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GCSE English Language Paper 2 Exam Guide

Dec 3, 2024

GCSE English Language Paper 2 Revision

Introduction

  • Upcoming Exam: English Language Paper 2 exam is soon.
  • Goal: Finish strong, understand what examiners look for, optimize study time.

Important Resources

  • Document Available: Free document summarizing key information for question 5 (letter, speech, article).
  • Link Provided: Access via description link.

Time Management for Exam

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • Challenge: Same time as Language Paper 1, but requires more work.
  • Structure: Two sources, four questions on sources, one non-fiction writing.

Suggested Timings

  1. First 10 Minutes:

    • Flick through questions.
    • Highlight keywords.
    • Speed read sources.

  2. Question 1 (Multiple Choice):

    • Worth 4 marks.
    • Spend max 5 minutes.
    • Focus on Source A specific lines.

  3. Question 2 (Comparison Summary):

    • Worth 8 marks.
    • Spend 10 minutes.
    • Compare similarities/differences.
    • Aim for 1-2 paragraphs.

  4. Question 3 (Language Analysis):

    • Worth 12 marks.
    • Spend 13 minutes.
    • Analyze language in one source.
    • Aim for 2-3 paragraphs.

  5. Question 4 (Comparative Analysis):

    • Worth 16 marks.
    • Spend 17 minutes.
    • Compare perspectives of both sources.
    • Integrate analysis of both sources.
    • Aim for 2-3 paragraphs.

  6. Question 5 (Non-Fiction Writing):

    • Worth 40 marks.
    • Spend 50 minutes.
    • Plan (10 minutes) + Write (35-40 minutes).

Frameworks for Questions

  • Question 1: Simple multiple choice.
  • Question 2: Summary of similarities/differences; use PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation).
  • Question 3: Focus on language devices (similes, metaphors).
  • Question 4: Compare writer's viewpoints using language and structure techniques.
  • Question 5: Show form, purpose, and audience awareness for letters, speeches, articles.

Key Techniques

  • Use literary (similes, metaphors) and persuasive devices (statistics, anecdotes).

Assessment Objectives

  • Question 1: AO1 - Find and identify information.
  • Question 2: AO1 - Select and synthesize information.
  • Question 3: AO2 - Use subject terminology.
  • Question 4: AO3 - Compare texts effectively.
  • Question 5:
    • AO5 - Communicate effectively, awareness of form/purpose/audience.
    • AO6 - Use spelling, punctuation, grammar, and ambitious vocabulary.

Conclusion

  • Focus: Assessment objectives and integration of analysis.
  • Objective: Make examiners happy to secure high marks.

Full transcript