Chapters
The AQA English question tests ask you to show how well you can compare the viewpoints of two different writers/ You'll be given two texts, often written at different times or for different audiences, that approach the same topic in contrasting ways. Your job is to recognise what each writer is saying about the subject and then show the differences (or sometimes subtle similarities) between the two
It's important to note that Paper 2 Question 4 is an evaluative question, so you're not retelling the context of the texts. Instead, you're focusing on the choices writers make: tone, language patterns, emotional emphasis, and the way the reader is encouraged to respond. The better your awareness of these subtleties, the better your comparison will be.
The Structure of the English Language Paper 2 Question 4
| Focus Area | What to Identify | Useful Language to Comment On |
|---|---|---|
| Viewpoint | What each writer believes or suggests about the topic | Tone, word choice, repeated motifs, imagery |
| Method | How the writers express or reinforce their viewpoint | Simile, metaphor, rhetorical devices, sentence patterns |
| Impact | How the language guides the reader’s reaction | Emotional appeal, persuasive logic, implied criticism |
| Evidence | Quoted support from the text | Short, relevant phrases rather than long quotations |
Preparing Before You Write
Begin by reading each text slowly and in small sections. As you go, make light annotations1 where you feel the writer's attitude shows itself (i.e a change in tone or a phrase that feels intentional). For example, you might jot down words like enthusiastic, “wary,” “frustrated,” “amused,” or “admiring” beside particular lines or passages. By doing this, you'll have a clearer picture of each writer's perspective before you start comparing the texts.
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.
Breaking the Question Down
Once you better understand each writer's viewpoint on the topic, divide your comparison into smaller more focused areas. This'll help you stay on task and avoid drifting into retelling.
Choose around four aspects of the topic that both writers refer to. For instance, if the text describes an experience like surfing, you might look at:
- Safety - does one writer present surfing as calm and manageable, while the other highlights the risks or dangers of the sport?
- Enjoyment - does one writer sound excited about going surfing while the other sounds bored or anxious?
- Physical impact - is surfing described as energising and fun or tiring and overwhelming?
- Confidence - does one writer feel capable or even skilled at surfing, and the other like a fish out of water?
Each of these points you've identified then becomes a separate paragraph in your answer. In each paragraph, make sure to:
- Describe the first writer's viewpoint with a short quotation
- Compare it with the second writer's viewpoint, again using a short quotation
- Point out how the wording shows the writer's feelings
Question 4 on paper 2 is worth 16 marks, which makes it one of the highest-weighted questions in the exam. Generally, most students take about 15 - 20 minutes to answer it.
Planning Frame
You only need one or two minutes to plan, but it makes the whole answer clearer. Try laying out your comparison like this before you begin:
| Aspect of the Topic | Writer A’s Viewpoint (short quote) | Writer B’s Viewpoint (short quote) |
|---|---|---|
| How they feel about the experience | excited to begin | dreading the thought |
| How they describe it | bright and open | narrow and unpleasant |
| How it affects them personally | gave me confidence | left me exhausted |
| Overall attitude | positive and encouraging | reluctant or uneasy |
Question 4 is worth 16 out of a possible 80 points2, making it one of the most important questions to get correct
Comparing the Writers' Methods
To compare the methods, pay attention to the times when the writer's attitude comes through clearly in the wording. Sometimes this is more obvious than it seems. For instance, if the first writer describes surfing as “like falling in love,” the comparison isn't used by accident - it's there to tell us the experience felt joyful and deeply personal to them. On the other hand, if the 2nd writer writes “I will never, never, never surf,” the repeated never makes their reluctance pretty hard to miss.
When discussing methods, focus on:
- Tone (frustrated, uncertain, amused, enthusiastic)
- Words or phrases that feel intentional or stick out
- Imagery or comparisons are used to express feelings
- Repetition of certain words or phrases
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Question 4
It's common for students to lose marks on a question because their focus slips away from what the question is actually asking. Keeping these points in mind will help you avoid that once test day rolls around.
Attachments
Trying to tackle the perspectives as a singular concept will result in confusion and a lack of ideas. The attached PowerPoint/PDF presentation and other links provide a useful illustration of how to divide a topic into more manageable components.
- Answering Question 4; Paper 2
- Answering Question 4; Paper 2
- Answering Question 4; Paper 2
- Answering Question 4; Paper 2 (PDF)
- AQA: Paper 2 Question 4 - MME REVISE
- English Language Paper 2: Step-by-Step guide
References
- MME Revise. (2024, August 27). AQA: Paper 2 Question 4 Revision | MME. MME. https://mmerevise.co.uk/gcse-english-language-revision/aqa/aqa-paper-2-question-4/
- Lee, E. (2021, August 25). How to revise for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 Question 4. Teaching English. https://madameanglaise.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/how-to-revise-for-aqa-gcse-english-language-paper-2-question-4/
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