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AQA GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Paper 2

Ace Your Exams with Miss W!

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THE LOW DOWN ON THE EXAM!

Paper 2 - Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

•The exam is 1 Hour 45 minutes long.

•The exam is worth 50% of your GCSE English Language course.

•The paper is marked out of 80 (40 marks for reading & 40 marks for writing).

•You will have two sources to read, interpret and analyse. One source will be a 19th century text and the other will be from the 20th or 21st century, depending on which time period was assessed in Paper 1.

•The sources are usually newspaper articles, webpages, extracts from autobiographies, biographies or books.

•Question 1 will ask you to to identify four True statements.

•Question 2 will ask you to write a summary of the differences or similarities between the two sources.

•Question 3 will ask you to analyse language in one of the sources.

•Question 4 will ask you to compare the writers’ perspectives in the two sources.

•Question 5 will ask you to express your viewpoint on a topic or theme linked to the two sources.

•You MUST allow time to check your work!

•Allow 10 minutes reading time for Section A.


Section A - Reading

Question 1 - 4 marks - 5 mins




Section B - Writing




Miss W’s Top Tips!

•DO read all of the questions through first so that you know what information you are looking for when reading the sources.

•HIGHLIGHT and annotate the language features and interesting structural devices when first reading the sources.

•CHECK your work. It may seem like a waste of time, but studies have shown that stu-dents who check and change their work score better in exams than those who don’t.

•PQE or PEE in all of your reading answers (apart from Q1). Using embedded quota-tions demonstrates a greater degree of sophistication. It also saves time as you don’t have to write any unwanted words in your answer.

•I would advise answering the questions in the following ORDER: Question 5, Question 1, Question 3, Question 2, Question 4. This way, you ensure you have enough time to an-swer the 40-mark writing question, and questions 1 and 3 are based on one source. Your annotations for question 2 may help with question 4.




THE BASICS OF POINT, QUOTE & EXPLAIN

Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=p6FxPidTcfw&t=4s&safe=active

for help with PQE.aceyourexams.wordpress.com www.youtube.com/aceyourexams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6FxPidTcfw&t=4s&safe=active



QUESTION 1 4 MARKS

5 MINUTES

TRUE or FALSE

Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoajKNYUpGQ&safe=ac-

tive

for help with this question.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoajKNYUpGQ&safe=active



QUESTION 1 The Low Down!

• 1 mark is given for each correct answer = 4 marks in total.

• True or false statements.

• Based on a specific section of the extract - 'Read lines 1-20’. Draw a circle around the line numbers to make sure you take your answers from that specific section.

• Assessment Objective 1 - 'Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas'

• Make sure you only tick 4 answers!

EXAMPLE QUESTION (Taken from Miss W’s video on Question 1) - EXHIBITIONS

Read Source A from Lines 1-25

Choose four statements which are TRUE.

1. Charlotte comments on building works happening at her father's house.

2. She had never visited Crystal Palace before writing this letter.

3. Charlotte's father sent her a letter from Martha Taylor.

4. Charlotte was impressed by the exhibition she visited.

5. Charlotte states that thirty thousand people visited the attraction that day.

6. Despite the large crowds of people, it was surprisingly quiet at the exhibition.

7. Mr. Thackeray's lectures were not very successful.

8. Charlotte was pleased Mr. Thackeray postponed his lecture.




SOURCE A: Charlotte Bronte’s letter to her father, written in 1851.

TO REV. P. BRONTË

112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, HYDE PARK, June 7th, 1851.

DEAR PAPA,—I was very glad to hear that you continued in pretty good health, and that Mr. Cartman came to help you on Sunday. I fear you will not have had a very comfortable week in the dining-room; but by this time I suppose the parlour reformation will be nearly completed, and you will soon be able to return to your old quarters. The letter you sent me this morning was from Mary Taylor. She continues well and happy in New Zealand, and her shop seems to answer well. The French newspaper duly arrived.

Yesterday I went for the second time to the Crystal Palace. We remained in it about three hours, and I must say I was more struck with it on this occasion than at my first visit. It is a wonderful place—vast, strange, new, and impossible to describe. Its grandeur does not consist in one thing, but in the unique assemblage of all things. Whatever human industry has created, you find there, from the great compartments filled with railway engines and boilers, with mill-machinery in full work, with splendid carriages of all kinds, with harness of every description—to the glass-covered and velvet-spread stands loaded with the most gorgeous work of the goldsmith and silversmith, and the carefully guarded caskets full of real diamonds and pearls worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. It may be called a bazaar or a fair, but it is such a bazaar or fair as Eastern genii might have created. It seems as if magic only could have gathered this mass of wealth from all the ends of the earth—as if none but supernatural hands could have arranged it thus, with such a blaze and contrast of colours and marvellous power of effect. The multitude filling the great aisles seems ruled and subdued by some invisible influence. Amongst the thirty thousand souls that peopled it the day I was there, not one loud noise was to be heard, not one irregular movement seen—the living tide rolls on quietly, with a deep hum like the sea heard from the distance.

