Paper 2: Overview and Tips (AQA A-Level English Language): Revision Notes
Paper 2: Overview and Tips
Understanding the structure of Paper 2
Paper 2 of your A-Level English Language exam focuses on language diversity and language change. The exam lasts two and a half hours and is divided into two distinct sections. Understanding the format will help you prepare effectively and manage your time during the exam.
The paper carries a total of 100 marks and tests your knowledge of how language varies across different groups and contexts, as well as how language evolves over time. You'll need to demonstrate both analytical skills and your own ability to construct arguments about language.
Paper 2 is split into two main sections with different requirements. Section A gives you a choice between questions, while Section B requires you to answer both questions. Understanding this structure is essential for effective exam preparation.
Section A: Diversity and change
In the first section of the paper, you face a choice between two questions. One question focuses on language diversity, whilst the other addresses language change. You must select the question that best matches your knowledge and preparation.
Both questions follow a similar format. You'll be presented with a statement or idea about language, and your task is to assess whether this idea holds true. This requires you to draw on theoretical knowledge, research studies, and linguistic concepts you've studied throughout your course.
What the questions look like
The questions use evaluative language that asks you to make judgements. For instance, you might be asked to consider whether men and women use language differently, or whether the English language is declining in quality. These are debates within linguistics that don't have simple right or wrong answers.
Your response should present a balanced argument. Consider evidence that supports the idea, evidence that challenges it, and reach a reasoned conclusion. Use specific examples, refer to relevant linguists and studies, and apply appropriate terminology throughout.
Each question in Section A is worth 30 marks. The assessment focuses on two main areas: how well you construct and structure your academic argument (10 marks), and how thoroughly you demonstrate your understanding of language concepts and research (20 marks).
Section B: Language discourses
The second section of the paper is compulsory, meaning you must answer both questions. This section examines how people write and talk about language issues in everyday contexts.
Question 3: Analysing opinion pieces
For this question, you'll receive two texts that discuss the same topic or very similar topics related to language diversity or change. These texts present opinions and viewpoints rather than academic analyses.
The texts come from various sources aimed at general audiences. You might encounter:
- Newspaper articles
- Online blog posts
- Extracts from non-fiction books
- Letters to editors
- Comments from online forums
All texts share a common feature: they're written for non-specialist readers and express views about how language is used or changing.
Your task is to examine how language is used in both texts to convey their viewpoints. You should identify similarities and differences in their approaches, language choices, and persuasive techniques. Importantly, you must also evaluate how effectively each text presents its perspective.
Question 3 is worth 40 marks, the highest value on the paper. The marks are distributed across three assessment areas:
- Analysing the language features and describing them accurately (10 marks)
- Evaluating the meanings and representations created in the texts (15 marks)
- Making connections between the texts using linguistic terminology (15 marks)
Question 4: Writing opinion pieces
The final question asks you to produce your own piece of opinion writing. You'll write an article expressing your views on the topic discussed in the two texts you've just analysed.
This task tests your ability to apply linguistic knowledge in a practical writing context. You should engage with the ideas and issues raised in both texts, but you must also present and argue for your own viewpoint. Think of this as joining the conversation about language that the two texts began.
A crucial aspect of this question is audience awareness. You're writing for non-specialist readers, which means you need to explain any linguistic theories or concepts in accessible language. Avoid jargon unless you define it clearly.
The question carries 30 marks split between two objectives:
- Demonstrating knowledge of language concepts and incorporating them into your writing (20 marks)
- Explaining ideas clearly to a general audience and taking a clear position on the issues (10 marks)
Topics you need to know
Paper 2 covers several major topic areas within language diversity and change. You'll have studied various aspects of how language differs across social groups and geographical areas, as well as how language transforms over time.
The diversity topics include:
- Gender: How social expectations related to sex influence language use
- Accent: Regional and social variations in pronunciation
- Dialect: Distinct varieties of language used in specific geographical regions
- Social class and occupation: How socioeconomic background and profession affect language
- Ethnicity: Language use connected to cultural backgrounds, heritage, and family ties
- International Englishes: The use of English in global contexts
You'll also study language change, examining how English has evolved and continues to develop. It's important to recognise that these topics often overlap. For example, language change might affect different social classes at different rates, or accent variations might relate to both region and ethnicity.
Mark allocation and timing
Understanding how marks are distributed helps you prioritise your efforts during the exam.
Section A offers 30 marks for the single question you choose (either Question 1 or Question 2). In Section B, Question 3 is worth 40 marks, whilst Question 4 carries 30 marks. This means Section B accounts for 70 of the total 100 marks available.
