Paper 2 Skills: Interpretation and Analysis (Cambridge (CIE) AS English General Paper): Revision Note
Exam code: 8021
Paper 2 summary
Paper 2 of your CIE AS English General Paper exam is the comprehension paper:
1 hour 45 minutes
50 marks
2 sections each worth 25 marks
50% of the AS level
Source materials will be provided in a separate insert booklet:
The materials may come from reports, reviews, essays, blogs, scripts, speeches and descriptions, and may include visual data such as diagrams or graphs
The materials will be up to 900 words in length
Below we break down the skills required to demonstrate your ability to interpret and analyse in the Paper 2 exam, along with the types of questions that assess these skills.
Interpretation and analysis
To reach the top levels of the CIE mark scheme, you need to show that you can understand the text deeply (AO1), explain and interpret it clearly (AO2) and communicate your ideas in an organised and accurate way (AO3). These skills are tested most in questions using the command words “explain” or “analyse”.
Explain:
Set out purposes or reasons, or to make the relationships between things clear, supporting with relevant evidence:
These require you to develop arguments and synthesise evidence to show why something is the case
Analyse:
To examine something in detail to determine its meaning, identify its elements and determine the relationship between them:
The ability to analyse (along with evaluation) is the most heavily weighted Assessment Objective (AO2)
Inference and connotations
Inference is the process of drawing a logical conclusion based on the evidence in the source material. This includes how a word or phrase has been used in context. In the exam, this means that you should develop your ideas and analysis based on the information you have been given in the text (rather than jumping to illogical conclusions).
Analysis also requires you to consider the connotations of words or phrases. Connotations are the associations or implied meanings of a word or phrase. These are often the emotions or ideas associated with a word beyond its literal meaning, and can be positive or negative.
For example, “childlike” and “childish” both compare a person with a child. However, “childlike” has more positive connotations, implying innocence and fun, whereas “childish” has more negative connotations, implying a person is behaving in a way that does not match their age and experience.
Language features and techniques
The table below provides some definitions of key literary terms. This list is not exhaustive, but it is simply a guide to some of the techniques that might be most useful when analysing words and phrases..
Language technique | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things, using "like" or "as" to highlight their similarities | “Her smile was as radiant as the morning sun, casting its warm glow upon everyone she encountered.” | |
A metaphor is a figure of speech that equates or describes one thing in terms of another, asserting that they are the same | “The stormy sea was an untamed beast, its ferocious waves crashing against the shore with unrestrained fury, devouring all in its path.” | |
imagery | Imagery engages the reader's senses by using vivid and detailed language to create mental images | “The sun-kissed waves crashed against the golden shore, their frothy white caps glistening in the radiant morning light.” |
Alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds, usually at the beginning of words or stressed syllables, within a phrase or sentence | “The swirling mist silently settled on the sleepy meadow.” | |
Personification attributes human characteristics or qualities to inanimate objects, animals or abstract concepts | “The weary old oak tree, its gnarled branches outstretched like weathered arms, whispered ancient wisdom to the breeze, as if carrying the weight of centuries on its bark.” | |
Onomatopoeia is using words that imitate or mimic the sounds they represent | “The crackling fire whispered its secrets, its warm embrace accompanied by the gentle pop and sizzle of the logs as they surrendered to the dance of the flames.” | |
repetition | Repetition involves the deliberate repetition of words, phrases, sounds or grammatical structures to create emphasis, reinforce ideas or establish rhythm | “Through the ebb and flow of life, I have learned to persist, to persist in the face of adversity, to persist in the pursuit of my dreams, to persist in the pursuit of knowledge.” |
Juxtaposition places two contrasting ideas, images or concepts side by side to highlight their differences or create a striking effect | “The elegant ballroom was adorned with exquisite chandeliers and fine artwork, while the servants' quarters below held nothing but bare walls.” | |
comparative adjectives | Used to compare differences between two nouns, such as “larger”, “smaller”, “faster”, “stronger” | “The new smartphone is faster than the previous model.” |
superlatives | Words used to express something of the highest quality of its kind | “The explorer's journey into uncharted territory was the most courageous expedition of the century.” |
emotive language | Emotive language refers to words and phrases that are intentionally used to evoke strong emotional responses in the reader | “The devastating aftermath of the natural disaster left a trail of destruction, sorrow and misery.” |
colloquial language | Colloquial language is informal, everyday language that is used in casual conversations and familiar settings | “The exam was a doddle; I finished the problems in no time.” |
imperatives | Imperatives are verb forms or sentences that are used to give commands | “Close the door behind you.” |
Exam questions: interpretation and analysis
These questions move beyond simple information retrieval to the examination of evidence and information in more detail. They are typically more complex questions with higher marks on offer, and are usually characterised by the command words “explain” or “analyse”.
