The ideas or feelings a word suggests beyond its literal meaning. A word's connotation is what it makes a reader think or feel — e.g. "home" suggests warmth and safety, not just a building.

Ways of comparing one thing to another to create a vivid image. A simile uses 'like' or 'as'; a metaphor says one thing is another.

The grammatical type of a word — verbs, adjectives and adverbs — and the effects each creates. Naming the word class makes analysis precise.

What is Question 2 asking you to do?

Analyse how the writer uses language for effect (8 marks, AO2). Focus on words, phrases and techniques.

What three things should a language point include?

Quotation → technique / word class → effect on the reader. Always finish on the effect.

Why zoom in on single words?

It lets you explore a word's connotations precisely, instead of commenting on a whole sentence vaguely.

What makes a good quotation to analyse?

One that is short, precise and rich in connotation — easy to zoom in on.

Common mistake to avoid in Question 2?

Feature-spotting — listing techniques without explaining their effect on the reader.

GCSEEnglish LanguageAQAFlashcardsPaper 1Question 2

Question 2 (AQA GCSE English Language): Flashcards

Exam code: 8700

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FrontPaper 1 Question 2 Skills: Language Analysis
Fill in the gap: Always explain the ＿＿＿＿＿ a language choice has on the reader

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Cards in this collection (10)

Fill in the gap: Always explain the ＿＿＿＿＿ a language choice has on the reader
Answer: effect
Fill in the gap: Use subject ＿＿＿＿＿ such as metaphor and simile to support your points
Answer: terminology
Connotation
The ideas or feelings a word suggests beyond its literal meaning. A word's connotation is what it makes a reader think or feel — e.g. "home" suggests warmth and safety, not just a building.
Simile / metaphor
Ways of comparing one thing to another to create a vivid image. A simile uses 'like' or 'as'; a metaphor says one thing is another.
Word class
The grammatical type of a word — verbs, adjectives and adverbs — and the effects each creates. Naming the word class makes analysis precise.
What is Question 2 asking you to do?
Analyse how the writer uses language for effect (8 marks, AO2). Focus on words, phrases and techniques.
What three things should a language point include?
Quotation → technique / word class → effect on the reader. Always finish on the effect.
Why zoom in on single words?
It lets you explore a word's connotations precisely, instead of commenting on a whole sentence vaguely.
What makes a good quotation to analyse?
One that is short, precise and rich in connotation — easy to zoom in on.
Common mistake to avoid in Question 2?
Feature-spotting — listing techniques without explaining their effect on the reader.

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