How to Answer Question 7(b) (Edexcel GCSE English Language)

Question 7(b) on Paper 2 of your Edexcel GCSE English Language exam is the comparison question.

The following guide to how to answer Question 7(b) includes:

• Question 7(b) overview

• How to answer Question 7(b)

• How to compare

• Exam tips

Question 7(b) overview

Question 7(b) is the comparison question. It is worth 14 marks and you should spend 20 minutes on it, including reading time. 

The question will be about the whole of Text 1 and Text 2, and you will be asked to compare how the writers of the two texts present their ideas and perspectives about a specific thing. This includes similarities and differences.

There are five levels to the mark scheme for this question, and at the highest level:

Responses at the highest level offer a range of comparisons, using comparative phrases such as “similarly” and “in contrast”.

How to answer Question 7(b)

Let’s take a look at this example from the June 2023 exam:

The focus of this question is on how the writers present ideas and perspectives about escape.

In order to achieve full marks for this question, you should:

1. Read the question carefully and highlight the focus:

   • What specifically have you been asked to compare?

2. Using your knowledge of both texts from answering Questions 1–7(a), note down:

   • What the writers’ ideas and perspectives are about the question’s focus

   • How they present their ideas (how have they written the texts to present their ideas)

3. Then, for each of these points of comparison, find and highlight some evidence that supports each one from each text

4. Start your answer with a summary statement, using the wording of the question:

   • This should summarise briefly the comparison being made

   • For example: “Both texts present men who are desperate to escape.”

5. Make at least 4–5 comparisons, using comparative language such as “similarly”, “in comparison” or “in contrast”

6. Support each comparison with evidence from each text

Please see the Question 7(b): Model Answer revision note for more detailed examples.

How to compare

This question requires you to understand information and ideas from two sources and focus on the writers’ perspectives. You are expected to bring together and compare the two perspectives on a specific subject, analysing the differences and linking these points of view to the methods used by the writers to convey them. 

This question requires a response which includes:

• a demonstration of your understanding of the ideas and perspectives in both texts

• a comparison of these ideas and the writers’ different perspectives

• relevant textual detail

• an explanation of how both writers have used a range of methods to convey their points of view

How to compare texts in the exam

As this is a comparison question, it's important to identify the purpose of each text, their respective audiences, and to understand the main ideas that the writers intend to convey.

• When you're comparing non-fiction texts, your goal is to identify areas where the texts share common ground

• Contrasting involves pointing out the differences between the texts

• This can be in terms of ideas, themes, literary features, structure or any other relevant aspect

• You're essentially looking for connections that help to explain how the texts relate to each other, or how they differ

• When comparing and contrasting, it's crucial to provide specific examples from the texts:

  • These make your comparisons more robust 

• The ultimate goal of comparing and contrasting is to draw insights from the similarities and differences you have identified:

  • What do these shared and distinct elements reveal about the writers’ intentions and perspectives? 

  • Do comparisons and contrasts shed light on the larger context or themes within which these texts exist?

• Comparing and contrasting requires critical thinking and analytical skills:

  • Don't just list similarities and differences; delve deeper into why these similarities and differences are important

Here are some words and phrases that can be used to signal comparisons and contrasts in your response: 

Comparing writers’ perspectives

The writer’s perspective refers to their unique way of presenting ideas, themes, characters or events in their writing. This perspective shapes how they develop their narrative and engage with the reader. For this type of question, it’s important to provide thoughtful insights and to demonstrate an understanding of how different writers can approach similar themes in unique ways.

Below are some ideas which you should consider when thinking about how to compare the writers’ perspectives and ideas:

Exam tips

• The best responses to this question identify perspectives and the impact on the reader across both texts

• You should consider how the writers select and present information to shape their texts

• Integrated comparisons tend to be more successful than writing first about Text 1, then about Text 2

• You should aim to comment on themes, language (including tone) and structure (including pace)