Paper Two Question 2
In this video, Mrs Wear tackles AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 2. She explains the five essentials students need to know:
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The task – Always compare both Source A and Source B, focusing on the same object, event, or idea. Stick to the object itself, not the writer’s viewpoint (that’s Q4).
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Marks and timing – It’s worth 8 marks, so spend around 10 minutes writing after using reading time to plan. The challenge is processing two whole texts quickly, especially with one being from the 19th century.
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The skill tested – Officially, it’s identifying explicit and implicit information and synthesising evidence. But the real focus is implicit inference plus comparison.
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Comparison is key – Higher marks come from implicit comparisons, linked similarities and differences, and exploring abstract ideas (like value, relationships, or feelings) rather than just concrete facts (like “the boat is old”).
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Do not analyse – This question is about inference, not analysis. Students should avoid talking about writer’s craft, techniques, or connotations by name. Instead, they should use simple phrases like “this suggests” or “this implies” to show understanding. The ideal answer has three parts: a comparative topic sentence, a quote from each text, and an explanation of what the quotes mean (implicit inference only).
Her message: the only way to beat this question is practice, practice, practice, under timed conditions.
