The four reading questions on Paper 2, how the summary and comparison questions differ from Paper 1, and how to handle two sources at once.
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1.How long is Paper 2 and how many marks is it worth?
1 hour 45 minutes, and 80 marks.
2.What sources are used in Paper 2?
Two non-fiction texts, one from the 19th century and one from the 20th or 21st century.
3.Why are the two sources from different periods?
So you can compare how attitudes and writing styles differ across time.
4.What does Question 1 ask for on Paper 2?
To choose four true statements about a specified part of one source. It is worth 4 marks.
5.What is the most common mistake on Paper 2 Question 1?
Shading more than four boxes, or choosing statements that are true of the wrong section of the text.
6.What does Question 2 ask for, and what is it worth?
A summary of the differences or similarities between the two sources, worth 8 marks.
7.Does Question 2 need analysis of language?
No. It asks you to summarise and infer, using evidence from both sources, not to analyse methods.
8.What must every Question 2 answer include?
References to both sources, with inferences rather than just retelling what each says.
9.What does Question 3 ask for, and what is it worth?
How the writer of one specified source uses language to achieve an effect. It is worth 12 marks.
10.How does Paper 2 Question 3 differ from Paper 1 Question 2?
It is worth 12 marks rather than 8, so it needs more developed analysis, and it always names which source to use.
11.What does Question 4 ask for, and what is it worth?
To compare how the two writers convey their different attitudes or viewpoints. It is worth 16 marks.
12.What two things must Question 4 cover?
What each writer thinks, and the methods each uses to convey it.
13.What is the most common mistake on Question 4?
Writing about each source separately without comparing them, or comparing the content without discussing methods.
14.What kind of words help structure a comparison?
Comparative connectives such as whereas, in contrast, similarly and however.
15.How long should Question 4 take?
About 20 minutes, as it carries the most reading marks on the paper.
16.What does Question 5 ask for on Paper 2?
A piece of writing presenting your point of view on a statement, in a specified form.
17.What forms might Question 5 ask for?
A letter, an article, a speech, an essay or a leaflet.
18.How is Paper 2 Question 5 marked?
24 marks for content and organisation and 16 for technical accuracy, the same as Paper 1.
19.Why does the specified form matter?
Marks are given for matching the conventions, tone and register of that form and audience.
20.What is register?
How formal or informal the language is, chosen to suit the audience and purpose.
21.Do you have to genuinely hold the viewpoint you argue?
No. You are marked on how well you write and argue, not on what you actually believe.
22.What makes a strong viewpoint piece?
A clear consistent argument, deliberate rhetorical techniques, varied sentences, and a strong opening and ending.
23.Why is a counter argument useful?
Acknowledging and dismissing the other side makes an argument look considered rather than one sided.
24.How should time be split on Paper 2?
Roughly 15 minutes reading, 45 minutes on the four reading questions, and 45 minutes on the writing.
You remember far more by trying to recall an answer than by reading it. Run these as flashcards and the ones you keep getting wrong will come back more often.
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