Two sources, one shared theme, five questions. The marks disappear in two places: writing two separate mini-essays instead of a real comparison in Q4, and a viewpoint piece in Q5 that never actually takes a side. Three days is enough to fix both.
One focus per day, building to a timed run. Work it in order.
Ranked from analysed past papers. Start at the top: if you run out of time, you will have covered the most-tested ground.
Examiner reports name this the single trap question on Paper 2. Writing two separate mini-essays joined by a transition sentence caps the answer at Level 2 even when the analysis inside each half is strong
The largest single reading question on the paper. Students who follow the single-word zoom pattern consistently reach the top band, making this the most accessible high-value question on Paper 2
Half the marks on the paper. A vague, balanced-both-sides opening scores in the lower bands. The mark scheme rewards a sustained, committed position
This question asks for synthesis across both sources, not two separate summaries. Comparative connectives signal synthesis even before the underlying content is assessed
AQA calibration on this question rewards roughly one explicit comparative link per paragraph. Without one, the comparison reads as implicit and is capped regardless of analytical quality
Persuasive devices are rewarded in Q5, but naming five techniques in one paragraph with no development caps the paragraph. Two techniques developed properly beat five listed
A viewpoint piece that only ever states one side reads as one-dimensional. Briefly acknowledging the other side before countering it signals a more sophisticated argument
The same comma splice and apostrophe errors that cost marks on Paper 1 Q5 cost marks here too. Q5 AO6 is 16 marks on this paper as well
PrepWise has a one-page Knowledge Organiser for every technique above. In your last three days, use them the same way each time: cover the page, write out the pattern from memory, check what you missed, repeat once more before you move on.
Rules specific to Paper 2. On this paper, structure earns as many marks as knowledge.
Q1 (4 marks) takes about 5 minutes, Q2 (8 marks) about 10 minutes, Q3 (12 marks) about 15 minutes, Q4 (16 marks) about 20 minutes, leaving 45 minutes for Q5 (40 marks). Write your start times on the paper before you begin Section A.
Every paragraph should discuss both sources together, using a connective like 'whereas' or 'in contrast' to hold them in the same sentence. If you finish everything about Source A before starting Source B, you're writing two essays, not one comparison.
The question asks how both writers convey their viewpoints: that means the method (their specific word choices, structure, tone) as well as what the viewpoint actually is. Method alone, with no discussion of viewpoint, misses half the question.
A strong opener for Q2 states the shared idea, then contrasts how each source treats it: 'Both writers convey X, although Source A foregrounds Y whereas Source B emphasises Z.'
A letter needs a greeting and sign-off, a speech needs to address its audience directly, an article needs a headline. Getting the form right is a fast, cheap way to secure the Level 3 minimum on AO5.
The errors examiners see most on this paper. Each one is an easy mark you already know how to keep.
Writing Q4 as two separate paragraphs about each source joined by one transition sentence → Use a comparative connective in every paragraph and track the same idea across both texts within a single flow, not source by source
Discussing what each writer thinks in Q4 without discussing how they convey it → Pair every viewpoint claim with the specific method (word choice, structure, tone) that reveals it, so the paragraph covers perspective and method together
Summarising each source separately in Q2 instead of synthesising them → Open with the shared idea both sources touch on, then use 'whereas' or 'similarly' to bring in the difference or similarity in the same sentence
Opening Q5 with 'there are many views on this topic' and never committing to a side → State your position in the first paragraph and hold it throughout. The mark scheme rewards a sustained, consistent viewpoint, not balance for its own sake
Naming five persuasive techniques in one Q5 paragraph with a single sentence of development each → Pick two techniques and develop each one properly: explain what it does to the reader, not just that it's present
The 60 minutes before you walk in. Review what you know and settle your nerves.
Technique only holds up under the clock. Practise exam-style English Language questions in PrepWise, get instant feedback, and walk in knowing your timing works.
Open the English Language Knowledge Organisers, quiz every priority topic and walk in ready. Free during alpha.
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