Mr. Thackeray is in high spirits about the success of his lectures. It is likely to add largely both to his fame and purse. He has, however, deferred this week’s lecture till next Thursday, at the earnest petition of the duchesses and marchionesses, who, on the day it should have been delivered, were necessitated to go down with the Queen and Court to Ascot Races. I told him I thought he did wrong to put it off on their account—and I think so still. The amateur performance of Bulwer’s play for the Guild of Literature has likewise been deferred on account of the races.

I hope, dear papa, that you, Mr. Nicholls, and all at home continue well. Tell Martha to take her scrubbing and cleaning in moderation and not overwork herself. With kind regards to her and Tabby,

I am your affectionate daughter,

C. BRONTË.

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QUESTION 2 8 MARKS

10 MINUTES

SUMMARY


v=zq6MXKeo1Uc&t=25s&safe=ac-tive

for help with this question.aceyourexams.wordpress.com www.youtube.com/aceyourexams



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq6MXKeo1Uc&t=25s&safe=active


• Will ask you to write a SUMMARY of the differences or similarities between the two sources.

• SUMMARY = A brief statement or account of the main points of something.

• Focuses on Source A and B.

• PQE - Inference is the main skill they are assessing.

• 8 Marks.

• Aim for 2-3 paragraphs.

• 10 minutes.

EXAMPLE QUESTION (Taken from Miss W’s video on Question 2) - EXHIBITIONS

You need to refer to Source A and Source B for this question.

Use details from both sources. Write a summary of the differences between the exhibi-tions.




SOURCE A: Charlotte Bronte’s letter to her father, written in 1851.

TO REV. P. BRONTË

112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, HYDE PARK, June 7th, 1851.

DEAR PAPA,—I was very glad to hear that you continued in pretty good health, and that Mr. Cartman came to help you on Sunday. I fear you will not have had a very comfortable week in the dining-room; but by this time I suppose the parlour reformation will be nearly completed, and you will soon be able to return to your old quarters. The letter you sent me this morning was from Mary Taylor. She continues well and happy in New Zealand, and her shop seems to answer well. The French newspaper duly arrived.

Yesterday I went for the second time to the Crystal Palace. We remained in it about three hours, and I must say I was more struck with it on this occasion than at my first visit. It is a wonderful place—vast, strange, new, and impossible to describe. Its grandeur does not consist in one thing, but in the unique assemblage of all things. Whatever human industry has created, you find there, from the great compartments filled with railway engines and boilers, with mill-machinery in full work, with splendid carriages of all kinds, with harness of every description—to the glass-covered and velvet-spread stands loaded with the most gorgeous work of the goldsmith and silversmith, and the carefully guarded caskets full of real diamonds and pearls worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. It may be called a bazaar or a fair, but it is such a bazaar or fair as Eastern genii might have created. It seems as if magic only could have gathered this mass of wealth from all the ends of the earth—as if none but supernatural hands could have arranged it thus, with such a blaze and contrast of colours and marvellous power of effect. The multitude filling the great aisles seems ruled and subdued by some invisible influence. Amongst the thirty thousand souls that peopled it the day I was there, not one loud noise was to be heard, not one irregular movement seen—the living tide rolls on quietly, with a deep hum like the sea heard from the distance.

Mr. Thackeray is in high spirits about the success of his lectures. It is likely to add largely both to his fame and purse. He has, however, deferred this week’s lecture till next Thursday, at the earnest petition of the duchesses and marchionesses, who, on the day it should have been delivered, were necessitated to go down with the Queen and Court to Ascot Races. I told him I thought he did wrong to put it off on their account—and I think so still. The amateur performance of Bulwer’s play for the Guild of Literature has likewise been deferred on account of the races.