Managing your time effectively
Time management is crucial for success in this paper. Here's a recommended approach:
Recommended Time Allocation:
For Section A, allocate approximately 45 minutes to your chosen question. This should include at least five minutes for planning your response. Planning time is essential - use it to brainstorm relevant studies, theories, and examples before you start writing.
For Section B, begin by spending around 15 minutes reading and annotating the two texts carefully. Make notes about language features, rhetorical techniques, and the viewpoints expressed. Then spend 45 minutes writing your analysis for Question 3, and another 45 minutes composing your opinion piece for Question 4.
Understanding assessment objectives
Assessment objectives are the criteria examiners use to mark your work. Different questions test different skills.
Section A assessment
When marking your Section A response, examiners look at two main areas:
AO1 focuses on the quality of your academic writing. This includes how effectively you shape your line of argument, the accuracy of your written expression, and how well you structure your response. You should write in an appropriate linguistic register - that is, using the formal, academic style expected in this context. This element is worth 10 marks.
AO2 assesses your knowledge and understanding of linguistic concepts. You need to demonstrate detailed familiarity with key ideas, studies, and processes in language study. Show that you understand how language works by referencing relevant research and applying theoretical frameworks appropriately. This carries 20 marks.
Section B assessment for Question 3
The analysis question uses three assessment objectives:
AO1 evaluates your ability to analyse language and describe its features accurately. You should identify specific linguistic choices and explain them using correct terminology. This is worth 10 marks.
AO3 tests your skills in analysis and evaluation. You must examine the meanings and representations created in the texts, considering how language choices shape readers' perceptions. This objective carries 15 marks.
AO4 assesses how well you explore connections across the two texts. You should compare and contrast their approaches, using linguistic register appropriately. This is also worth 15 marks.
Section B assessment for Question 4
Your opinion piece is marked using two objectives:
AO2 returns here with significant weighting. The examiners want to see that you can incorporate your knowledge of language concepts into your own writing. You should inform your reader about relevant linguistic ideas whilst building your argument. This heavily weighted objective is worth 20 marks.
AO5 assesses your ability to communicate with a non-specialist audience. You must explain theoretical concepts and ideas in ways that general readers can understand. Simultaneously, you should address the issues raised in the two texts you analysed, taking a clear and well-supported position. This objective carries 10 marks.
Key terminology
Mastering these terms will help you write more precisely about language:
Accent refers to the way people pronounce sounds. Accents can indicate where someone is from geographically or may reflect social background. They're distinct from dialects, which involve grammar and vocabulary as well as pronunciation.
Dialect describes a style of language used within a particular geographical region. Dialects have their own distinctive vocabulary, grammatical structures, and sometimes pronunciation features. They're legitimate language varieties, not inferior versions of standard English.
Ethnic identity or ethnicity relates to feelings of connection with people who share similar cultural backgrounds, heritage, or family ties. Language can be an important marker of ethnic identity.
Gender in linguistic terms refers to the social expectations that arise as a result of being one sex or another. Research examines whether and how men, women, and non-binary individuals use language differently.
International Englishes acknowledges that English functions as a global language used in international contexts of all kinds. Different varieties of English exist worldwide, each with legitimate status.
Register describes a form of specialist language. For example, the language of sport differs from the language of science. Choosing an appropriate register means matching your language choices to the context and audience.
Exam tips
Essential Strategies for Success:
- Always spend time planning your Section A response. A clear structure will help you present a more convincing argument.
- When reading the Question 3 texts, annotate actively. Mark language features, persuasive techniques, and key points. These notes will help you write a more detailed analysis.
- For Question 3, ensure you analyse both texts in depth. Don't fall into the trap of writing extensively about one text whilst neglecting the other.
- In Question 4, remember your audience. You're not writing for your teacher or examiner in their role as language experts. Imagine you're writing for educated readers who don't have specialist linguistic knowledge.
- Use linguistic terminology accurately and confidently throughout all your responses. This demonstrates your expertise and helps you achieve higher marks.
- Support your points with specific examples. In Section A, reference studies and linguists. In Section B, quote from the texts to support your analysis.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and focuses on language diversity and change
- Section A: Choose one question from two options (30 marks) - evaluate an idea about diversity or change
- Section B: Two compulsory questions - analyse two opinion texts (40 marks) and write your own opinion piece (30 marks)
- Time Management: 45 minutes for Section A, 15 minutes reading, then 45 minutes each for Questions 3 and 4
- Topics covered: gender, accent, dialect, social class, ethnicity, International Englishes, and language change
- Use appropriate linguistic register and terminology throughout all responses
- For Question 4, write for a non-specialist audience whilst demonstrating your linguistic knowledge