AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Section B (Question 5) will ask you to write a piece of non-fiction and you'll be assessed on your ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
As mentioned in the question, you'll be assessed on two main areas:
Content and Organisation (24 marks)
Technical Accuracy (16 marks)
Assessment Objectives
This examiner will assess you using the following Assessment Objectives (AOs):
AO5: Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style, and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion.
AO6: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.
Answering the Question
This question will include a statement or scenario, followed by an instruction such as, "Write an article for a broadsheet newspaper in which you explain your views on..."
Your task is to produce a non-fiction text in which you explain whether you agree, disagree or partially agree.
The exam question will look similar to this:
Section B: Writing
You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.
Write in full sentences.
You are reminded of the need to plan your answer.
You should leave enough time to check your work at the end.
‘Social media is the greatest threat to young people today and should be banned.
Write a speech for your classmates in which you argue your point of view on this statement.
24 marks for content and organisation
16 marks for technical accuracy
(40 marks)
You are advised to plan your answer to Question 5 before you start to write.
How to Approach Question 5
1. Make Sure You Understand the Prompt
Read the question, highlight or underline the key words in the question and make sure you understand what you need to do. You might like to make a brief note of the TAP (Text, Audience and Purpose to help you to clarify what you are writing, who you are writing for and why you are writing.
2. Plan Your Response
Spend 5-10 minutes planning your main ideas, examples you could use to support your points and how you will structure your writing. A good plan will save you time and help you stay focused.
For example, consider which of the DAFORREST techniques you could use to shape your argument:
Direct Address
Alliteration / Anecdotes
Facts
Opinions
Rhetorical Questions
Repetition
Emotive Language
Statistics
Triplets
You could also write a brief plan of how you intend to structure your argument by writing down the points you wish to make and when you want to make them. For example:
Introduction
How many hours did you spend on social media yesterday?
Point 1
Discuss impact on mental health (statistics and personal anecdotes).
Point 2
Highlight issues, such as misinformation and cyberbullying etc.
Point 3
Acknowledge benefits of social media but argue they are outweighed by the negatives.
Conclusion
Challenge other teenagers to reduce the amount of time they spend on social media.
How to Structure Your Answer
Opening
Begin with a hook to engage your reader, such as:
A shocking fact
"Did you know that teenagers spend an average of 8 hours a day on social media platforms?"
A rhetorical question
"How much longer can we allow social media to dominate our lives?"
State your position clearly
"I firmly believe that social media poses a significant danger to young people’s mental health and well-being."
For example:
Social media: A threat we can’t ignore
Did you know teenagers spend an average of 8 hours a day on social media?
Although it can be very useful as it connects people around the world, it also poses serious risks to young people’s well-being.
I believe that social media, if left unchecked, is one of the greatest dangers we face today and requires urgent regulation to reduce its harmful consequences.
Develop Your Argument
Use clear paragraphs and make sure that each paragraph focuses on one main point, supported by evidence or examples. Techniques like rhetorical questions, emotive language and anecdotes can help make your writing more persuasive.
Each paragraph should clearly present a point. For example, "Social media is a leading cause of anxiety and depression among teenagers."
3) Include Evidence, using DAFORREST techniques as appropriate.
Statistics
According to a recent study, 40% of young people who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media report feeling more anxious or unhappy.
Emotive Language
This is a silent epidemic, eroding the confidence and happiness of an entire generation.
Rhetorical Questions
How can young people thrive when their minds are deprived of rest and focus?
For example:
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok bombard young people with unrealistic standards, leading to rising levels of anxiety and depression. (Emotive Language)
Research shows that 60% of teenagers check their phones during the night, disrupting sleep and affecting their concentration in school. (Statistics)
How can they thrive when their mental health and education are at risk? (Rhetorical Question) / Emotive Language)
By promoting screen-free time and stricter regulations, we can give them the tools they need to reclaim their well-being. (Inclusive Language / Metaphor / Emotive Language)
Write a Memorable Conclusion
End with a memorable conclusion and a strong "call to action" that reinforces your viewpoint and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
It’s not too late to make a change. By prioritising healthier choices, we can ensure a better future for everyone.
Top Tips
Before the exam, you should familiarise yourself with the conventions of different types of writing.
For example, articles should have a catchy headline and subheadings and speeches often include direct address, such as "Ladies and gentlemen."
Before the exam, you could practise your exam technique by answering questions from past papers in exam conditions. Set a timer for 45 minutes and see what you can do!
In the exam, read the question carefully, identify the TAP, highlight or underline key words and spend 5-10 minutes planning before you write.
Aim to write at least 2-3 paragraphs in the main body of your essay to demonstrate depth.
Use DAFORREST techniques when you can as these can make your writing more engaging and persuasive.
Vary your sentence structures by using short sentences for impact and longer, more detailed ones to create rhythm.
In the final 5 minutes of the exam, proofread your writing for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors as small mistakes can cost valuable marks.
Need More Help with AQA GCSE English Language?
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!
Save money with the EHS Masterclass: AQA GCSE English Language Revision Bundle and buy BOTH guides to AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 1 and AQA English Language: Paper 2.
The EHS Blog
You might also want to take a look at my other blog posts on AQA GCSE English Language and Literature.
AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 1
AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2
AQA GCSE English Literature
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