Understanding Question 4 of Paper 2

Quick reference overview

What Question 4 looks like

This question appears on Paper 2 and requires you to compare how two writers convey their perspectives or attitudes on a shared topic using the whole of both Source A and Source B. The question focuses on the differences (or sometimes similarities) in their viewpoints, supported by analysis of the methods they use to express those viewpoints.

Example question format:

For this question, you need to refer to the whole of Source A, together with the whole of Source B.

Compare how the writers convey their different attitudes towards urban living.

In your answer, you should:

• compare their different attitudes
• comment on the methods the writers use to convey their attitudes
• support your response with references to both texts.

[16 marks]

Key things to understand about this question

• "Refer to the whole of" means you can and should use evidence from anywhere in both sources, not just specific sections.
• The question will specify what to compare, such as perspectives, attitudes, feelings, or viewpoints on a particular topic (e.g., urban living, education, travel).
• You must focus on comparing the writers' ideas and perspectives first, then support this by commenting on the methods (language, structure, tone) each writer uses to convey their viewpoint.
• You do not need to directly compare the methods side by side (e.g., "Writer A uses metaphors while Writer B uses statistics"). Instead, explain how the methods help to express each writer's perspective, then compare the perspectives themselves.
• Always support your points with references (quotations or specific details) from both texts.

What is being assessed?

Assessment Objective 3 (AO3)

• Compare writers' ideas, perspectives, attitudes, or feelings on a shared topic.
• Analyse how these perspectives are conveyed through the writers' use of language, structure, and other methods.
• Use evidence from both texts to support your comparison.

The key skill here is comparison (identifying and explaining differences (or sometimes similarities) in what the writers think or feel, and showing how their methods reflect or shape those views).

The focus on comparing ideas and perspectives

The comparison of ideas comes first; the analysis of methods supports and explains how those ideas are presented to the reader.

How to approach Question 4

You should spend approximately 15–20 minutes on this question. Follow these steps to structure your time and response effectively.

Step-by-step approach

Work through the following steps in order.

Step 1: Read the question carefully (1 minute)

• Identify the specific focus of the comparison (e.g., attitudes towards urban living).
• Note that you must cover the whole of both sources, so you can select evidence from anywhere in the texts.

Step 2: Identify the writers' perspectives (2–3 minutes)

• Skim through Source A and Source B to pinpoint each writer's overall viewpoint or attitude towards the topic.
• Jot down a quick note for each writer, summarising their perspective in a few words (e.g., "Source A: positive, energetic"; "Source B: negative, isolating").
• Look for differences (or similarities if specified) in their views.

Step 3: Select evidence and methods (3–4 minutes)

• Find 3–4 key examples from each source that illustrate the writer's perspective.
• Note down specific quotations or details that show their attitude.
• Identify methods (language techniques, structural features, tone) that help convey their perspective for each example.
• Aim for a balance between the two sources in your evidence.

Step 4: Plan your response (1–2 minutes)

• Decide on 3–4 points of comparison based on the writers' perspectives (e.g., one writer's optimism vs the other's pessimism).
• For each point, pair evidence from both sources and note the methods used.
• Structure your answer logically, such as by theme or by contrasting perspectives.

Step 5: Write your response (8–9 minutes)

• Start with a brief introduction stating the key difference (or similarity) in the writers' perspectives.
• For each comparison point, follow a clear structure:
  • State the difference in perspective.
  • Provide evidence from Source A and comment on a method used to convey this perspective.
  • Provide evidence from Source B and comment on a method used to convey their perspective.
  • Link back to how these differences affect the reader's understanding.
• Use comparative language like "whereas", "in contrast", "on the other hand", or "similarly" to show connections.

Step 6: Check your work (1 minute)

• Ensure you've covered both sources equally.
• Check that you've compared perspectives, not just listed methods.
• Confirm that all evidence is relevant to the topic specified in the question.

How much to write

Aim for quality over quantity. A strong response doesn't need to be overly long but must be detailed and balanced.

• Write about 3–4 comparison points to cover the range of perspectives.
• Each point should form a paragraph, focusing on both writers' views and the methods used.
• A high-level answer might be around one to one-and-a-half sides of A4, balancing evidence from both texts with clear analysis.

The mark scheme levels explained

The mark scheme for Question 4 has four levels, each representing a different quality of response based on how well you compare perspectives and comment on methods.

Main differences between levels

• Depth of comparison (How perceptively you explore differences or similarities in perspectives (detailed and nuanced at Level 4 vs basic at Level 1)).
• Analysis of methods (How well you explain how methods convey perspectives (insightful at Level 4 vs general or absent at Level 1)).
• Balance of evidence (Using relevant examples from both texts equally (balanced at Level 4 vs uneven at Level 1)).
• Use of terminology (Accurate and enhancing at higher levels vs limited or incorrect at lower levels).