AQA Language Paper 2, Question 2 Answer + Feedback from an AQA Examiner

This page breaks down the process for answering AQA Language Paper 2 Question 2 – the language analysis question. You are advised to write PEE paragraphs for this question, if you aim for three detailed paragraphs that will be better than writing four or five smaller paragraphs. This was the student’s first time planning and […]

An Inspector Calls: A* / L9 Example Intro + Paragraph

Here are some samples of an essay on An Inspector Calls, on the theme of responsibility. I wrote these myself as a teacher to show students an example of the standard required to get a high level at GCSE. I’ve also broken down the structure below so you can see what to put into each […]

A* Grade Robert Frost Essay: Compare the effects of two poems which Frost sets in wintertime.

This A* grade Robert Frost essay was completed by one of my students – not in timed conditions. She planned and thought thoroughly before writing, and edited the piece before handing it in. According to the mark scheme it received 23/25 (92%), which would translate to an A* grade at A-Level. However, the piece can […]

What is Unseen Poetry?

Lots of students find a section called ‘Unseen Poetry’ cropping up on their English exams. It’s quite a confusing term at first! It basically means that you have to read and react to a poem that you’ve never seen before, and write an essay on it in response to a question or prompt – all […]

Robert Frost: Essay Questions

Below, you’ll find a range of essay questions on Robert Frost and his poems. There are two types of questions: Comparative and Discursive. The comparative questions will ask you to compare two poems specifically, the discursive will ask you to ‘comment’ on or ‘discuss’ the poems without specifically requiring a comparison. I hope they’re useful! […]

Macbeth Essay Planning: Fear and Weakness

Macbeth: Essay Question Breakdown Below, you’ll find two Macbeth essay questions – each one is broken down into a clear process that shows you how to identify keywords, select information from the extract, formulate a plan and develop a thesis. This process is a generalised process, so make sure to check your own exam board […]

AQA Language Paper 1, Question 4 – Full Mark Answers

AQA English Language Paper 1, Question 4

I’ve been teaching the AQA Language Paper 1 ‘Rosabel’ extract a lot recently, and I find that students generally enjoy it the most out of all of the different sample papers that are available. But, there’s always a huge debate when we get to Question 4: Is Rosabel right to be annoyed by the rich […]

How to write a Discursive Linguistics Paragraph

Part 2 – Cautious Paragraphs If you’ve made it through the previous lesson’s activities, then well done! You have introduced your argument and set yourself up to discuss the main linguistic issues raised by your source material. Thanks for reading! If you find this useful, take a look at our other English Language and Literature […]

AQA Language Paper 1, Question 2: Example Answer

Below, you’ll find an example answer written by a student in time conditions to an AQA Language Paper 1 Past Paper Question 2 (‘Rosabel extract’ – 2017 exam).

Example Comparative Essay: Bayonet Charge + Charge of the Light Brigade

Here’s a comparative essay example completed by one of my students taking the “AQA Power and Conflict” poetry module. It was his first comparative essay, so he did amazingly well! However, there is also clear room for improvement – I would expect the same student to be on a minimum of an L7/A-grade by the […]