changed.

This guide breaks down Paper 2, Questions 1 - 4, shows how much time to spend on each, and gives you practical tips you can actually use.

What’s Paper 2 All About?

Paper 2 focuses on non-fiction and will always feature two extracts: one modern and one older, often from the 19th century. You’ll need to compare, summarise and analyse the writers’ viewpoints in the four questions of Section A before moving on to the writing task of Question 5 in Section B (that’s a topic for another day!).

If you only remember one thing about the AQA GCSE English Language exams, let it be this: Timing is key!

Breakdown of Questions and Timing

• Question 1: 4 marks (5 minutes)

• Question 2: 8 marks (10 minutes)

• Question 3: 12 marks (12 minutes)

• Question 4: 16 marks (18 minutes)

  
  

Stick to these timings, and you’ll still have enough time left to craft a great answer for the final question.

Question 1: Multiple Choice

(4 marks, 5 minutes)

This is your quick win. You just need to pick the correct answers based on what’s explicitly written in the text.

Top Tips:

• Be ruthless: eliminate any answers that are obviously incorrect.

• If you’re unsure, move on and come back later if there’s time.

  
  

Question 2: Summarise and Compare

(8 marks, 10 minutes)

You’ll be asked to pick out similarities or differences across the two texts. It’s not about flowery analysis; just clear and concise points.

Top Tips:

• Select 3 or 4 key points from each extract.

• Use linking phrases like “Both writers…” or “In contrast…”

• Keep your quotes short and to the point.

  
  

Question 3: Analyse Language

(12 marks, 12 minutes)

Here, you'll focus on a single text, zooming in on how language choices affect the reader or shape meaning.

Top Tips:

• Choose 2 or 3 quotes that stand out.

• Focus on how and why the writer uses specific words or devices.

• Don’t just spot the technique; you need to explain the effect.

  
  

Question 4: Compare Perspectives and Methods

(16 marks, 18 minutes)

This is the big comparison task. You’ll need to explore both writers’ perspectives and how they get their points across.

Top Tips:

• Start with each writer’s attitude or opinion.

• Compare their use of language, tone, and structure.

• Use connectives, such as "similarly” or “however” to join your ideas and improve the flow of your writing.

  
  

Key Things to Remember for AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2 (Questions 1 - 4)

• Answer the questions directly and avoid making vague or irrelevant comments. The examiner is looking for quality, not quantity.

• Short quotes save you time and are easier to analyse.

• Keep an eye on the clock and stick to your timings or you won't be able to spend enough time on the higher mark questions.

• Use past papers to help you practise comparing writers' viewpoints and become more confident.

  
  

Unsure How to Start Your GCSE English Language Revision?

You might like my 30 Day English Language Revision Challenge.

Inside, you'll find 30 quick and simple tasks to help you revise both AQA GCSE English Language, Paper 1 and Paper 2...in less than 30 minutes each!

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About the Author

I’m Catherine: a private tutor, former secondary school English teacher and the founder of English Home Studies.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, I specialise in personalised 1:1 English tuition for students aged 9 to 16 (Year 5 to Year 11) through my EHS Masterclass programme.

Alongside tailored lessons, I create high quality digital and printable revision guides and activity packs to support students’ progress at home.

If you’d like to learn more about my qualifications, read parent and student reviews, or discover how the EHS Masterclass can help your child excel, please explore the rest of my website.