5.2.4

Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3

Test yourself on Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3

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Section A: Reading - Question 3

In Section A of Paper 2, you will analyse the language of one non-fiction text and compare the viewpoints of the writers of two non-fiction texts.

Question 3

Question 3

  • Question 3 is worth 12 marks.
  • In this question, you will be asked to read only one of the source texts. You will be asked to explain how the writer uses language to describe something.
Tips for answering Question 3

Tips for answering Question 3

  • Analyse the writer's words, phrases, language techniques and sentence use.
  • Use DAFORESTER (covered earlier) as a guide for which language techniques to identify and comment on.
    • Highlight, underline or circle the techniques as you spot them (you should be able to spot at least two or three in the source you're given).
    • Turn each point into a PEE (point, evidence, explain) style paragraph.
  • N.B. if you are aiming for the top marks, DAFORESTER should be your starting point and NOT your full analysis.
Reaching the top marks

Reaching the top marks

  • To gain the top marks, you need to:
    • Analyse writing techniques.
    • Offer original ideas about the writer's use of language.
    • Use a variety of information from the text.
    • Use correct terminology.

The PETER Structure - Paper 2: Questions 3 and 4

You don't have to stick to this structure, exactly, but it helps you to remember including everything you need to get the most marks.

Point

Point

  • Write your idea or argument and link it to the question.
  • Here are some example sentence starters:
    • In the text, the writer uses language to ____.
    • The writer structures the text to ____.
    • Throughout the text, the writer ____.
Evidence

Evidence

  • Choose a quotation from the text which supports the point that you have made.
  • Here are some examples of using a quotation to support your point:
    • In paragraph three, the author says, “____”.
    • The author describes the sky as “____”.
    • The description “____” is stated at the start of the text.
Technique and explanation

Technique and explanation

  • Identify a language technique in the quotation. These techniques could be similes, metaphors, adverbs, rule of three or another technique.
  • Then explain what the technique means, referring to the quotation or words used.
  • Here are some example sentences:
    • Within the quote, the simile suggests that ____.
    • The adjective “____” indicates that ____.
    • The writer’s use of repetition here shows ____
  • The metaphor “____” could mean ____. Alternatively, it could mean ____.
Refer to the question and the writer's intention

Refer to the question and the writer's intention

  • Answer why you think the writer used this language?
  • What do you think the writer is trying to show?
  • What effect does the quote have and how does this relate to the question?
  • Some examples of this are:
    • In my opinion, the writer has done this to show ____.
    • Therefore, the language here suggests that ____.
    • Therefore, the author structured the extract in this way to highlight ____.
Jump to other topics
1

Key Terms

2

Language Techniques

3

Paper 1: Reading

4

Paper 1: Writing

5

Paper 2: Reading

6

Paper 2: Writing

Practice questions on Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3

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