2.2.4 Question 4: 16 Marks

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to tackle GCSE English Language Paper 2, Question 4. We’ll compare how two writers present their perspectives on a topic, exploring their attitudes and the methods they use to convey them, so you can structure a clear, comparative response worth 16 marks.

Paper 2: Question 4

Question 4 is the long comparative analysis of the reading section. It requires you to consider both Source A and Source B together, examining how the writers convey their ideas and perspectives on a given theme or topic. In other words, what does each writer think/feel about the subject, and how do they get that across to the reader? The question typically looks like: “Compare how the writers convey their different perspectives/feelings/attitudes about ______.” There will be bullet points guiding you to: compare the writers’ ideas and perspectives; comment on the methods used by each writer to convey those ideas and perspectives, supporting your answer with references to both texts.

This is worth 16 marks – the highest in Section A – reflecting the depth of response needed. It assesses AO3 (comparisonIdentifying similarities and/or differences between texts. of ideas/perspectives) and also AO2/AO1 as you discuss methods and references. Essentially, you have to do two main things:

1. Identify each writer’s perspective or attitude on the topic in question (what they think or feel).
2. Analyse and compare how they express that perspective through their writing techniques or choices (language, tone, structure, examples, etc.).

What does “methods” include? Methods are the tools a writer uses to shape their text. This includes:

• Language techniques: similar to Q3, any use of vivid language, rhetorical devices, emotive words, etc.
• Tone and style: one writer might be sarcastic, the other sincere; one might be informal and chatty, the other formal and authoritative. This informs the reader on the purpose of what the writer wants to achieve and therefore allows you to pick apart how the writer achieves its​​ tone and style.
• Structural choices or form: perhaps one writer uses a narrative anecdote to illustrate a point, while the other lists facts and statistics; or maybe one builds tension gradually, and the other starts with a bold statement. Even the form (e.g. one is a letter, one is a speech) can influence how they present their viewpoint.
• What they emphasise or leave out: does one writer focus on personal experience while the other gives broader context? These choices are part of their method of convincing or conveying perspective.