I hope, dear papa, that you, Mr. Nicholls, and all at home continue well. Tell Martha to take her scrubbing and cleaning in moderation and not overwork herself. With kind regards to her and Tabby,

I am your affectionate daughter,

C. BRONTË.

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Q1: Read Source A. Tick four statements below which are TRUE

SOURCE B: Excerpt from ‘A History of Modern Britain’ by Andrew Marr, published 2007

Other early initiatives would crumble to dust and ashes. One of the most interesting examples is the Dome, centrepiece of millennium celebrations inherited from the Conservatives. Blair was initially unsure about whether to forge ahead with the £1 billion gamble. He was argued into the Dome project by Peter Mandelson who wanted to be its impresario, and by John Prescott, who liked the new money it would bring to a blighted part of east London. Prescott suggested New Labour wouldn’t be much of a government if it could not make a success of this. Blair agreed, though had the Dome ever come to a cabinet vote he would have lost.

Architecturally the Dome was striking and elegant, a landmark for London which can be seen by almost every air passenger arriving in the capital. Public money was spent on cleaning up a poisoned semicircle of derelict land and brining new Tube and road links. The millennium was certainly worth celebrating. But the problem ministers and their advisers could not solve was what their pleasure Dome should contain. Should it be for a great national party? Should it be educational? Beautiful? Thought-provoking? A fun park? Nobody could decide. The instinct of the British towards satire was irresistible as the project continued surrounded by cranes and political hullabaloo. The Dome would be magnificent, unique, a tribute to daring and can-do. Blair himself said it would provide the first paragraph of his next election manifesto.

A well-funded, self-confident management was put in place but the bright child’s question – yes, but what’s it for? – would not go away. When the Dome finally opened, at New Year, the Queen, Prime Minister and hundreds of donors, business people and celebrities were treated to a mishmash of a show which embarrassed many of them. Bad organization meant most of the guests had a long, freezing and damp wait to get in for the celebrations. Xanadu this was not. The fiasco meant the Dome was roasted in most newspapers and when it opened to the public, the range of mildly interesting exhibits was greeted as a huge disappointment. Far fewer people came and bought tickets than was hoped. It turned out to be a theme park without a theme, morphing in the public imagination into the earliest and most damaging symbol of what was wrong with New Labour: an impressively constructed big tent containing not very much at all. It was produced by some of the people closest to the Prime Minister and therefore boomeranged particularly badly on him and the group already known as ‘Tony’s cronies’. Optimism and daring, it seemed, were not enough.

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QUESTION 3 12 MARKS

15 MINUTES

LANGUAGE


v=PSXn0HzoRLQ&t=25s&safe=ac-tive




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSXn0HzoRLQ&t=25s&safe=active


• Will ask you to analyse the effect of language (words) on the reader.

• You must comment on the EFFECT of the words in the quote you have chosen. How do they make the reader feel?

• Don't worry about specific language features - look for words and phrases which an-swer the question.

• Will be focused on one source.

• May be focused on a specific section of the source.

• Write 4-5 paragraphs.

• 15 mins

EXAMPLE QUESTION (Taken from Miss W’s video on Question 3) - DISABILITIES

Refer only to Source B.

How does the writer use language to describe The Elephant Man? 12 marks




Source B: ‘The Elephant Man’ by Sir Frederick Treves, published 1923

In this autobiographical extract, the writer is a doctor who describes meeting a man named John Merrick who was born with severe physical deformities. Merrick was being exhibited as a ‘freak show’ attraction in a circus – and was given the nickname, ‘The Elephant Man.’

The shop was empty and grey with dust. Some old tins and a few shrivelled potatoes occupied a shelf and some vegetables littered the window. The light of the place was dim, being obscured by the painted placard outside. The far end of the shop – where I expect the late proprietor sat at a desk – was cut off by a curtain or rather by a red tablecloth suspended from a cord by a few rings. The room was cold and dank, for it was the month of November. The year, I might say, was 1884.

The showman pulled back the curtain and revealed a bent figure crouching on a stool and covered by a brown blanket. In front of it, on a tripod, was a large brick heated by a Bunsen burner. Over this the creature was huddled to warm itself. It never moved when the curtain was drawn back. Locked up in an empty shop and lit by the faint blue light of the gas jet, this hunched-up figure was the embodiment of loneliness. It might have been a captive in a cavern or a wizard watching for unholy apparitions in the ghostly flame. Outside the sun was shining and one could hear the footsteps of the passers-by, a tune whistled by a boy and the familiar hum of traffic in the road.

