Paper 2: How to Answer Question 2

What is it asking?

• You are asked to summarise the differences or similarities between the texts given, and to be able to make inferences

Timings

Marks	Timings
[8]	10-15 minutes

Structure

The top level skill of synthesis is defined as the combination of ideas and evidence from different texts. You are encouraged, therefore, to write about the texts together in each paragraph.

• Aim to write between 2–3 paragraphs

Structure	Explanation
Comparison statement	What is the similarity or difference?
Source A quote	Make sure to find a relevant quote
Source A inference	What does the quote show and how does it answer the question?
CONNECTIVE	e.g. This differs from…, By contrast…, Whilst Source B similarly explores…
Source B quote	Make sure to find a relevant quote
Source B inference	What does the quote show and how does it answer the question?
Link to Question	Link back to the question throughout, but make it explicit as your concluding sentence

Top tips:

• referring to different time periods is not in itself a valid difference
• Inference is the skill whereby you draw a conclusion based on evidence. For example, if a girl were described to be crying, you could infer that she was upset. If you make no inferences then the best mark you can get is 2/8.
• Do not engage in language analysis; that is not what the question is asking