In this post, we’ll focus on how to tackle Questions 3 and 4 of AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Section A.
What is AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2?
Paper 2 is all about "Writers' viewpoints and perspectives" and you'll have to analyse how the writers of two non-fiction texts (19th century and modern) convey their ideas, opinions or experiences.
Assessment Objectives for Questions 3 & 4
These questions test the following Assessment Objectives (AOs):
AO2: Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology (Question 3).
AO3: Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two texts (Question 4).
Answering the Questions
Question 3
You now need to refer only to Source A from lines ... to....
How does the writer use language to...?
What Do You Have To Do?
In this question, you'll be asked to analyse how the writer uses language to achieve a particular effect to achieve their purpose and engage the reader.
It's important to look out for techniques which are commonly used in non-fiction texts to persuade, inform or entertain the reader and these can be remembered by the DAFORREST acronym: Direct Address, Alliteration / Anecdote, Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical Questions, Repetition, Emotive Language, Statistics and Triplets.
How to Approach Question 3
Highlight or underline the key words in the question.
Re-read the section of text you are being asked about and highlight or underline specific words or phrases that stand out, such as powerful adjectives or verbs.
Identify the techniques being used and, as a reminder, annotate the text.
How to Structure Your Answer to Question 3
Opening Statement
Begin by directly addressing the question. Clearly state the writer's intention, the specific effect they are trying to achieve and the main techniques they use.
The writer uses emotive language and rhetorical questions to highlight the importance of their argument and engage the reader.
Evidence + Technique 1 + Effect
Select a specific word or phrase from the text to support your points and make sure to use quotation marks to clearly identify the evidence you are discussing.
Use subject terminology to identify the technique and explain its effect.
Explain the effect of each technique on the reader. For example, a writer may use statistics to give credibility to their argument or direct address to make the reader feel personally responsible. Aim to link your analysis back to the writer's intentions and the overall effect on the reader.
The statistic, '80% of households waste over £500 worth of food each year,' provides a factual basis that shocks the reader and reinforces the writer's argument about unnecessary waste.
Evidence + Technique 2 + Effect
Repeat the process for a second technique, linking back to the question.
The writer's use of direct address, such as 'You can make a difference,' creates a personal connection with the reader and inspires them to take action.
Repeat for Additional Techniques
Using connectives to link your points, aim to discuss 2-3 techniques in detail.
Furthermore, the use of rhetorical questions, such as 'How long can we ignore this problem?' encourages the reader to reflect on their own behaviour and consider their role in finding a solution.
In addition, the repetition of 'It's not too late' offers hope and motivates the reader to believe that their actions can have a positive impact.
Conclusion
End your response by summarising the overall effect of the language techniques you have analysed.
Through the use of compelling statistics, direct address and rhetorical questions, the writer effectively persuades the reader to take responsibility for reducing waste and believe in their power to make a change.
Top Tips
Look for specific words or phrases (and the DAFORREST techniques)
Write about the effect of the language choice, not just the technique.
Avoid simply summarising the text - you need to analyse what the writer has done and why.
Question 4
For this question, you need to refer to the whole of Source A, together with the whole of Source B.
Compare how the writers convey...
What Do You Have to Do?
The final question requires a detailed comparison of the two texts so you will need to discuss the similarities or differences in how the writers convey their ideas, opinions or experiences. To achieve the higher grades, you will need to structure your answer clearly, using evidence from both texts to support your points.
How to Approach Question 4
Re-read both texts carefully, focusing on tone, language and structure.
Highlight key points where the writers express their ideas and compare their tone (optimistic, critical, sarcastic etc) and the purpose (to inform, to persuade, to entertain etc).
Plan your response by noting similarities and differences in their viewpoints and methods.
Use comparative connectives to structure your response logically.
How to Structure Your Answer to Question 4
Opening Statement
Begin by briefly summarising the key viewpoints and methods of both writers, highlighting a similarity or difference to establish a comparative tone. For example:
Both writers address the issue of (topic) but while the writer of Source A adopts a critical tone to emphasise the negative consequences, the writer of Source B uses an optimistic perspective to highlight the potential benefits.
Evidence + Analysis from Source A
Select a quotation or paraphrase a point from Source A that illustrates the writer's viewpoint or perspective. Identify the method or tone used and explain its effect on the reader.
In Source A, the writer describes (the topic) as '(quote),' which conveys a sense of urgency and concern. This choice of words encourages the reader to view the issue as pressing and in need of immediate action.
Evidence + Analysis from Source B
Compare this with evidence from Source B, noting similarities or differences in the writer's viewpoint, tone or methods.
In contrast, the writer of Source B describes (the topic) using '(quote),' which presents a more hopeful and encouraging outlook. This approach aims to reassure the reader and inspire confidence in finding a solution.
Explain how each writer uses language, tone or structure to convey their perspective.
Use comparative connectives, such as "similarly," "however," "in contrast" etc to demonstrate a clear comparison between the two texts.
Both writers use emotive language, but their purposes differ. The writer of Source A employs phrases like 'devastating consequences' to instil fear and urgency, while the writer of Source B uses terms such as 'exciting potential' to evoke hope and motivation.
Repeat Comparison
Repeat the process, focusing on other viewpoints, tones or methods and ensuring you balance your discussion between the two texts.
Additionally, while Source A uses a formal and critical tone to challenge the audience, Source B adopts a conversational style, which makes the topic feel more accessible and relatable to readers.
Conclude with a Summary
End your response by referring back to the question and summarising the overall similarities and differences in the writers' viewpoints and methods.
In summary, while both writers address (topic), they differ significantly in their tones and approaches. The writer of Source A conveys a sense of urgency and concern, whereas the writer of Source B adopts an encouraging and optimistic tone and these contrasting methods offer readers two distinct interpretations of the issue.
Top Tips
Plan your answer briefly before you start writing to ensure a clear structure.
Focus on comparing both viewpoints and methods (e.g., tone, structure, and language).
Use comparative phrases like "whereas," "on the other hand," and "similarly."
Back up your points with precise evidence from both texts.
Additional Help
If you found this guide helpful, you might enjoy my other blog posts on both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2
AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 1
AQA GCSE English Literature
For more support, why not take a look at my downloadable and printable revision guides?
Tailored specifically to AQA GCSE English Language, these guides offer detailed strategies, model answers and handy tips for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 and are perfect for independent study...or last-minute revision!
EHS Masterclass Revision Guides
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.
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:
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.
댓글