The showman – speaking as if to a dog – called out harshly: “Stand up!” The thing arose slowly and let the blanket that covered its head and back fall to the ground. There stood revealed the most disgusting specimen of humanity that I have ever seen. In the course of my profession I had come upon tragic deformities of the face due to injury or disease, as well as mutilations and contortions of the body depending upon like causes; but at no time had I met with such a degraded or perverted version of a human being as this lone figure displayed. He was naked to the waist, his feet were bare, he wore a pair of threadbare trousers that had once belonged to some fat gentleman’s dress suit.

From the advertisement in the street I had imagined the Elephant Man to be of gigantic size. This, however, was a little man below the average height and made to look shorter by the bowing of his back. The most striking feature about him was his enormous and misshapen head. From the brow there projected a huge bony mass like a loaf, while from the back of the head hung a bag of spongy, fungous-looking skin, the surface of which was comparable to a brown cauliflower. On the top of the skull were a few long lank hairs. The osseous growth on the forehead almost obscured one eye. The circumference of the head was no less than that of the man’s waist. From the upper jaw there projected another mass of bone. It protruded from the mouth like a pink stump, turning the upper lip inside out and making of the mouth a mere slobbering aperture. This growth from the jaw had been so exaggerated in the painting as to appear to be a rudimentary trunk or tusk. His nose was merely a lump of flesh, only recognizable as a nose from its position. The face was no more capable of expression than a block of gnarled wood. The back was horrible, because from it hung, as far down as the middle of the thigh, huge, sack-like masses of flesh covered by the same loathsome cauliflower skin.

The right arm was of enormous size and shapeless. It suggested the limb of the subject of elephantiasis. It was overgrown also with pendent masses of the same cauliflower-like skin. His hand was large and clumsy – a fin or paddle rather than a hand. There was no distinction between the palm and the back. The thumb had the appearance of a radish, while the fingers might have been its thick, tuberous roots. As a limb it was almost useless. The other arm was remarkable by contrast. It was not only normal but was, moreover, a delicately shaped limb covered with fine skin and provided with a beautiful

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hand which any woman might have envied. From the chest hung a bag of the same repulsive flesh. The lower limbs had the characters of the deformed arm. They were unwieldy and grossly mis-shapen.

To add a further burden to his trouble the wretched man, when a boy, developed hip disease, which had left him permanently lame, so that he could only walk with a stick. He was thus denied all means of escape from his tormentors. As he told me later, he could never run away. One other feature must be mentioned to emphasize his isolation from his kind. Although he was already repellent enough, there arose from the fungous skin-growth with which he was almost covered a very sickening stench which was hard to tolerate. From the showman I learnt nothing about the Elephant Man, except that he was English, that his name was John Merrick and that he was twenty-one years of age.

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QUESTION 4 16 MARKS

20 MINUTES

COMPARISON OF

PERSPECTIVES


v=z6l1gaVRGW8&t=3s&safe=active


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6l1gaVRGW8&t=3s&safe=active




• Will ask you to compare what writers think and feel in the two sources you are giv-en.

• You must use words of comparison - both, also, in contrast to, on the other hand, however...

• Do Q1 and Q3, then Q2 and Q4.

• Annotations noted for Q2 could help with Q4.

• Methods = language and structure.

• 12 marks.

• Aim for 6 points/3 comparative paragraphs.

• 20 mins.

EXAMPLE QUESTION (Taken from Miss W’s video on Question 4) - NURSING

Refer to both Source A and Source B

Compare how the writers convey their attitudes to nursing.

In your answer, you should:

compare their attitudes

compare the methods they use to convey their attitudes

support your ideas with references to both texts




SOURCEA:FlorenceNightingalewasanurseduringtheCrimeanwar,whenBritainandFrancewentto

warwithRussiafortwoyearsin1854.