Extended responses (8-10 marks)
These are questions that ask you to explain or justify something at length.
Examples:
Explain why Peter Profundus would be a good choice to lead the opposition to the construction of the wind farm. Answer in about 100 words using continuous prose.
(8021/02 specimen paper)
[10 marks]
Considering the advantages and one disadvantage, explain why Francesca is most likely to choose the zoo trip. Do not refer to the other celebration ideas. Answer in continuous prose.
(8021/22, March 2024)
[10 marks]
Explain why Willo Perron believes “in the transformative power of art and the redemptive potential of self-expression” for prisoners (lines 25-31). Answer using your own words as far as possible.
(8021/22, March 2024)
[5 marks]
To get full marks for these questions:
Show that you understand all parts of the question:
Select only the most relevant information from the text
Cover all major points
Avoid repeating the same idea
Show you understand why the information matters, not just what it says
Develop your analysis:
Explain what each point shows
Ask yourself how this supports your argument
Write clearly and organise your ideas:
Your writing should be fluent, accurate and well-structured
Begin with a clear opening sentence that answers the question
Group similar ideas together
Use linking phrases such as “this shows that” or “furthermore”
Worked Example
The source material for this question can be found in the 8021/02 specimen insert (opens in a new tab).
Explain why Peter Profundus would be a good choice to lead the opposition to the construction of the wind farm. Answer in about 100 words using continuous prose.
[10 marks]
Model answer
Peter Profundus would be a strong leader of the opposition because he presents his arguments in a balanced and thoughtful way, showing both understanding and restraint. Unlike emotional critics, he recognises the government’s need for renewable energy while questioning whether Segono is the right location. His measured tone and logical reasoning make him persuasive and credible. He considers wider political and environmental issues, such as tourism, wildlife, and traffic disruption, demonstrating awareness of the community’s long-term interests. His ability to suggest alternative solutions and his calm, rational manner would inspire confidence and unite residents behind a well-argued case.
Marking comments
This is a Level 4 response because:
The answer does not merely list Profundus’ points:
It analyses why those traits make him an effective leader, demonstrating capacity to interpret the evidence
The answer is comprehensive in scope:
It considers character, political context, multiple specific environmental/local issues and alternative solutions
The answer is written in highly fluent and organised continuous prose:
It does not exceed the recommended word count
Shorter questions
You may also be asked to explain why a particular word or phrase is used, requiring you to consider the connotations or effects of the descriptive phrase.
In addition, some questions may explicitly ask you to identify language features used.
Examples:
Why do you think the blades are “grey in colour with a non-reflective surface”?
(8021/02 specimen paper)
[2 marks]
Identify two different language features used to capture the reader’s attention.
(8021/23, October/November 2024)
[2 marks]
To get full marks:
Identify the right information:
Keep it specific and accurate
Interpret it:
Explain what the evidence means or implies
Use your own words to show you understand (if required by the question)
Justify your points (if required by the question):
Back up what you say using one clear piece of evidence plus explanation
You should judge this based on the number of marks on offer per question
Worked Example
The source material for this question can be found in the 8021/02 specimen insert (opens in a new tab).
Why do you think the blades are “grey in colour with a non-reflective surface”? (line 20)
[2 marks]
Answer
Grey is a neutral colour that would blend in better with the environment and therefore would be less objectionable [1 mark]
A matt finish would be less reflective than gloss and should prove less distracting as the sun meets the rotating blades [1 mark]
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