Common Mistakes in 2024 AQA English Language Paper 2 Exam

Overview

Challenge: Reading eight statements and identifying four true ones.
Common Mistake: Picking statements that mirror text wording but are incorrect.
- Example: Statement about a summer job installing vs. selling double glazing.
- Students often fail to identify all four true statements because of misleading wording.
Tip: Focus on thorough reading; do not rely solely on similar wording.
Exam Tip: Statements are in chronological order which helps in verifying.

Common Mistake: Analyzing the writer’s viewpoint rather than the topic itself.
- The focus should be on understanding the topic, such as different jobs, not the writer's feelings or perspectives.
Focus: Avoid drifting into analysis of writer's opinions; reserve this for Question 4.
Specific Mistake: Writing about perspectives instead of the topic itself.

Focus: Analyzing the effect of language used by the writer.
Common Mistake: Analyzing words or images out of context.
- Example: Interpreting a phrase positively when overall context is negative.
Tip: Always consider the overall effect the writer aims to achieve.
- Use descriptive words like 'oppressive' to understand the context.
- Tie language analysis back into the overall source context.

Common Mistake: Identifying viewpoints but failing to delve deeper.
Tip: Follow a structured approach:
- Identify viewpoints and perspectives.
- Analyze methods used to present them.
- Understand why these methods are used.
Example: Using medical terminology to highlight harsh working conditions.
- Show not just difficulty but health impacts and moral implications.
Comparison: Required with another source.

Issue: Students writing excessively long answers (4-6 pages).
Exam Report Tip: 2-3 pages is usually sufficient.
Time Management: Plan for a 45-minute question:
- 5 minutes planning.
- 5 minutes checking.
- 35 minutes writing.
Goal: Craft well-structured, focused writing. Adjust for handwriting size if necessary.