AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 2 (2025 onwards)

Summary

This video tutorial focuses on tackling AQA English Language Paper 1 question 2, which requires analyzing a text extract to explain how language choices create specific effects. It clarifies that while identifying language features is part of the task, the key is to discuss their precise impact within the context. The video advises spending no more than 10 minutes on this question to avoid time loss on higher-mark sections. It emphasizes using subject-specific terminology and provides an example analysis, illustrating how the writer's language paints an idyllic setting, using the simile of 'a chime of fairy bells' to evoke a sense of enchantment and refuge.

Takeaways

• 📉 Fewer than 40% of students achieved above half marks in AQA English Language Paper 1, question 2 in the 2018 summer exams.
• 📝 The question is more about analyzing the effects of language rather than just identifying language choices.
• 🔍 AQA English Language Paper 1, question 2 assesses students on their ability to explain, comment, and analyze how writers use language and structure.
• 📊 The question often provides a small extract (6 to 10 lines), and students are asked to analyze the writer's language use.
• 📚 It's important to focus on relevant language features like word choices, language techniques, and sentence forms but you don’t have to cover all three.
• ⏱️ Students should spend around 10 minutes on this 8-mark question, being mindful of time so they can focus on higher-mark questions.
• 🚫 The exam is not just about feature spotting (like identifying metaphors or similes); it requires explaining the specific effect of language choices.
• 🎯 To achieve higher marks, students must provide specific, contextualized explanations of how language creates particular effects in the text.
• 🏞️ The provided text example uses language to create an idyllic and appealing setting, with magical imagery like 'fairy bells'.
• 💡 The key to success is explaining the specific effects of language choices with precision, avoiding vague comments.

Q & A

What was the performance of students in AQA English Language Paper 1 question 2 during the 2018 summer exams?

Fewer than 40% of students achieved above half marks, indicating that the question is challenging and requires a nuanced understanding of language analysis.

What does AQA English Language Paper 1 question 2 assess?

It assesses the language element of assessment objective 2, which involves explaining, commenting on, and analyzing how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers.

What does the term 'language analysis' in the context of this exam entail?

It refers to the writer's use of words/phrases, language features and techniques, and sentence forms.

How long should students typically spend on question 2 of AQA English Language Paper 1?

Students should spend around 10 minutes on this question to avoid running out of time on longer, higher mark questions.

Are students required to cover all three bullet points in their analysis of the text?

While students could cover all three bullet points (words and phrases, language features and techniques, sentence forms), it is not mandatory, especially if time is limited.

What is the significance of 'relevant subject terminology' in the assessment objective for question 2?

It means that students should use specific terminology related to the subject when discussing the effects of language choices in the text.

Why is it not sufficient to merely identify language features in the analysis?

Because the question is about the effects of language choices, not just their identification. Students need to explain the specific effects or reasons behind the writer's choices.

What should students avoid when discussing the effects of language in the text?

Students should avoid making vague and generalized comments that could apply to any text. Instead, they should provide specific and contextualized comments.

How can students determine the specific effect the writer is trying to achieve in the text?

By reading the extract and asking what specific effect the writer is trying to achieve, such as creating an emotive effect or revealing something about a character.

What is an example of how the writer uses language to create an idyllic setting in the provided extract?

The writer uses a simile comparing the sound of water to 'a chime of fairy bells' to convey a delicate and pretty sound, suggesting a magical and appealing environment.

What is the importance of being specific about the effects of language choices in the writer's text?

Being specific about the effects allows for a more precise and contextualized analysis, which is key to achieving higher marks in the assessment.