Paper 2: Contemporary Texts (1 hour 55 minutes)
Reading Section A (1 hour 10 minutes) focuses on contemporary texts - usually two texts that you'll need to compare. The questions build up your understanding before asking you to bring both texts together.
Early questions ask you to identify words or phrases that show particular meanings (1 mark) and explain how writers use language with examples and subject terminology. These are similar to Paper 1, so use the same techniques you've practised.
Structure questions examine how writers organise their ideas to interest and engage readers. Look at both language choices and structural techniques like paragraph length, sentence types, or how ideas develop throughout the text.
The big challenge is comparing texts - you'll write a summary showing three ways the texts are similar or different (6 marks), then compare writers' ideas and perspectives (16 marks). Focus on main ideas, points of view, and how writers present their views.
Key Strategy: For comparison questions, use connecting phrases like "Similarly..." or "In contrast..." to show you're actively comparing, not just describing each text separately.
Writing Section B (45 minutes) offers two creative options: either start with a given opening line or write about a time/person/place (real or imaginary) using two provided images for inspiration.