AQA GCSE
English Language PAPER 2
Exactly how to get grade 7+
If you learn these question
structures, rinse and repeat, you
are guaranteed an A or higher
,Composition
Q1 = 4 marks (multiple-choice)
Q2 = 8 marks (comparison using inference)
Q3 = 12 marks (language analysis)
Q4 = 16 marks (comparing perspectives/emotions/views)
Q5 = 40 marks (non-fiction writing)
Timings – Total: 1 hour 45 minutes
Answer Q1 = 5 minutes
Answer Q3 = 15 minutes*
Answer Q2 = 10 minutes
Answer Q4 = 25 minutes
Answer Q5 = 45 minutes
5 minutes for checking through the answers
*NOTE: DO Q3 BEFORE Q2
Q1 and Q3 only require you to read one source, so it takes
less mental capacity.
Before starting the questions:
Read the information on the front of the paper, about the
sources.
Also read the context boxes at the top of the sources.
These will both give you contextual clues.
, Q1 – Multiple-choice
This question should be easy to answer
Don’t overthink it.
Cross out the options that are definitely wrong
Use inference* (‘reading between the lines’) if needed, to
select the right ones.
*Inference is a very valuable skill in paper 2
It involves making educated assumptions based on the
connotations of the text. For example:
The main character describes a storm as making a
‘sinister howl’, and they are ‘fixed to the spot’.
You can assume that the main character is scared of the
storm, although they did not explicitly say, ‘the storm
scared me’.
Q3 – Language analysis
Read the designated source and highlight words/phrases you
might use.
5 paragraphs:
1) Overview statement to start the first analysis paragraph
'The writer uses language to create a sense of…'
2) Insert your best quotation - only as long as it needs to be
'The effect of the adverb/adjective/simile conjures
images of…'
Zoom in and analyse language/word choice - relate
quotation to the context of the whole passage.
When starting a new paragraph: 'this is reinforced
by/contrasted by…'
Repeat step 2, three more times.
3) Conclusion – a simple overview of the points you made.
English Language PAPER 2
Exactly how to get grade 7+
If you learn these question
structures, rinse and repeat, you
are guaranteed an A or higher
,Composition
Q1 = 4 marks (multiple-choice)
Q2 = 8 marks (comparison using inference)
Q3 = 12 marks (language analysis)
Q4 = 16 marks (comparing perspectives/emotions/views)
Q5 = 40 marks (non-fiction writing)
Timings – Total: 1 hour 45 minutes
Answer Q1 = 5 minutes
Answer Q3 = 15 minutes*
Answer Q2 = 10 minutes
Answer Q4 = 25 minutes
Answer Q5 = 45 minutes
5 minutes for checking through the answers
*NOTE: DO Q3 BEFORE Q2
Q1 and Q3 only require you to read one source, so it takes
less mental capacity.
Before starting the questions:
Read the information on the front of the paper, about the
sources.
Also read the context boxes at the top of the sources.
These will both give you contextual clues.
, Q1 – Multiple-choice
This question should be easy to answer
Don’t overthink it.
Cross out the options that are definitely wrong
Use inference* (‘reading between the lines’) if needed, to
select the right ones.
*Inference is a very valuable skill in paper 2
It involves making educated assumptions based on the
connotations of the text. For example:
The main character describes a storm as making a
‘sinister howl’, and they are ‘fixed to the spot’.
You can assume that the main character is scared of the
storm, although they did not explicitly say, ‘the storm
scared me’.
Q3 – Language analysis
Read the designated source and highlight words/phrases you
might use.
5 paragraphs:
1) Overview statement to start the first analysis paragraph
'The writer uses language to create a sense of…'
2) Insert your best quotation - only as long as it needs to be
'The effect of the adverb/adjective/simile conjures
images of…'
Zoom in and analyse language/word choice - relate
quotation to the context of the whole passage.
When starting a new paragraph: 'this is reinforced
by/contrasted by…'
Repeat step 2, three more times.
3) Conclusion – a simple overview of the points you made.
