AQA English Language Paper 2 Question 5: 2024 Update

Summary

This video offers detailed guidance for AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 5, which requires students to argue a viewpoint on a controversial statement. It emphasizes the importance of writing a clear, consistent argument, focusing on one or two strands of the statement rather than addressing all elements. Tips include understanding the form (article, letter, etc.), purpose (argue, persuade), and audience. The video also highlights strategies like using linguistic devices (e.g., metaphors) and maintaining technical accuracy, such as grammar and punctuation, to achieve high marks. The key takeaway is to present a well-developed and coherent argument within the time constraints of the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on presenting a single, clear viewpoint in your writing. Avoid arguing both sides of the issue.
• 😀 Choose one or two relevant strands of the question to focus on and develop in detail for a more coherent and complex argument.
• 😀 Always tailor your writing to the audience by considering their likely objections and presenting your argument in a convincing way.
• 😀 Understand the required form of your writing, such as whether it's an article, letter, speech, or essay, and include the expected features.
• 😀 Be mindful of the purpose of your writing, whether it’s to argue, persuade, explain, or advise, and maintain focus on this throughout.
• 😀 Use linguistic devices, including metaphors and rhetorical techniques, to enhance your writing and engage the reader more effectively.
• 😀 Don't try to cover every aspect of the question; it’s better to focus deeply on a few key elements and explore them in depth.
• 😀 Planning your response is crucial. Spend 5 minutes planning and 5 minutes reviewing to ensure a structured, well-crafted answer.
• 😀 A long answer can often lead to a loss of quality and focus. Stick to concise, well-developed arguments rather than lengthy, unfocused writing.
• 😀 Pay close attention to technical accuracy, including sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar, as this contributes significantly to your final mark.

Q & A

What is the main focus of AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 5?

The main focus of Question 5 is for students to present their own personal viewpoint on a controversial statement. They need to craft a convincing argument in response to the statement provided.

How are marks allocated in this question?

The total of 40 marks is split into two areas: 24 marks for AO5 (Content and Organization) and 16 marks for AO6 (Technical Accuracy).

What does Section B of Paper 2 build upon?

Section B builds upon Section A, where students analyze viewpoints in two sources. In Section B, students are asked to present their own viewpoint on a given controversial statement.

What types of forms might students be asked to write in for this task?

Students could be asked to write in various forms such as a letter, article, leaflet, speech, or essay. Each form has minimum expectations, such as clear audience addressing or including an introduction and conclusion for an essay.

What is the key advice regarding the structure of the answer in this writing task?

Students should present a clear, consistent argument throughout. It’s important to avoid arguing both sides of the issue, which would lead to a confusing answer.

What is the difference between a counterargument and arguing both sides?

A counterargument involves acknowledging potential objections and then disproving them briefly. Arguing both sides means presenting opposing views without fully supporting one side, which reduces the clarity of the argument.

How should students handle the various strands in a typical question?

Students should focus on one or two strands of the question and elaborate on them in detail, rather than trying to cover every aspect. This allows for a more coherent and developed argument.

What advice is given regarding the length of the answer?

The advice is to avoid writing overly long answers. Writing too much can lead to a loss of focus and quality, with students potentially adding irrelevant content. A concise, focused answer is recommended.

What role do linguistic devices play in the answer, and how can they be effectively used?

Linguistic devices, including metaphors and rhetorical devices, can enhance the argument. The use of figurative language, such as an extended metaphor, can add cohesion and depth to the response, helping students achieve higher marks.

Why is technical accuracy so important in this task?

Technical accuracy, including correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, is crucial because it contributes to the overall quality of the response. Inaccurate language can detract from the clarity of the argument and affect marks for AO6.

What does the mark scheme emphasize in terms of structuring the argument?

The mark scheme emphasizes the need for a clear and focused argument. Successful responses are those that avoid shifting between multiple viewpoints and maintain a consistent stance throughout the answer.