Paper 2 Question 2: Model Answer (AQA GCSE English Language): Revision Note
Exam code: 8700
On this page we’ve included a fully annotated sample answer to a real past paper Question 2 from Paper 2 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 2 Question 2 Grade 9 model answer
Worked Example
02
You need to refer to Source A and Source B for this question.
The writers in Source A and Source B are travelling on very different types of boat.
Use details from both sources to write a summary of what you understand about the different boats.
[8 marks]
Answer
Both Source A and Source B describe the boats in very contrasting ways: the boat in Source A is small and brand new, while the boat in Source B is larger, significantly older and damaged, giving the impression that it would not be able to withstand the hardships at sea.
In Source A, the writer describes their experience on a “brand spanking new” boat. The fact that it is brand new suggests that it should be well equipped and seaworthy for the challenging voyage ahead. However, the writer’s description of the deteriorating weather raises questions about whether the boat’s design and capabilities will be sufficient to handle the impending storm. As the boat is sucked into the belly of the wave, the boat’s relative smallness, compared to the towering wave, becomes evident as it is engulfed. However, the initial impression of the boat as flimsy is contrasted when the boat — despite being dwarfed by the waves — is able to “right” itself. This suggests that it has been designed to withstand even the harshest conditions.
In contrast, the boat in Source B is a significantly larger one than the one in Source A, but potentially seems more at risk of perishing in the ocean. The use of the word “ancient” highlights its age, implying that the vessel is quite old and the boat’s condition is further detailed as being “much damaged”, indicating that it has undergone significant wear and tear from previous voyages. This suggests the boat has deteriorated over time and underscores its aged and potentially fragile condition. Furthermore, the groaning sound of its straining timbers also indicates that it is a result of the timbers’ age and wear. The use of the word “groaning” implies that the boat’s timbers are being pushed beyond their limits. This suggests that the timbers have deteriorated over time, perhaps, unlike the smaller, more agile vessel in Source A, making the ship less reliable and more prone to failure during challenging voyages. This strain and stress on the vessel’s structure could also be viewed as compromising its seaworthiness and safety.
Why would this answer get 8/8 marks?
This answer would receive full marks because it meets all of the criteria for a Level 4 response:
This response provides a perceptive and detailed synthesis and interpretation of both texts:
The two sources are dealt with in separate paragraph, but a clear comparative focus is maintained throughout
It makes perceptive inferences and analyses the differences within both texts:
These inferences are always developed
Sometimes, plausible alternative interpretations are given
A range of references is used which relate to the focus of the question:
Multiple pieces of evidence (including both quotations and indirect references) are used to support each point
How do I choose what to include in my Question 2 answer?
Question 2 requires you to infer information from two different texts and form this into a summary. Synthesising requires you to:
Understand the focus of the question
Extract the most essential information, relevant to this focus
Organise it in a logical order
Present it in a way that fully addresses the question
To address this question, you should first identify where the relevant information is located within each source.
Step-by-step guide to approaching the question
Scan through both texts thoroughly:
Make sure you grasp the main ideas and any key details that might be relevant to your summary
Identify explicit information that is directly stated in the texts:
Look for facts, descriptions and statements that are clearly presented and explain what they reveal
Identify implicit information that is not directly stated, but can be inferred frоm the text:
Pay attention to subtle clues and consider what the writer is suggesting
Consider what the writer is trying to convey and how explicit and implicit information contributes to their main ideas
Select relevant evidence:
When synthesising evidence from both sources, select evidence that supports the points you want to make
Always choose quotes, examples or textual references that are strong and relevant to your argument
Compare and synthesise evidence:
Compare and contrast the evidence you've selected from each text
For example, do they share similarities or differences in conveying explicit and implicit information?
Once you’ve synthesised these findings, try to draw broader conclusions
How do I structure my Question 2 answer?
Having identified the relevant information from both texts, you can either write:
One paragraph | Two paragraphs |
|---|---|
|
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Regardless of whether you write one or two paragraphs, you should aim to structure your answer in the following way:
Develop a thesis statement:
A thesis statement is a clear introduction that captures your main overview of the texts
Provide evidence and analysis:
Support your summary with specific evidence from the text
Explain how these quotes support your thesis and contribute to your overall summary of the text
Putting your Question 2 ideas into a paragraph
Let’s explore an example of how you might begin to write your ideas into a paragraph. As above, this answer relates to the June 2019 exam paper.
Developing skills: inference and synthesis
Making inferences
When making inferences, it’s useful to think first about what and how things are described. Again, referring to the June 2019 question, here are some ideas the writers reveal about the boats:
Using some of these ideas, let’s see how we can make inferences. Remember, making inferences means looking for deeper meanings, or things that the writers are suggesting:
Idea about the boats | Evidence | Inference |
|---|---|---|
Age | “Our boat was brand spanking new” (Source A) | This suggests that the boat should be well-equipped, reliable and seaworthy for the voyage ahead |
“Ours was a very curious boat, ancient and much damaged” (Source B) | This suggests the vessel is quite old and has undergone significant wear and tear from previous voyages, which means it may be unreliable | |
Condition | “It had coped with the seas we had experienced thus far incredibly well” (Source A) | This suggests that the boat has already encountered challenging waters and demonstrates its ability to withstand these |
“For the groaning sound of its straining timbers … and it was tired of the struggle” (Source B) | This suggests the boat has deteriorated over time and underscores its aged and potentially fragile condition |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The mark scheme does not reward the number of references you use, but the quality of the inferences you make.
Textual references and/or direct quotations can be used, but they should only be used to support your inferences. They should not be used to analyse language, as that is not the focus of this question.
Using discourse markers
One way to create a coherent synthesis is to use discourse markers. Here are some great discourse markers which you could use to develop your response:
Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on how to answer Paper 2 Question 2 and our student-friendly Paper 2 Question 2 mark scheme.
You can also test yourself on Paper 2 Question 2 with expert-created Save My Exams quiz and exam questions. Try our Paper 2 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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