This GCSE English Language Paper 2 exam focuses on comparing...
English Language425 views·Updated Jun 14, 2026·8 pagesAnnotated English Language Paper 2 - AQA Past Paper 2019
amber🌟@amgriffiths
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Exam Overview and Structure
You've got 1 hour 45 minutes to tackle this paper, which is split into two main sections worth 40 marks each. The key thing to remember is that you're working with two source texts about elephants - Source A and Source B.
The paper tests both your reading skills (Section A) and writing skills (Section B). You'll need to spend about 15 minutes reading through everything first, then roughly 45 minutes on Section A questions.
Top tip: Always plan your final answer (Question 5) before diving in, and leave time to check your work at the end.
Remember: You're looking for writers' viewpoints, which include their opinions, attitudes, experiences, and beliefs about the topic.
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Multiple Choice and Summary Questions
The first question is straightforward - you're identifying four true statements about Source A. Look for concrete facts rather than interpretations, like whether Orwell receives a phone call or takes his rifle.
Question 2 asks you to compare elephant behaviour across both sources. The example answer shows you need to find similarities and back them up with specific quotes. Notice how the student identifies that elephants are both "harmless under human power" and "powerful enough to destroy their environments."
Use connecting phrases like "Similarly" and "In both sources" to show you're making clear comparisons. Always explain what your quotes suggest rather than just dropping them in.
Key insight: Look for contrasting behaviours - elephants can be both docile and destructive depending on the situation.
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Language Analysis Techniques
Question 3 focuses on how language describes the crowd. The student answer demonstrates brilliant technique by identifying metaphors like "puppet" and "conjurer" to show the policeman's lack of control.
Notice how they explain the connotations - what words suggest beyond their literal meaning. "Puppet" implies manipulation and lack of autonomy, whilst "sea of faces" uses the semantic field of size to show the crowd's overwhelming nature.
Always link your analysis back to the effect on the reader or the character's feelings. Don't just spot techniques - explain why the writer chose them and what they achieve.
Pro technique: Look for semantic fields (groups of related words) that work together to create atmosphere.
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Comparative Essay Skills
The final question requires you to compare attitudes across both texts. The student identifies a key difference: Source A's writer feels "remorse and sympathy" whilst Source B's writer appears "remorseless."
Structure your comparison by looking at different attitudes first, then different methods writers use. Support everything with specific textual references - quotes that prove your points.
Use comparative language throughout: "However," "Whereas," "In contrast to." This shows you're actively comparing rather than just describing each text separately.
Success strategy: Find the tension between what characters want to do versus what they actually do - this often reveals the writer's true attitude.
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English Language425 views·Updated Jun 14, 2026·8 pagesAnnotated English Language Paper 2 - AQA Past Paper 2019
amber🌟@amgriffiths
This GCSE English Language Paper 2 exam focuses on comparing writers' viewpoints and perspectives about elephants and human behaviour. The paper requires students to analyse how different writers use language techniques to convey their attitudes, particularly examining themes of power,...
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Exam Overview and Structure
You've got 1 hour 45 minutes to tackle this paper, which is split into two main sections worth 40 marks each. The key thing to remember is that you're working with two source texts about elephants - Source A and Source B.
The paper tests both your reading skills (Section A) and writing skills (Section B). You'll need to spend about 15 minutes reading through everything first, then roughly 45 minutes on Section A questions.
Top tip: Always plan your final answer (Question 5) before diving in, and leave time to check your work at the end.
Remember: You're looking for writers' viewpoints, which include their opinions, attitudes, experiences, and beliefs about the topic.
2
of 8Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Multiple Choice and Summary Questions
The first question is straightforward - you're identifying four true statements about Source A. Look for concrete facts rather than interpretations, like whether Orwell receives a phone call or takes his rifle.
Question 2 asks you to compare elephant behaviour across both sources. The example answer shows you need to find similarities and back them up with specific quotes. Notice how the student identifies that elephants are both "harmless under human power" and "powerful enough to destroy their environments."
Use connecting phrases like "Similarly" and "In both sources" to show you're making clear comparisons. Always explain what your quotes suggest rather than just dropping them in.
Key insight: Look for contrasting behaviours - elephants can be both docile and destructive depending on the situation.
3
of 8Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Language Analysis Techniques
Question 3 focuses on how language describes the crowd. The student answer demonstrates brilliant technique by identifying metaphors like "puppet" and "conjurer" to show the policeman's lack of control.
Notice how they explain the connotations - what words suggest beyond their literal meaning. "Puppet" implies manipulation and lack of autonomy, whilst "sea of faces" uses the semantic field of size to show the crowd's overwhelming nature.
Always link your analysis back to the effect on the reader or the character's feelings. Don't just spot techniques - explain why the writer chose them and what they achieve.
Pro technique: Look for semantic fields (groups of related words) that work together to create atmosphere.
4
of 8Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Comparative Essay Skills
The final question requires you to compare attitudes across both texts. The student identifies a key difference: Source A's writer feels "remorse and sympathy" whilst Source B's writer appears "remorseless."
Structure your comparison by looking at different attitudes first, then different methods writers use. Support everything with specific textual references - quotes that prove your points.
Use comparative language throughout: "However," "Whereas," "In contrast to." This shows you're actively comparing rather than just describing each text separately.
Success strategy: Find the tension between what characters want to do versus what they actually do - this often reveals the writer's true attitude.
5
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Textual Evidence
9Most popular content in English Language
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user