Inthisextract,shedescribesherrolenursingwoundedsoldiers:Amessagecametometopreparefor510woundedonoursideoftheHospitalwhowerearrivingfromthedreadfulaffairofthe5thNovemberfromBalaklava,inwhichbattlewere1763woundedand442killed,besides96officerswoundedand38killed.IalwaysexpectedtoendmyDaysasHospitalMatron,butIneverexpectedtobeBarrackMistress.Wehadbuthalfanhour’snoticebeforetheybeganlandingthewounded.Betweenoneand9o’clockwehadthemattressesstuffed,sewnup,laiddown—alas!Onlyuponmattingonthefloor—themenwashedandputtobed,andalltheirwoundsdressed.IwishIhadtime.Iwouldwriteyoualetterdeartoasurgeon’sheart.IamasgoodasaMedicalTimes!Butoh!youGentlemenofEnglandwhositathomeinallthewell-earnedsatisfactionofyoursuccessfulcases,canhavelittleideafromreadingthenewspapersofthehorrorandmiseryinaMilitaryHospitalofoperatinguponthesedying,exhaustedmen.ALondonHospitalislikeaGardenofFlowerscomparedtoit.WehaveourQuartersinoneToweroftheBarrack,andallthisfreshinfluxhasbeenlaiddownbetweenusandtheMainGuard,intwoCorridors,withalineofbedsdowneachside,justroomforonepersontopassbetween,andfourwards.Yetinthemidstofthisappallinghorror(wearesteepeduptoournecksinblood)thereissomegood,andIcantrulysay,likeSt.Peter:“Itisgoodforustobehere”—thoughIdoubtthatifSt.Peterhadbeenhere,hewouldhavesaidso.AsIwentmynight-roundsamongthenewlywoundedthatfirstnight,therewasnotonemurmur,notonegroan,thestrictestdiscipline—themostabsolutesilenceandquietprevailed—onlythestepsoftheSentry—andIheardonemansay:“IwasdreamingofmyfriendsatHome,”andanothersaid,“Iwasthinkingofthem.”Thesepoorfellowsbearpainandmutilationwithanunshrinkingheroismwhichisreallysuperhuman,anddie,orarecutupwithoutacomplaint.Thewoundedarenowlyinguptoourverydoor,andwearelanding540morefromtheAndes.ItakerankintheArmyasBrigadierGeneral,because40Britishfemales,whomIhavewithme,aremoredifficulttomanagethan4000men.Letnoladycomeoutherewhoisnotusedtofatigueandprivation.EverytenminutesanOrderlyruns,andwehavetogoandcramlintintothewoundtillaSurgeoncanbesentfor,andstoptheBleedingaswellaswecan.Inallourcorridor,IthinkwehavenotanaverageofthreeLimbsperman.AndtherearetwoShipsmore“loading”attheCrimeawithwounded—(thisisourPhraseology).Thencometheoperations,andamelancholy,notanencouragingLististhis.Theyareallperformedinthewards—notimetomovethem;onepoorfellowexhaustedwithhæmorrhage,hashislegamputatedasalasthope,anddiestenminutesaftertheSurgeonhaslefthim.Almostbeforethebreathhaslefthisbodyitissewnupinitsblanket,andcarriedawayandburiedthesameday.WehavenoroomforCorpsesintheWards.TheSurgeonspassontothenext,anexcisionoftheshoulder-joint,beautifullyperformedandgoingonwell.Balllodgedjustintheheadofthejointandfracturestarredallround.ThenextpoorfellowhastwoStumpsforarms,andthenexthaslostanarmandaleg.AsfortheBallstheygoinwheretheylikeandcomeoutwheretheylikeanddoasmuchharmastheycaninpassing.

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SOURCEB:Articletakenfromwww.nursingtimes.net,May7th2014

ThemajorityofNHSnursesfeelunderpaid,overworkedandundervalued,accordingtoasurveycarriedoutjointlybyNursingTimesandITV.

Morethaneightof10nursessaidtheydidnothaveenoughtimetogivepatientsadequatecareanda

quarterbelievedtheyhadputapatient’slifeatriskbecausetheyweretoobusyoroverworked.Staff

shortagesandtoomuchpaperworkwerethemostcommonfactorsstoppingnursesfromdoingtheirjob

properly,theysaid.

ThesurveyresultswereduetobefeaturedthisweekinITV’sbreakfastprogrammeGoodMorningBritain,

aspartofaspecialeditiononnursing.Thefindingsareastarkreminderoftheeverydaypressuresfaced

byfrontlinenursingstaff,andtheirviewthatstaffingremainsthekeyfactorinensuringpatientsafety.

Despiteanincreasingrecognitionbymanyhospitaltruststhattheyneedtorecruitmorenurses,the

findingssuggestthereisstillalongwaytogo.Thiswasfurtherconfirmedlastweekwhenpersistentstaff

shortageswerecitedasamajorfactorforHeatherwoodandWexhamParkHospitalsFoundationTrust

beingplacedin“specialmeasures”byhealthcareregulators.

