How to Answer Question 7 (Edexcel GCSE English Language): Revision Notes
How to Answer Question 7
Section A - Question 7a:
The Facts
Worth: 6 marks
AO Tested: AO1 (Identify and synthesise)
Suggested Time: 10 minutes
What will you need to do?
Identify three similarities between the two texts. You should use evidence from both texts to support each similarity.
Top Tips:
- Use three short paragraphs, each identifying one similarity.
- Provide a quote or specific detail from each text.
- Keep your answers concise and focused on the similarities.
To do well in Paper 2, focus on the following skills:
- Identify Key Points: Carefully read the given texts to determine the main ideas relevant to the question.
- Use Your Own Words: Paraphrase the key points without copying phrases directly from the text.
- Conciseness: Ensure your summary is brief, clear, and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or opinions.
- Compare and Contrast: If the question requires comparing two texts, clearly highlight similarities and differences in their key points.
- Logical Structure: Present your summary in a coherent and logical order, ensuring it flows well and makes sense to the reader.
Example:
Question: Summarise the differences between the views of the countryside in the two texts. (6 marks)
Text 1: The countryside is depicted as a serene and idyllic place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The fresh air, open spaces, and tranquil environment offer a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet. The author emphasises the beauty of nature and the slower pace of life as key attractions of the countryside.
Text 2: In contrast, the countryside is portrayed as a dull and monotonous place, lacking the excitement and opportunities found in urban areas. The isolation and limited amenities are highlighted as significant drawbacks, making it an undesirable location for those who crave social interaction and cultural activities. The author suggests that the countryside is suitable only for those who prefer a very quiet and uneventful lifestyle.
**Example answer**
Text 1 presents the countryside as a peaceful and beautiful retreat, ideal for escaping city life and enjoying nature's tranquillity. It highlights the fresh air, open spaces, and slower pace as major benefits. Conversely, Text 2 views the countryside as boring and isolated, with limited amenities and social opportunities, making it unattractive for those who seek excitement and cultural activities. Thus, while Text 1 emphasises the positive aspects of rural life, Text 2 focuses on its negative aspects, depicting it as suitable only for those desiring a very quiet lifestyle.
Section A - Question 7b:
The Facts
Worth: 14 marks
AO Tested: AO3 (Compare perspectives)
Suggested Time: 15 minutes
What will you need to do?
Compare how the writers present their ideas and perspectives on a given theme. You'll need to discuss both content and the writers' attitudes, using evidence from each text.
Top Tips:
- Identify 4-5 comparative points
- Use comparative phrases like "Similarly…", "In contrast…", "Whereas…"
- Focus on comparing the perspectives and how each writer's viewpoint is conveyed.
Example Question for Practice
Compare how the writers present their views on the importance of resilience.
Compare how the writers present their ideas about resilience in Text 1 and Text 2.
(14 marks)
Example Answer:
"In Text 1, resilience is presented as an essential quality for survival, with the writer describing it as 'the only thing keeping him going'. This suggests a view of resilience as crucial to enduring hardship. Conversely, in Text 2, resilience is portrayed more as a learned trait, as the writer reflects on how challenges 'taught me patience and strength'. Both texts acknowledge the value of resilience, but Text 1 views it as innate, while Text 2 presents it as developed through experience."