Paper 2: How to Answer Question 4 (AQA GCSE English Language): Revision Note

Paper 2, Section A: Question 4 is the comparison question.

How to answer Paper 2 Question 4

Let’s look at Question 4 from the June 2023 exam:

The wording of this exam question from 2026 onwards has slightly changed. Instead of being asked to compare the methods the writers use to convey their perspectives and feelings, you are now asked to comment on them. Otherwise, you should approach the question in the same way.

Let’s look at an example of the new wording for this question:

Step-by-step guide to Question 4

In order to achieve 16 marks for this question, you should:

1. Grab your highlighter:

   • Read the question carefully

   • Highlight the focus of the question

2. Scan both texts:

   • Highlight only the information directly relevant to the focus of the question in each text

   • Annotate in the margins why this evidence shows the writer’s particular point of view

3. Start your answer using the wording of the question:

   • For example: The opening comment in Source B that he had been ‘hourly expecting’ the ship to sink indicates a surprisingly calm perspective on his experience of the sea at the start of the extract, whereas in Source A…

   • This demonstrates to the examiner that you have understood both the question and the texts

4. Go into detail:

   • You need to make 4–5 points, ranging throughout both texts

   • It is a good idea to make your points in chronological order, if possible

   • Use the annotations you have made in the margins to form the basis of each point

   • For the highest marks, you should compare and contrast each writer’s perspectives and feelings throughout your answer 

5. Sum up:

   • Your finishing statement should sum up what you have discovered about the writers’ perspectives and feelings

How to get full marks on Paper 2 Question 4

• The focus of Question 4 will always be on the writers’ perspectives, attitudes or feelings 

• The ability to identify “like with like” is key to success in Question 4:

  • Begin with an identification of the writers’ similar perspectives, and then explore the different ways the writers have presented their points of view

  • You need to demonstrate that you understand the writers’ individual perspectives to access Level 3 marks or above

• Make sure all your quotes are directly relevant to the focus of the question

• Three points of comparison are sufficient to demonstrate clear or perceptive understanding:

  • Having a focused approach will help you to structure your response and focus on quality rather than quantity

Comparison exam tips

Common mistakes

• Avoid “bolting-on” language terminology:

  • To get the highest marks, do not get distracted by technical terms or spotting language features that the writer may have used

  • The question is first and foremost asking you to compare perspectives

• Avoid repeating the same ideas from Question 2 in your Question 4 response:

  • The focus of these two questions will always be very different

• Avoid writing too much:

  • Writing more does not help you achieve any more marks

  • Aim to write a short, concise response which covers all of the relevant skills 

• Avoid running out of time for this answer and not attempting it:

  • Even the simplest response to Question 4 is rewarded, so it is better to add some comments rather than leave the question paper blank

• Avoid ambiguity (an answer being unclear) and ensure your comparison is easily understood

Grade 9 tips

• Briefly plan your response:

  • Ensure you understand the focus of the question and what perspectives you are being asked to compare before you write

• Exploring the methods used by the writers is an integral and necessary strand of this question, so you must ensure you comment on this throughout:

  • Always engage with the “how” and incorporate methods in your response

• Methods should always be referenced in an integrated way:

  • Don’t treat the writers’ perspectives and methods used separately

  • You should aim to seamlessly move between perspectives and methods in your analysis of the texts 

• Identify any changes in perspectives as they will enable you to explore your points in more depth and detail 

Learn more and test yourself

For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on the Paper 2 Question 4 mark scheme and our fully annotated Paper 2 Question 4 model answer.

You can also test yourself on Paper 2 Question 4 by answering full questions and getting them marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.