Aroundtwo-thirdsofrespondents,66%,saidtheyworriedaboutthelevelofcarethattheirward,hospital

orcliniccouldgivetopatientsoutsidenormalworkinghours.Asimilarpercentagesaidtheirward,

hospitalorcliniccouldnotfunctionatnight,weekendsorBankHolidayswithoutusingagencystaff.A

massive96%ofrespondentssaidthereistoomuchpaperworkintheNHS,inspiteofongoingeffortsto

reduceit,forexamplebyimprovingtechnology,anditbeingagovernmentprioritythatisoftenname-

checkedinministerialspeeches.

Inaddition,76%ofsurveyrespondentssaidtheydidnotfeelvaluedbytheirmanagerand86%saidthey

didnotgetpaidenoughmoneyforthejobtheydo.Apossibleconcernisthatasignificantchunkof

respondentslackedconfidenceintheirownworkenvironment.Askedwhethertheywouldbehappytobe

apatientintheward,hospitalorclinicwheretheyworked,57%“yes”but43%said“no”.Meanwhile,

whenaskedwhethertheywouldencouragetheirownchildtogointonursing,basedontheirexperience,

73%ofparticipantssaid“no”,whileonly27%answered“yes”.

Although,thesurveyresultshighlightedthestrugglesfacedbynurses,respondentsremainedpositive

abouttheirmotivation.Onenursesaid:“MyjobisgreatandIloveit,whenIamgiventheopportunityto

doitwell,”whileanotherstated:“Althoughmyresponsesarenegative,Ilovemyjob.”Afurther

respondentsaid:“Despiteallthepressures,thepublicshouldunderstandthatasnurseswedotryour

best.”

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QUESTION 5 40 MARKS

45 MINUTES

WRITING TO EXPRESS A VIEWPOINT

Go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyZP5h7Xi-

Un1CF2PE_WB-MZUdo7B0q32P

for the Question 5/Section B playlist.




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyZP5h7XiUn1CF2PE_WB-MZUdo7B0q32P


• The writing task will be linked to the theme or topic of the two sources you have read.

• You will be given a statement at the start of the question setting out a clear audience, purpose and form.

• The statement will be controversial - they want you to offer your own viewpoint!

• You may be asked to write a speech, letter, article, leaflet or essay.

• 40 marks.

• 45 mins.

• 5 mins planning + 35 mins writing + 5 mins checking and changing.

• READ MY RULES.

• Sentence structure.

• Vocabulary.

• Punctuation.

EXAMPLE QUESTION (Taken from Miss W’s video on Question 5)

‘Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and landslides – we see more and more reports of en-vironmental disasters affecting the world and its people every day.’

Write the text of a speech for a debate at your school or college in which you persuade young people to take more responsibility for protecting the environment.




READING QUESTIONS

FLOWCHARTS

Paper 2 - Question 2 Paragraph Structure

Both texts discuss the theme of_________________. However, Source A is written in the format of a _________________ and Source B is written in the format of a

________________.

POINT - answer the question - COMPARISON

Firstly, the writer of Source A states/suggests/explains/discusses____________ whereas/also the writer of Source B states/suggests/explains/discusses_______________.

This question is asking you to SUMMARISE what is the same or different about the sources. You must clearly state these similarities or differences here.

SOURCE A - QUOTE “_______”

SUMMARY

What is the difference between these two quotes? How are the inferences different?

SOURCE A - INFERENCE/SUGGESTION

Imply - what does the word(s) suggest?

SOURCE B - QUOTE “_______”

SOURCE B - INFERENCE/SUGGESTION

Imply - what does the word(s) suggest?


POINT + DISCOURSE MARKER

Secondly, In addition,

Furthermore,

QUOTE “_______”

DIE

Define word or phrase Imply - what does the word(s) suggest?

Effect on the reader

ADJECTIVE to DESCRIBE EFFECT of TECHNIQUE/WORD

Powerful Calming Sombre Violent Peaceful

TECHNIQUE

Verb, Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Simile, Personification, Metaphor, Pathetic Fallacy,

Repetition, Rule of 3, Direct Address…

TO SHOW

Firstly, the writer uses the technique of violent verbs to describe the weather as…


Both sources explore the theme of…Source A is written from the perspective of…whereas Source B is written from the perspective of…

POINT TECHNIQUE + TO SHOW

The writer uses ______________________ to show that they feel/believe/point of view/attitude/perspective

QUOTE “_______”

LINK to the question/SUMMARYAre the two perspectives the same or different?

