Paper 2 Question 4: 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 4 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 4 Grade 9 model answer
Worked Example
04
For this question, you need to refer to the whole of Source A, together with the whole of Source B.
Compare how the writers convey their different perspectives and feelings about their experiences at sea.
In your answer, you could:
compare their different perspectives and feelings
compare the methods the writers use to convey their different perspectives and feelings
support your response with references to both texts.
[16 marks]
Answer
In Source A, Fogle’s perspective is marked by an overwhelming realisation of his own insignificance in the face of nature’s power. This account exposes his struggle for survival, intensified by his longing to be reunited with loved ones, as reflected in his thought: “I longed to be with her”. Fogle’s perspective encapsulates his instinct to endure, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Similarly, in Source B the writer portrays a sense of danger and uncertainty though Hudson’s narrative. His description of the ship’s creaking timbers and the engine’s throbbing (“The groaning sound of its straining timbers”) conveys the ship’s fragility. Hudson’s perspective demonstrates the vulnerability of both the vessel and its occupants against the forces of nature. Fogle’s account of events also unfolds in a linear progression, mirroring the passage of time during his journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Hudson uses a similar structure, which contributes to the sense of unfolding danger.
As Source A develops, Fogle’s narrative alternates between moments of intense action to moments of introspection, where he reflects on his vulnerability, thoughts of his loved ones and his predicament. During his reflective moments, the writer slows the pace, enabling the reader to delve deeper into Fogle’s fears. Similarly, in Source B, the narrative alternates between scenes of immediate action, such as the ship’s struggle against the storm and the sailors’ conversations, to moments of reflection. These moments offer an insight into the crew’s thoughts and decisions, symbolising the tense atmosphere on the ship.
Furthermore, Fogle’s narrative depicts an image of solitude as he grapples with the intimidating ocean and the overwhelming waves. His experience of being engulfed by a massive wave and plunged into the “bottomless Atlantic Ocean” reveals his sense of isolation. The darkness and chaos illustrate his vulnerability, which creates an atmosphere of being entirely alone. In Source B, a contrasting sense of isolation within the presence of others is similarly explored. The crew’s moral dilemma exemplifies the tension between unity and self-survival and adds to the feeling of isolation even though the narrator is surrounded by others.
Why would this answer get 16/16 marks?
This Level 4 answer compares ideas and perspectives in a perceptive way:
Similarities and subtle differences are identified and explored
It effectively analyses the effects of the writer's methods:
This analysis always links back to the writers’ perspectives
Shifts in the writers’ perspectives are explored
It selects a range of judicious details from both texts to support its points:
Quotes and other textual references (such as narrative form) are used to support all points
How do I choose what to include in my Question 4 answer?
When you first turn to Question 4, you should highlight the focus of the question, as this directs you to what you should choose to compare.
You will always be asked to compare the writers' perspectives, viewpoints or feelings, but as directly relevant to a particular subject in both source texts. In the above example, this is the writers' experiences at sea.
Step-by-step guide to approaching the question
Read the question carefully and highlight the focus of the comparison
Go over both texts:
Scan read them, paying close attention to their similarities and differences
Identify similarities and differences:
Begin by listing the common themes, ideas, or elements that are present in both texts
Identify the specific differences and similarities in how these ideas are approached
Look for implicit meanings and nuances that might not be immediately apparent: what is each writer suggesting or implying about the focus of comparison?
Choose three to four quotes that illustrate the writers' perspectives in order to convey meaning
Compare the writers' methods and literary techniques:
Analyse the writers' use of language, sentence structure, tone etc.
Consider how these choices contribute to the writers expressing their feelings
Consider how these methods convey the writers’ perspectives
Develop original insights:
Go beyond obvious observations
Consider how the various elements you've identified work together to create a unique perspective on the shared ideas of the texts
Formulate thoughtful interpretations that showcase your ability to discern complexities
Organise your comparison:
Structure your comparison in a clear and organised manner
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is entirely up to you whether you choose to focus first on one text, then the other, drawing together some final comparative conclusions, or whether you take a more integrated approach, making comparisons between the texts as you go. Neither approach is worth more marks.
Whichever structure you choose, your response should be logical, coherent and well supported with evidence throughout.
How do I structure my Question 4 answer?
Aim to structure your answer in the following way:
Develop a thesis statement:
A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly captures your main argument or interpretation of the writers’ perspectives
This will serve as the guiding focus for your comparison
Provide evidence and analysis:
Support your comparison with specific evidence from the text
Explain how these quotes support your thesis and contribute to your overall interpretation of both texts
Revise and refine your comparison:
Review your comparison, ensuring clarity, coherence and logical progression of ideas
Revise and refine your argument so that it gives a cohesive and insightful comparison of the texts
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Every point you make in your response should be supported with evidence from the texts.
However, following a rigid structure, such as writing in point-evidence-explanation (PEE) paragraphs, can limit the range and depth of your comparison (and your marks). It is always best to avoid using this type of writing frame to structure your response and instead consider which of your ideas would allow you to write the most developed comparison.
Putting your Question 4 ideas into a paragraph
Below is an example of how you might turn your ideas about writers’ perspectives into a comparative response for Question 4. The response is based on the June 2019 AQA Paper 2 past paper. It is useful to read through this extract and the wording of Question 4 before exploring the model response below.
First, let’s look for a similarity in the feelings or perspectives of the two writers:
Writers’ shared feeling/perspective | A sense of isolation | |
|---|---|---|
Source A | Source B | |
Textual evidence | “bottomless Atlantic Ocean” | The strained dialogue between shipmates |
Interpretation | The writer feels isolated in the face of the vastness of the ocean | The writer feels isolated because of the division of his crew |
We can then put this into a comparative sentence:
Key point | While Source A emphasises the isolation in the face of nature's power, Source B underscores the isolation that can arise from internal moral conflicts within a group. |
|---|
Using the evidence we’ve picked out, and the comparative sentence to guide us, we can put these ideas into a full paragraph:
Worked Example
Fogle's narrative depicts an image of solitude as he grapples with the intimidating ocean and the overwhelming waves. His experience of being engulfed by a massive wave and plunged into the “bottomless Atlantic Ocean” underscores his sense of isolation. The darkness and chaos illustrate his vulnerability which creates an atmosphere of being entirely alone. Although Fogle is accompanied by his partner, James, Fogle's internal thoughts remain largely focused on his own survival and emotions. In Source B, a contrasting sense of isolation within the presence of others is similarly explored. The dialogue among the sailors, where they contemplate abandoning ship and saving themselves, conveys a sense of isolation, and the crew's divided responses highlight how the struggle for individual survival can lead to isolation, even within a group. The crew's moral dilemma exemplifies the tension between unity and self-survival and adds to the sense of isolation even though the writer is surrounded by others.
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 how to answer Paper 2 Question 4.
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.
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