Paper 2: Walkthrough (WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Language)

• You will be given two reading extracts: one written in the 19th century and the other written in the 21st century

• You will have six questions to answer, based on both extracts

• This section is worth 40 marks

• You should spend 1 hour on this section

• You will be required to write two non-fiction pieces of writing

• Most commonly, you are given two of: letter, speech, article and review

• Each task will differ in its form, audience and primary purpose

• This section is worth 40 marks (20 marks per task)

• You should spend 1 hour on this section (30 minutes per task)

(i) Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas

(ii) Select and synthesise evidence from different texts

Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support your views

Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts

Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references

(i) Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences

(ii) Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts

Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation

1

3 (AO1i)

3–5 minutes

• You will be given three sub-questions

• Read each sub-question carefully and scan the 21st-century text for the answer

• Write the answer to each sub-question

• You can use one-word answers — you do not have to write in complete sentences

• Make sure what you write directly answers the question

2

10 (AO2)

15 minutes

• You will be asked “how” the writer makes the text, or their experience, exciting, dramatic, astonishing, etc.

• Read the question carefully and highlight the focus

• Scan the 21st-century text and highlight anything directly relevant to the question

• Start your answer using the wording of the question

• Make as many points as possible that answer the question, backing up each point with short, relevant quotes from the text

• Use at least two quotes to support each point you make

• Ensure you take your evidence from the whole of the text: start, middle and end

3

3 (AO1i)

3–5 minutes

• You will be given two or three sub-questions

• Read each sub-question carefully and scan the 19th-century text for the answer

• Write the answer to each sub-question

• You can use one-word answers — you do not have to write in complete sentences

• Make sure what you write directly answers the question

• If the question asks for one thing, make sure you only write down one thing

• If the question asks for two things, make sure you write down two things

4

10 (AO4)

15 minutes

• You will be given a statement about the 19th-century text and you will be asked how far, or to what extent, you agree

• Read the question carefully and highlight the focus

• Scan the 19th-century text and highlight anything directly relevant to the focus of the question

• Start your answer using the wording of the question

• Make as many points as possible, using “I agree” or “I think”, and support each point with at least two short, relevant quotations from the text

• Ensure you take your evidence from the whole of the text: start, middle and end

5

4 (AO1ii)

5–9 minutes

• You will be asked about something specific about both texts

• Read the question carefully and highlight the focus

• Find two points that answer the question from the 21st-century text, and two points that answer the question from the 19th-century text

• Write your answer using your own words, making two clear points per text

• You do not need to use quotations from the texts in your answer

6

10 (AO3)

15 minutes

• You will be asked to compare something specific about both texts

• Read the question carefully and highlight the focus

• Identify 4–5 points per text that directly answer the question

• Start your answer using the wording of the question, then include all of your points

• You can use direct quotations or textual references to support your points

1

20

(12 for AO5)

(8 for AO6)

5 minutes planning

25 minutes writing

• Read the task carefully and identify:

  • What you are being asked to write

  • Who you are being asked to write for

  • Why you are being asked to write

• Make a brief plan of your arguments (five separate points)

• Start your response in the most appropriate way for the format (for example, “Dear Sir/Madam,” for a formal letter)

• Make a separate point or argument in each of your paragraphs, developing each point with examples and evidence

• Keep your argument clear and logical throughout

• End your piece of writing appropriately for the format

2

20

(12 for AO5)

(8 for AO6)

5 minutes planning

25 minutes writing

• As above, but you will be given a different form of writing, a different audience and a different purpose — make sure you identify these things before you start writing