DIEDefine word or phrase

Imply - what does the word(s) suggest about the writer’s perspective? Effect on the reader

POINT of COMPARISONCOMPARATIVE DISCOURSE MARKER + TECHNIQUE + TO SHOW

COMPARATIVE DISCOURSE MARKER the writer uses ______________________ to show that they feel/believe/point of view/attitude/perspective

QUOTE “_______”

DIEDefine word or phrase

Imply - what does the word(s) suggest about the writer’s perspective? Effect on the reader

SOUR

CE A

SOUR

CE B

DISCOURSE MARKER + COMPARISON of PERSPECTIVE/ATTITUDE

TOP LEVEL SAMPLE

ANSWERS

Sample Answer - Paper 2 - Question 2

Both sources describe a world-renowned exhibition. However, Source A is written in the form of a letter and Source B is an excerpt from a non-fiction history book.

Both sources explain that numerous visitors attended the exhibitions, but there is a marked difference in the way the events were managed. Source A details that the visitors made no ‘irregular’ movements, despite there being vast numbers of people at the Crystal Palace exhibition that day. The implication is that the event must have been extremely well-organised in order to accommodate such large numbers of people, without incident. However, Source B explains that the visitors had a ‘long, freezing and damp wait’, suggesting that a large number of people attended, but the event was hugely disorganised prior to even entering the ‘celebrations’. Whilst it was anticipated that both exhibitions would have large numbers of visitors, the organisers of the Millennium Dome struggled to coordinate the entry of the guests. The Crystal Palace exhibition, in contrast, attracted vast numbers of people and managed them effectively.

Another difference between the two sources is the impact that they had on their visitors. The writer of Source A describes the exhibition as ‘vast, strange’ and ‘new’, implying that there was plenty to see and that the exhibits were of things which had never been seen before, thus generating interest and intrigue in the attendees. In contrast, Source B explains that the visitors felt ‘huge disappointment’ and that the event was ‘roasted’ in the national press, suggesting that the majority of the British public felt that the exhibits were uninspiring and commonplace. Whilst both exhibitions were supposed to be promote Britain’s ingenuity, only the Crystal Palace exhibition succeeded in its aim.

Finally, another difference between the two exhibitions is the number of visitors who attended. Source A states that ‘thirty thousand’ people attended in one day, implying huge numbers of people were eager to attend. The fact that the writer made a ‘second’ visit to the exhibition also suggests that people attended the event more than once due to its interest. In contrast, Source B states that ‘fewer people’ bought tickets than was hoped, inferring that the content of the exhibition was such that it did not capture the imagination of the visitors. Therefore, fewer people purchased tickets. Both exhibitions hoped to attract vast numbers of people, but the Millennium Dome appeared much less appealing than the Crystal Palace exhibition.

PointSource A - QuoteSource A - Inference/SuggestionSource B - QuoteSource B - Inference/SuggestionSummary


Frederick Treves uses descriptive language to inform the reader about John Merrick’s medical condition and life. He also employs a variety of language features in an attempt to persuade the reader that Merrick is unworthy of dignity and respect.

Firstly, Treves uses a simile to suggest that John Merrick is treated like an animal. The writer states that the ‘showman’ spoke to the man ‘as if to a dog’. The deliberate choice of animal implies that Merrick is treated like a pet; he is expected to obey instructions, be loyal to his master and submit to his will. It is evident that the man has little or no control over his own life. The simile suggests that Merrick’s life is not his own, much like the other exhibits in the circus, fostering compassion and sympathy in the reader.

Secondly, Treves uses language to imply that Merrick is a science experiment. The noun ‘specimen’, which is used to describe Merrick himself, suggests that onlookers believe him to be an object for study and display. Indeed, Treves’ comments that Merrick is the most ‘disgusting specimen of humanity’ emphasises his belief that the man is non-human. The adjective ‘disgusting’ implies that Treves is repulsed by what he sees, thus creating an evocative image in the reader’s mind. The frank description of Merrick’s appearance enables the reader to comprehend the full extent of his disability, in that nothing can be compared to such a monstrosity.

Treves also refrains from using proper nouns, for the majority of the text, when referring to Merrick. Instead, Treves refers to him as a ‘creature’ and the ‘thing’ to imply that Merrick is not worthy of a name. The noun ‘creature’ further reinforces the suggestion that Merrick is an animal, not a human and also implies that he is a wretch of an individual with few likeable qualities. This repeated negative image of Merrick, and references to Merrick being an object not a human, reinforces the writer’s viewpoint that Merrick is inhuman in his appearance and personality. It is implied that Treves believes him to be unworthy of controlling his own life. The fact that he repeats this idea throughout the source connotes that he believes the reader should support him in this belief.

