AQA English Language Paper 2 Question 2: 2024 Update

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on how to approach AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 2, one of the exam's most challenging sections. The question requires summarizing differences, similarities, or details from two sources, emphasizing inference as a key skill. The video breaks down a three-step process: identifying points of difference, backing them with quotations, and making inferences beyond the text. It highlights the importance of depth over quantity and warns against veering into writer opinions, as that’s relevant for other questions in the exam.

Takeaways

• 📚 AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 2 is considered one of the hardest due to the lack of clear reference to inference in the question wording.
• 📝 Question 2 is a summary task worth 8 marks, assessing the ability to identify and interpret both explicit and implicit information from two sources.
• 🕑 Students should spend around 10 minutes on this question, and must refer to both sources to avoid losing marks for not synthesizing information.
• 🔄 The question may ask for differences, similarities, or information on a specific topic between the sources, so students must cover both texts.
• 🧠 The key to excelling is not just identifying differences or similarities, but also inferring deeper insights from these observations.
• 💡 Inference means figuring out something that is not explicitly stated in the text, but can be deduced logically.
• 🔍 A three-step approach is recommended: 1) Find a point of difference, 2) Use quotations to support, 3) Make an inference based on the observed differences.
• 🚫 Avoid just paraphrasing the differences without inferring. Focus on what the differences lead you to realize about the topic.
• ⚠️ Stay on topic. Avoid discussing writer’s feelings or opinions, as this is the focus of Question 4, not Question 2.
• 🗝️ Past exam reports stress the importance of depth and detail over quantity when discussing differences and making inferences.

Q & A

What is the main challenge in AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 2?

The main challenge is that the wording of the question does not explicitly mention the key skill of inference, which is crucial for scoring high marks.

What are the two bullet points of A01 assessed in this question?

The two bullet points of A01 are: 1) Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas, and 2) Select and synthesize evidence from different texts.

Why is it essential to refer to both sources in AQA Paper 2, Question 2?

You must refer to both sources because synthesizing information from different texts is a requirement. Focusing on only one source will cap your marks at half of the available points.

What types of topics might Question 2 ask you to summarize?

The question might ask you to summarize differences, similarities, or information on specific topics such as behavior, feelings, or more concrete details like different cars used by drivers in the sources.

How much time should you spend on Question 2, and why?

You should spend approximately 10 minutes on Question 2, as it is worth 8 marks, and the question is designed to have a narrow focus.

What is the three-step process to approach Question 2 effectively?

The three-step process is: 1) Find a point of difference, 2) Support your answer with quotations, and 3) Make an inference by explaining what the difference reveals about the topic.

What is the role of inference in answering Question 2?

Inference is where you go beyond what is explicitly stated in the text, working out additional insights. This skill is essential to achieving higher marks, as it shows deeper understanding.

Why is it important to be selective about the points of difference or similarity you choose?

Being selective ensures you focus on points that allow for inference, which boosts your marks. Simply stating obvious differences without inference does not help you score high.

What is a common mistake students make when answering this question?

A common mistake is going off-topic by writing about the writers' feelings or viewpoints, which is the focus of Question 4, not Question 2.

How does the level of detail affect your marks in Question 2?

You don’t need to present many points, but the points you do choose should be explained in convincing depth and detail, making them indisputable and well-supported by inference.