To perform well on AQA Language Paper 2, you need to be prepared for the specific tasks and questions presented in this paper. AQA Language Paper 2 typically focuses on non-fiction and persuasive writing. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
Section A – Reading (40 marks):
- Read the Texts Carefully: You will be given two non-fiction texts to read. Take your time to understand the content, tone, and purpose of each text.
- Analyse Language and Structure: You’ll be asked to answer questions about how language and structure are used in the texts. Look for persuasive techniques, figurative language, tone, and any other language features that contribute to the text’s effectiveness.
- Compare and Contrast: Some questions may require you to compare and contrast the two texts. Pay attention to similarities and differences in their approaches, arguments, or perspectives.
- Answer All Questions: Make sure you respond to all the questions, and follow the instructions carefully. Allocate your time wisely among the questions, as some may be worth more marks than others.
- Use Quotations: When answering questions, quote specific words or phrases from the text to support your analysis. Ensure your quotes are relevant and provide context for your responses.
Section B – Writing (40 marks):
- Choose a Task: You will have a choice of two writing tasks. Select the one you feel most comfortable with and can address effectively.
- Plan Your Response: Take a few minutes to plan your writing. Outline your main arguments, the evidence you’ll use, and how you’ll structure your response.
- Write Persuasively: If the task requires persuasive writing, use persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions, statistics, anecdotes, and emotive language. Craft a clear and compelling argument.
- Stick to the Task: Ensure that your writing directly addresses the task you’ve chosen. Stay on topic and avoid going off on tangents.
- Structure Your Response: Organise your writing with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use paragraphs to separate different points and ideas.
- Proofread and Edit: After writing, take a moment to proofread your work for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Clear and error-free writing is more convincing.
- Meet the Word Count: Make sure your response meets the word count requirements for the task you’ve chosen. Going significantly over or under the word limit can affect your score.
AQA Paper 2, Section A: Question 3 Breakdown + Example Answer
Overall Tips:
- Manage your time wisely, and keep an eye on the clock to ensure you have enough time for both sections.
- Revise grammar and punctuation rules to improve the clarity of your writing.
- Practice past papers and seek feedback from teachers or peers to improve your skills.
- Familiarise yourself with the types of non-fiction texts and persuasive techniques commonly used in these papers.
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