AQA English Language Paper 2, Section A:
Question 3 Breakdown + L5-L9 Example Answers
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
● This question will always ask for language analysis - it may have a different
focus and purpose (describe, persuade, influence etc). Identify these before you
start writing.
● Analyse the specific and detailed effects of language and technique choices
according to the focus of the question.
● Use PEE paragraph structures - write 3 medium sized paragraphs. Each
paragraph should be on a different topic, not a different quotation - use several
quotations per paragraph to explore your topic.
● Only look at the section of the text that is stated in the question - don’t use the
whole text!
QUESTION 3 EXAMPLES:
You now need to refer only to Source A from lines 18 to 28. How does the writer use
language to describe his son? [12 marks]
You now need to refer only to Source A from lines 11 to 27.
How does the writer use language to describe Sister Brendan?[12 marks]
You now need to refer only to Source B, the letter by Henry written to his father. How
does Henry use language to try to influence his father?
[12 marks]
, SUMMARY OF HOW TO ANSWER THE QUESTION:
● Underline the keywords and find the focus of the question. The keywords are
sections of the question that are very important e.g. ‘Lines 18-28’ or ‘how does’.
The focus is the main idea of the question e.g. ‘influence his father’.
● Go through the given lines and underline or highlight any quotation that could
relate to the question - you should keep your quotes as short as possible while
still making sense.
● Think about which quotes work well together, and which you could say the
most about - including which techniques you could analyse for each one. For
high level answers, you should synthesise several quotations together and
analyse them as a group rather than one by one.
● Write 2-3 PEE paragraphs - each with a different topic sentence that addresses
a different aspect of the question. Within each paragraph, aim for 3-4
quotations being analysed in as much detail as possible.
● Don’t be general in your analysis e.g. ‘it makes the reader want to read on’, ‘it
catches the reader’s attention’, ‘it engages the reader’. These types of analyses
don’t pick up any marks because they could be applied to any text at any time.
Instead, for each quotation think about exactly HOW it works and WHY it
contributes to the focus of the question - explain it as sensitively and in as much
detail as you can before moving on.
TOP BAND MARK SCHEME NOTES:
AO2
Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to
achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to
support their views
Level 4 “Detailed, perceptive analysis” 10-12 marks
Shows detailed and perceptive understanding of language:
Analyses the effects of the writer’s choices of language
Selects a judicious range of textual detail
Makes sophisticated and accurate use of subject terminology
Question 3 Breakdown + L5-L9 Example Answers
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
● This question will always ask for language analysis - it may have a different
focus and purpose (describe, persuade, influence etc). Identify these before you
start writing.
● Analyse the specific and detailed effects of language and technique choices
according to the focus of the question.
● Use PEE paragraph structures - write 3 medium sized paragraphs. Each
paragraph should be on a different topic, not a different quotation - use several
quotations per paragraph to explore your topic.
● Only look at the section of the text that is stated in the question - don’t use the
whole text!
QUESTION 3 EXAMPLES:
You now need to refer only to Source A from lines 18 to 28. How does the writer use
language to describe his son? [12 marks]
You now need to refer only to Source A from lines 11 to 27.
How does the writer use language to describe Sister Brendan?[12 marks]
You now need to refer only to Source B, the letter by Henry written to his father. How
does Henry use language to try to influence his father?
[12 marks]
, SUMMARY OF HOW TO ANSWER THE QUESTION:
● Underline the keywords and find the focus of the question. The keywords are
sections of the question that are very important e.g. ‘Lines 18-28’ or ‘how does’.
The focus is the main idea of the question e.g. ‘influence his father’.
● Go through the given lines and underline or highlight any quotation that could
relate to the question - you should keep your quotes as short as possible while
still making sense.
● Think about which quotes work well together, and which you could say the
most about - including which techniques you could analyse for each one. For
high level answers, you should synthesise several quotations together and
analyse them as a group rather than one by one.
● Write 2-3 PEE paragraphs - each with a different topic sentence that addresses
a different aspect of the question. Within each paragraph, aim for 3-4
quotations being analysed in as much detail as possible.
● Don’t be general in your analysis e.g. ‘it makes the reader want to read on’, ‘it
catches the reader’s attention’, ‘it engages the reader’. These types of analyses
don’t pick up any marks because they could be applied to any text at any time.
Instead, for each quotation think about exactly HOW it works and WHY it
contributes to the focus of the question - explain it as sensitively and in as much
detail as you can before moving on.
TOP BAND MARK SCHEME NOTES:
AO2
Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to
achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to
support their views
Level 4 “Detailed, perceptive analysis” 10-12 marks
Shows detailed and perceptive understanding of language:
Analyses the effects of the writer’s choices of language
Selects a judicious range of textual detail
Makes sophisticated and accurate use of subject terminology
