Paper 1 Question 2: Model Answer (AQA GCSE English Language) : Revision Note
On this page we’ve included a fully annotated sample answer to a real past paper Question 2 from Paper 1 of the AQA English Language GCSE. Underneath the model answer, we show you how to structure a full-mark answer, and include some expert tips on how to get to that top grade.
Paper 1 Question 2 Grade 9 model answer
Worked Example
02
Look in detail at this extract, from lines 9 to 14 of the source:
If there are few moments in life that come as clear and as pure as ice, when the mountain breathed back at her, Zoe knew that she had trapped one such moment and that it could never be taken away. Everywhere was snow and silence. Snow and silence; the complete arrest of life; a rehearsal and a pre-echo of death. She pointed her skis down the hill. They looked like weird talons of brilliant red and gold in the powder snow as she waited, ready to swoop. I am alive. I am an eagle.
How does the writer use language here to describe Zoe’s feelings?
You could include the writer’s choice of:
words and phrases
language features and techniques
sentence forms.
[8 marks]
Answer
The writer uses language in this passage to suggest that Zoe feels a sense of profound connection with nature. She seems completely lost in nature, that it is all-encompassing: she is surrounded by snow “everywhere”, and the repetition of the words “snow” and “silence” also suggest that not only is she immersed in this wintry environment, but that she is at peace in it. Indeed, the rеpеtition and allitеration of the phrase “snow and silеncе” еvokеs a profound sеnsе of stillnеss and tranquillity. This repetition — alongside the repeated soft and soothing “s” sound — also creates an almost rhythmic and melodic effect, that perhaps reflects the stillness and tranquillity that Zoe feels in this environment. Indeed, this sense of peace and connection to nature is emphasised in the fact that the “mountain breathed back at her”, the personification highlighting their relationship in this special moment.
Thе mеtaphor of thе “еaglе” sеrvеs to highlight Zoе's еxhilaration and sеnsе of frееdom on the mountain. By stating, “I am alivе. I am an еaglе” the writer is implying that shе is еmbracing thе untamеd and advеnturous spirit of an еaglе while skiing down thе slopе. Joyce also еmploys short, concisе sеntеncеs to convеy Zoе's immediate actions and thoughts, which seem to emphasise Zoe’s new-found feelings of confidence or independence. Thеsе dеclarativе sеntеncеs crеatе a dirеct and assеrtivе tonе and thе rеpеtition of thе subjеct-vеrb structurе (“I am”) rеinforcеs Zoе's sеnsе of sеlf and hеr connеction to thе momеnt.
Why would this answer get 8/8 marks?
The paragraphs begin with topic sentences which directly address the question
This answer effectively analyses how the writer uses language to achieve certain effects (a connection with nature; a sense of freedom)
Language techniques such as repetition, alliteration, personification and sentence forms are accurately identified and their intended effect is always analysed
Detailed evidence in the form of quotes have been selected from the text
Points are detailed and continually link back to the focus of the question
How do I choose what to include in my Question 2 answer?
When you first consider the writer’s use of language, you should look for patterns of words, or phrases that create similar or contrasting:
Characters
Situations
Thoughts
Feelings
You should also explore the text by considering a range of possible meanings, readings, interpretations and responses. Which words or phrases could have double meanings, and why?
Step-by-step guide to approaching the question
Highlight the focus of the question before you re-read the extract
Scan the extract thoroughly several times, paying close attention to its use of language
Highlight your initial observations and any significant word or language choices that stand out to you
Identify particular words, phrases and any language techniques that the writer has used:
You can consider sentence forms as well, but only if you have something relevant to say about them
Choose two to three quotes that illustrate the writer’s effective use of language to convey meaning or which create a specific effect:
Consider additional connotations that your chosen word or phrase suggests to you
Prioritise elements that are most relevant and significant to the question:
Choose evidence that best supports your argument or analysis
Examiner Tips and Tricks
This question demands a focus on individual words and short phrases. If you include unfocused lengthy quotations it’s much harder to analyse the language.
Using long and unfocused quotations leads most students to write about content rather than language. You should only use short, precise quotations to enable you to direct your analysis to the word or phrase that drew your attention and shaped your understanding.
How do I structure my Question 2 answer?
You should aim to structure your answer in the following way:
Develop a thesis statement:
A thesis statement is a sentence that captures your main argument or interpretation of the text clearly
It should relate directly to the question (including words from the question is a good idea)
This will serve as the guiding focus for your analysis
Provide evidence and analysis:
Support your analysis with specific evidence from the text
Explain how these quotes support your thesis and contribute to your overall interpretation of the text
Consider alternative viewpoints:
Acknowledge and address possible alternative viewpoints or interpretations of the text
You should aim to write 2–3 paragraphs for this answer, each with a different topic sentence. These topic sentences should focus on different aspects of the question.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Keep referring to what the writer is doing. This will help you to stay focused on analysis and avoid describing or retelling the narrative.
Focus on analysing why the writer made certain choices and how those choices contribute to the text's overall impact and meaning. Maintain a critical lens that examines the writer's craft, rather than just explaining what’s happening in the extract.
Putting your Question 2 ideas into a paragraph
Below is an example of how you might turn your ideas about language features into a response for Question 2. The response is based on the November 2019 AQA Paper 1 past paper. It is useful to read through this extract and the wording of Question 2 before exploring the model response below.
Direct quotation | “I am an eagle” | |
Language feature and effect | The use of the metaphor conveys Zoe’s sense of liberation | |
Next, we will explore how you might write these ideas into a paragraph:
Worked Example
Thе mеtaphor of thе “еaglе” sеrvеs to highlight Zoе's еxhilaration and sеnsе of frееdom on the mountain. By stating, “I am alivе. I am an еaglе” the writer is implying that shе is еmbracing thе untamеd and advеnturous spirit of an еaglе while skiing down thе slopе. It could also suggest that she is embracing the untamed and adventurous spirit of an eagle, fully immersing herself in the exhilarating experience of skiing down the slope.
Developing your analysis of language
Here are some exam strategies to analyse a writer’s language choices for:
Words and phrases
Language features and techniques
Sentence forms
Words and phrases
Language feature | How to analyse it in Question 2 |
|---|---|
Key words and phrases |
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Denotation and connotation |
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Register and tone |
|
Language features and techniques
Language feature | How to analyse it in Question 2 |
|---|---|
Narrative voice and point of view |
|
Character development |
|
Sensory language |
|
Vivid imagery |
|
Figurative language |
|
Rhetorical devices |
|
Sound devices |
|
Narrative techniques |
|
Sentence forms
Language feature | How to analyse it in Question 2 |
|---|---|
Sentence types |
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Sentence modifiers |
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Sentence patterns |
|
Broader context |
|
Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on how to answer Paper 1 Question 2 and the Paper 1 Question 2 mark scheme.
You can also test yourself on Paper 1 Question 2 with expert-created Save My Exams quiz and exam questions. Try our Paper 1 Question 2 multiple choice questions and answer full questions and get them marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.
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