Furthermore, Treves informs the reader that a ‘sickening stench’ was emitted from Merrick’s body. This alliterative sensual description is employed by Treves to further emphasise the disgust and repulsion he feels at being next to Merrick. Indeed, he suggests that the man is isolated from humans because of these ‘disgusting’ qualities. Treves hopes to gain sympathy himself for having to be in such close contact with Merrick. Indeed, the connotation is that Merrick only has himself to blame for his own isolation, with his appearance and smell making people sick when they are near him. In this sense, Treves is attempting to persuade the reader that Merrick’s isolation is just, and that he should not feel guilty for being repulsed by the man.

Finally, Treves describes Merrick as having feminine qualities when he explains that he has one arm that ‘any woman might have envied’. The verb ‘envied’ implies that women would desire the quality themselves, highlighting the perfection of Merrick’s working arm. This contrasts with Treves’ other descriptions of Merrick’s appearance which depict disgusting and sickening features. Whilst this statement appears to be positive, it does mock Merrick’s masculinity, suggesting that his body is more feminine in nature. The use of asteism* by Treves is an attempt to influence the reader that Merrick is unworthy of the title of ‘human being’ as he can’t even be classed as a true man.

Point + Discourse Marker + Word ClassQuoteDIE - Define - Imply - Effect

*asteism = courteous, well-mannered ridicule or sarcasm


Both sources explore the theme of nursing and how difficult it is to work in that profession. Source A is written from the perspective of a nurse (Florence Nightingale) on the frontline of a war. In contrast, Source B is written from the perspective of a journalist who reports on the state of the NHS.

Firstly, both writers believe that nurses are not given enough time to perform their duties. Nightingale uses a statistic to highlight how little time she was given to prepare for the arrival of soldiers from the battlefield. She states that she only had ‘half an hour’s notice’ before ‘510 wounded’ arrived at the hospital. The use of the noun ‘notice’ indicates that she was warned about their arrival and was expected to be efficient and organised. The use of the precise number of wounded suggests that she believes herself to be efficient but could also be an attempt to gain sympathy from the reader as to how little time she had to perform her duties, especially given the vast number of wounded. The writer of Source B also believes that nurses are overworked. This is suggested when they factually state that ‘8 out of 10 nurses said they did not have enough time’. This opening sentence sets the tone of the article, inferring the writer’s viewpoint from the outset, that the majority of nurses do not have enough time to do their job. This fact solidifies and supports the writer’s point of view, making the argument more credible for the reader. Whilst both writers clearly believe that nurses are subjected to immense time pressures, the writer of Source B suggests that this takes place on a daily basis as opposed to a specific event such as that mentioned in Source A.

A further point of comparison is the struggles faced by the nurses. Nightingale believes that the conditions in the military hospital are ghastly. She uses the nouns ‘horror’ and ‘misery’ to describe the atmosphere in the ward and also states that the nurses were ‘steeped up to [their] necks in blood’, creating a vivid image of a hospital which is unable to treat patients, has a high rate of deaths and is insanitary. The word ‘horror’ alludes to an atmosphere of terror and panic. Nightingale’s suggestion is that the reader can not fully understand the conditions she works in and, therefore, her detailed description could be an attempt to heighten awareness of the appalling situation. The writer of Source B also comments on the difficulties British nurses face. However, the most prominent issue repeated in the article is ‘too much paperwork’, suggesting that nurses spend too much time away from frontline care. The writer’s perspective is that nurses should be given the time to care for their patients as opposed to completing pointless tasks. The difference in perspective and issues faced by the nurses reflects the difference in era, with modern methods aiding treatment but increasing paperwork.

Finally, both writers make it clear that nursing is a vocation. Nightingale repeats that it is ‘good’ for her to be in the military hospital and also references ‘St. Peter’, inferring that she believes her profession is a calling from God. The use of the adjective ‘good’ signifies that, despite the appalling conditions and horrific injuries, she feels that she is making a positive difference to the lives of the soldiers. Similarly, the writer of Source B also uses repetition to emphasise that nurses ‘love’ their job. The use of the noun ‘love’ highlights the intense feeling of affection nurses have for their profession, promoting a feeling of pride and compassion in the reader. It is clear that both writers believe that nursing is a job which is hugely worthwhile and rewarding and, therefore, the reader should support and respect those people who choose it as a profession.

Opening comparisonDiscourse Marker + First point of comparisonPoint - Technique + Perspective/AttitudeQuoteD - DefineI - ImplyE - EffectSubtle difference/SummaryComparative Discourse Marker

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