How To Tackle Aqa English Language Paper 2 Question 2

AQA English language Paper 2 Question 2: the SUMMARY question (not to be confused with Question 4 which is more tricky)

(extract : Ben Fogle and the power of the sea)

Question: You now need to refer only to Source A from lines 16 to 26. box How does the writer use language to describe the power of the sea?

1. Underline what you can clearly see is the focus of the question. Make sure you keep this in mind and link your points to this.

2. Do not start trying to analyse the language used by the writer. You are simply picking out the differences and backing them up with quotations. After this you INFER (read between the lines: an important skill).

3. Try and pick out the interesting differences rather than the very obvious ones: you need to show the examiner how perceptive you are.

Use PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation (or Expand)

In Source A, P (point), the rowing boat was very small. E: (quote) .Also P : `the rowing boat was very new. E: `brand spanking new`. E: This suggests/implies/infers that they have good chance of surviving!

Furthermore, the crew consisted of two men very motivated to win a race. E: for example, the____________ . E (Explanation):This suggests to the reader that the men have a good chance of surviving/coping, and that they trust each other.

On the other hand, in Source B, the steam ship was E: `ancient ` also E: it made a groaning sound . E : This suggests/implies/infers that the steam ship might not make it to the destination