Chapters
About AQA Question 4 of Paper 2 on English Language
Question 4 on Paper 2 of AQA English Language GCSE assesses the student's ability to evaluate and compare two texts that present different viewpoints on a topic. The question usually consists of two or more texts, such as articles, speeches, or letters, that present different opinions on a social, cultural, or political issue.
The students are required to read and analyze the texts, identifying their main arguments, rhetorical strategies, and the tone and language used to convey their message.
The students are then asked to compare the texts, evaluating the similarities and differences in their approach to the issue, and considering the effectiveness of their argumentation. The students are also asked to form their own opinion on the issue, using evidence from the texts to support their arguments.
Answering this Question
It's important for students to read the texts carefully, highlighting and annotating key points and examples, and to plan their responses before writing. They should also use appropriate terminology to analyze and evaluate the texts and to ensure that their own argument is well-supported and logically structured.
Some Useful Tips to Answer this Question
To answer this question effectively, it's crucial to analyze the writers' perspectives in smaller portions. For instance, if you're discussing their divergent views on surfing, it's recommended that you break it down into four chunks:
- Safety: Determine whether one writer considers surfing safe, while the other sees it as hazardous, and provide evidence to support your observation.
- Enjoyment: Assess whether one writer finds surfing more pleasurable than the other.
- Fitness: Examine whether both writers view surfing as a way of staying physically fit.
- Participation: Analyze whether both writers feel capable of surfing, and if not, identify the reasons why.
How to Approach the Question if the Writers' Viewpoints are Slightly Different?
It can be difficult when the writers' viewpoints are only subtly varied. You may need to examine carefully for minor differences - it won't always be as straightforward as one writer loving something while the other despises it. For instance, one writer may view cold weather as life-threatening, while the other regards it as merely hazardous, but not necessarily life-threatening.
The question also suggests that you 'compare the methods the writers use to convey their different perspectives.' The best approach is to scrutinize the language that the writer employs to express their opinion. For example, if a writer says that 'surfing for the first time was like falling in love', we can infer that their use of the simile 'like falling in love' conveys how intensely they felt about their first time surfing and how much they relished it.
We can then contrast this with the other writer who may have a completely different perspective. For instance, the other writer may assert, 'I will never never never never surf' - their use of the repetition of 'never' clearly indicates that this writer won't even try surfing - their perspective is undoubtedly different.
Summary
- To effectively answer the question, you should first break down the topic into four distinct parts and then compare the writers' opinions on each of these parts separately.
- Furthermore, to demonstrate clearly how a writer is expressing his/her opinion, use your knowledge of language features and techniques.
- In terms of structuring your answer, each of the four parts should form a separate paragraph, as it will give your response a clear and organized layout.
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Thank you, this really helped my child! He is now in Reading Boys!!!
😃