Paper 2: Mastering Comparison & Persuasive Writing
Question 3 (12 marks, 20 minutes) brings back language analysis, but now you're focusing on just one source. Use the same techniques as Paper 1 Question 2: vivid imagery, figurative language, semantic fields, and sensory language as your paragraph starters.
Question 4 is where Paper 2 gets interesting - a full comparison of both sources' language and structure (16 marks, 25 minutes). Write three comparative paragraphs covering beginning, middle, and end of both texts. Don't forget to include context about the different time periods and their social attitudes.
Your introduction should identify each source's form, time period, and main purpose. Mention how Victorian attitudes or social expectations might differ from modern perspectives - this shows sophisticated understanding.
Question 5 is your big finish - 40 marks for persuasive writing in a specific form like a newspaper article or speech. You'll argue for and against a given statement, but maintain a clear overall judgement throughout. Use DAFOREST techniques (Data, Anecdotes, Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical questions, Emotive language, Statistics, Triplets) to make your arguments compelling.
Pro Strategy: In Question 5, acknowledge opposing viewpoints to show balanced thinking, but always circle back to your main argument for maximum marks.