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Question-by-Question Breakdown: English Language Paper 2 Explained

If you’re preparing for your GCSE English Language Paper 2, you’ve likely asked yourself: How can I tackle each question effectively? What are examiners actually looking for? You’re not alone. With so much advice flying around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will give you a question-by-question breakdown of English Language Paper 2, help you master each section, and show you how to boost your marks with confidence.

This is the ultimate step-by-step guide to English Language Paper 2 — your secret weapon for smashing the exam.

🧠 What Is English Language Paper 2?

English Language Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives assesses how well you understand non-fiction texts — like articles, letters, speeches and autobiographies. You’ll be given two extracts from different time periods and asked to compare how the writers present their ideas.

The paper lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, and it’s split into:

  • Section A: Reading (40 marks)

  • Section B: Writing (40 marks)

Let’s break it all down — question by question — so you can feel totally in control.

🔍 Section A: Reading (40 Marks)

This section tests your reading comprehension and analytical skills. You’ll answer four questions based on the two extracts provided.

✅ Question 1 – True or False (4 marks)

Time to spend: 5 minutes
Skills tested: Retrieval

You’ll be asked to pick four true statements from a list of eight, all based on Source A.

🔑 Top Tips:

  • Read the question carefully — it’s only about Source A.

  • Underline keywords in the text.

  • Don’t infer — stick strictly to what’s on the page.

Common Mistake: Overthinking! This question is purely factual.

Example:
“Read lines 1–10 of Source A. Shade the four statements below which are TRUE.”

✅ Question 2 – Summary/Comparison (8 marks)

Time to spend: 10 minutes
Skills tested: Summary, inference, comparison
Sources: Source A and Source B

This question often asks:
“Summarise the differences/similarities between Source A and Source B in terms of their experiences/views.”

🔑 Top Tips:

  • Use clear comparative language: whereas, while, however.

  • Avoid detailed analysis — you’re not looking at language techniques here.

  • Back up each point with concise textual evidence from both sources.

Structure Example:

  • Point: “In Source A, the writer enjoys the experience, whereas in Source B, the experience is unpleasant.”

  • Evidence: Brief quote from each.

✅ Question 3 – Language Analysis (12 marks)

Time to spend: 15 minutes
Skills tested: Language analysis
Source: Only one source (usually Source B)

You’ll be asked something like:
“How does the writer use language to describe their experience of…?”

🔑 Top Tips:

  • Identify 3–4 language techniques (e.g. similes, metaphors, emotive language, sentence structure).

  • Analyse the effect on the reader.

  • Use subject terminology but don’t overuse it.

High-Scoring Formula:

  1. Identify the quote

  2. Name the technique

  3. Explain the effect

  4. Link to meaning/purpose

Example:
“The writer uses a metaphor — ‘trapped in a box of memories’ — to convey a sense of emotional confinement, showing the depth of their trauma.”

✅ Question 4 – Comparison of Viewpoints and Methods (16 marks)

Time to spend: 25 minutes
Skills tested: Comparison, evaluation, analysis of methods
Sources: Both Source A and B

This is often the most challenging question, but also the highest scoring in Section A.

Typical wording:
“Compare how the writers convey their attitudes towards [topic].”

🔑 Top Tips:

  • Focus on both what they say (viewpoints) and how they say it (methods).

  • Use comparative connectives: similarly, on the other hand, both, in contrast.

  • Cover tone, perspective, language, and structure.

  • Aim for 2–3 strong comparative paragraphs.

Paragraph Formula:

  1. Identify viewpoint in Source A + method used

  2. Compare viewpoint in Source B + method used

  3. Explain effect on reader and compare tone/impact

Example:
“Both writers present hardship, but while Source A uses sarcasm to mock the situation, Source B uses emotive language to evoke sympathy.”

✍️ Section B: Writing (40 Marks)

This is your chance to show off your writing skills. You’ll write a non-fiction piece — such as an article, speech, letter, or essay — responding to a given statement or theme.

✅ Question 5 – Viewpoint Writing (40 marks)

Time to spend: 45 minutes
Marks split: 24 for content, 16 for technical accuracy

You’ll get a prompt like:
“Write an article in which you argue your point of view about whether social media is damaging to society.”

🔑 Top Tips:

  • Plan for 5 minutes before you start writing.

  • Use a clear structure (introduction, 3 main points, conclusion).

  • Establish a clear tone depending on the form (e.g. persuasive, formal, informal).

  • Use rhetorical devices: facts, statistics, emotive language, rhetorical questions, triplets.

📝 Structure Example for an Article:

  • Headline: Punchy and engaging.

  • Intro: Hook the reader and state your position.

  • Body Paragraphs: 3 strong arguments with evidence and persuasive techniques.

  • Conclusion: Reiterate your viewpoint and leave a lasting message.

🎯 Top Strategies for Success

1. Timing Is Everything

Stick to these rough timings:

  • Q1: 5 mins

  • Q2: 10 mins

  • Q3: 15 mins

  • Q4: 25 mins

  • Q5: 45 mins

  • Spare 5 mins to proofread

2. Know Your Text Types

Understand the conventions of each format (letter, article, speech):

  • Letter: addresses and sign-off

  • Article: headline, subheadings

  • Speech: use of direct address and rhetorical flourishes

3. Read Widely

Expose yourself to different non-fiction texts: editorials, blogs, and biographies. The more styles you read, the more you’ll improve your writing and analytical skills.

4. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Time yourself. Handwrite your responses. Mimic real exam pressure so nothing feels unfamiliar on the day.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Ignoring the source – Don’t go off-track. Always base your answers on the given texts.

  2. Using vague evidence – Quotes must be precise and relevant.

  3. Too much technique spotting – Focus on effects, not just naming devices.

  4. Writing too much or too little – Be concise but thorough.

  5. No plan in Q5 – Planning saves time and boosts coherence.

🌟 Exam Technique Quick-Glance Summary

Question Focus Marks Key Skills Top Tip
Q1 Retrieval 4 True/False Don’t infer
Q2 Summary/Compare 8 Compare content Be concise
Q3 Language 12 Analyse techniques PEE structure
Q4 Compare viewpoints 16 Viewpoints + Methods Link tone and effect
Q5 Writing 40 Persuade/Argue/Inform Plan before writing

📚 Final Revision Checklist

✅ Practise identifying viewpoints and comparing them
✅ Learn 5–10 persuasive techniques off by heart
✅ Memorise connectives for comparison and structure
✅ Time yourself doing past papers
✅ Read non-fiction daily (editorials, blogs, etc.)
✅ Ask someone to mark your work — get feedback!

📈 Want to Boost Your Grade?

Focus on quality over quantity. Learn how to make every sentence count, especially in language analysis and viewpoint comparison. Understanding what examiners want — and showing it clearly — is your ticket to high marks.

💬 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

The GCSE English Language Paper 2 isn’t about “tricks” — it’s about knowing what each question demands, managing your time, and expressing your ideas clearly. Whether you’re aiming for a Grade 5 or pushing for a Grade 9, this breakdown will help you approach the paper with strategy and confidence.

No exam is easy, but with the right approach, this one is totally conquerable.

Ready to level up your English game?
Share this guide with your classmates, print it out, or bookmark it for your next study session. You’ve got the tools — now it’s time to use them.

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