English Language Paper 2 - Q2-4

Q2 - What is the question asking?

Summarise the differences (or similarities) between the two sources; focus on ideas, not language analysis

Q2 - How do you structure your answer?

Commonality Point → Source A → Source B → comparison; repeat 2–3 times

Q2 - What is the key skill in Q2?

Synthesising both texts together, not writing about them separately

Q2 - Sentence starters for comparison

“In Source A… whereas in Source B…”, “Similarly…”, “In contrast…”

Q2 - What gets top marks in Q2?

Clear, concise comparisons; both sources used equally; embedded quotes

Q2 - Common mistakes

Writing about one text at a time; no comparison language; analysing language instead of ideas

Q3 - What is the question asking?

Analyse language in ONE source only (usually Source B)

Q3 - How should you structure your answer?

Point → Evidence → Zoom → Effect → Link (same as Paper 1 Q2)

Q3 - What should you focus on?

Words, phrases, imagery, tone; detailed effects on reader

Q3 - Sentence starters for Q3

“The writer uses…”, “The word ‘…’ suggests…”, “This implies…”, “This creates…”

Q3 - What gets top marks in Q3?

Precise word-level analysis; multiple interpretations; clear effects

Q3 - Common mistakes

Retelling; feature spotting; not zooming in

Q4 - What is the question asking?

Compare how writers present ideas, perspectives, or attitudes

Q4 - How do you structure your answer?

Point → Source A → Source B → direct comparison → effect; repeat 2–3 times

Q4 - What is the key skill in Q4?

Constant comparison + analysis of methods (language + tone)

Q4 - Sentence starters for Q4

“Both writers… however…”, “In Source A… whereas in Source B…”, “This suggests…”

Q4 - What gets top marks in Q4?

Integrated comparison; analysis of methods; clear understanding of viewpoints

Q4 - Common mistakes

Writing separate paragraphs; forgetting to compare; only describing

Comparison – What is the difference between Q2 and Q4?

Q2 = ideas only (what); Q4 = methods + evaluation (how + why)

Comparison – What is a strong comparison sentence?

Both writers present [idea], however Source A shows…, whereas Source B shows…

Comparison – How do you ensure balance?

Always mention both sources in each paragraph

Comparison – What should you compare?

Attitudes; tone; perspective; experiences; methods

Comparison – How do you embed quotes?

Short, precise quotes integrated into sentences

Comparison – What is the golden rule for Paper 2?

Compare throughout, not at the end