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AQA Q2 Language Paper 2 How to Get Full Marks
Mr Salles Teaches English
Overview
This video explains how to achieve full marks on Question 2 of the AQA Language Paper 2, a question worth 8 marks. The focus is on identifying and articulating differences between two texts, rather than similarities. The presenter emphasizes a strategic approach, suggesting completing this question after Question 4 due to shared reading requirements. Key strategies include using a dictation app for speed, focusing on character mood, actions, and the nature of the relationships described, and employing clear connective phrases to signal each difference. The video also critiques a sample examiner's marking, highlighting that detailed answers with ample textual evidence are more important than perceived perceptiveness.
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Chapters
- Question 2 is worth 8 marks and should ideally be allocated 12 minutes, including reading time.
- It's strategically beneficial to answer Question 2 after Question 4, as both require reading both texts.
- The primary goal for Question 2 is to identify and highlight DIFFERENCES between the two texts, not similarities.
- Using a dictation app can significantly speed up the writing process for revision and exams.
Understanding the strategic timing and the core task of identifying differences helps maximize efficiency and score points effectively within the exam constraints.
The presenter suggests doing Question 2 after Question 4 because you have to read both texts for Question 4 anyway, making the reading for Question 2 redundant.
- Contrast the mood of characters: Simon is cheerful and purposeful, while Marius transitions from calm to fearful.
- Analyze actions and motivations: Simon remains grinning and confident despite pain, whereas Marius becomes alarmed.
- Note the context of the climb: Simon deals with an expert (even injured), fostering confidence, while Marius deals with an amateur.
- Examine the nature of the partnership: Simon acts in partnership, while Marius is the senior, in-charge figure.
Focusing on specific contrasts in mood, action, and the dynamics of the relationships provides concrete evidence for differentiating the characters and their experiences.
Simon is described as grinning and confident, which is contrasted with Marius, who looks alarmed and becomes 'perfectly fearful'.
- Compare the perceived skill levels: Simpson focuses on Simon's mountaineering skill, while Bell comments on Marius's lack of skill (e.g., losing his axe).
- Differentiate the relationship's nature: Simon's partnership is based on mutual respect and collaboration, whereas Marius is the dominant figure.
- Consider physical descriptions and interactions: Bell notes Marius's 'bear-like strength' and hints at physical attraction, while Simon lacks a physical description.
- Contrast care and urgency in descent: Marius lowers Belle like a 'parcel,' showing care, while Simon ignores Simpson's pain to descend quickly, prioritizing saving his life.
Examining differences in skill, the nature of the relationships, and the physical interactions provides a deeper level of analysis and more points for the question.
Marius is described as lowering Belle 'like a parcel,' indicating a degree of detachment or perhaps careful handling, contrasting with Simon's urgent, potentially painful descent for Simpson.
- Use plentiful, short quotations to support each identified difference; they serve as evidence, not for analysis in this question.
- Employ clear connective phrases to signal each new difference being introduced (e.g., 'however,' 'in contrast,' 'on the other hand,' 'whereas').
- Aim for a detailed answer with numerous points; this is the key to scoring high marks.
- The length should be around 150-200 words; focus on quality and quantity of differences.
Effective structuring with clear connectives and supporting evidence makes your answer easy for the examiner to follow and score, directly impacting your mark.
Phrases like 'however,' 'in contrast,' 'on the other hand,' and 'a final difference' are used to clearly introduce each distinct point of comparison.
- Examiners often look for a summary sentence that captures the main difference.
- Be wary of examiner comments that go beyond the text provided (e.g., referencing prior knowledge of the book).
- The best approach is to provide as many distinct differences as possible, supported by textual evidence.
- Detailed answers, even if not perceived as highly 'perceptive,' will earn high marks (7-8 out of 8) due to the sheer volume of points.
- Examiners are trained to accept valid points backed by evidence, even if the writing isn't perfect.
Knowing how examiners mark and what they prioritize (detail and evidence over perceived insight) helps you tailor your answer to secure the highest possible score.
The presenter critiques an examiner's comment that relies on outside knowledge of the book 'Touching the Void,' stating such points are irrelevant if not present in the provided text sources.
Key takeaways
- Question 2 on AQA Language Paper 2 requires identifying differences between texts, not similarities.
- Strategic planning, like completing this question after Question 4, can save valuable exam time.
- Focus on contrasting character moods, actions, motivations, and the nature of their relationships.
- Use specific, short quotations as evidence for each difference you identify.
- Employ clear connective phrases to signpost each new point of comparison for the examiner.
- The key to high marks is providing a large number of well-supported differences.
- Examiners prioritize detailed answers with textual evidence over overly complex or 'perceptive' interpretations not grounded in the text.
Key terms
AQA Language Paper 2Question 2ComparisonDifferencesSimilaritiesConnective PhrasesTextual EvidenceQuotationsDictation AppMark Scheme
Test your understanding
- What is the primary focus of Question 2 in the AQA Language Paper 2, and why is this focus important for scoring?
- How can a student strategically approach answering Question 2 to maximize efficiency during the exam?
- What types of differences between characters or situations should a student look for when analyzing the texts for Question 2?
- Why is the use of clear connective phrases crucial when presenting multiple differences in an answer?
- How does the video suggest a student should approach providing evidence for their points in Question 2?