Understanding Question 2 of Paper 1

Quick reference overview

What Question 2 looks like

Question 2 on Paper 1 tests your ability to analyse how a writer uses language to achieve particular effects or purposes. You will be given a short extract from the source text (typically 8–12 lines) and asked to explore the writer's choices of words, phrases, techniques, and sometimes sentence structures. The question will always specify the effect or purpose to focus on, such as creating tension, describing a setting, or conveying a character's emotions. Below is an example of how this question appears on the exam paper.

Look in detail at this extract, from lines 6 to 16 of the source:

The forest was a wall of shadow, its depths untouched by the weak morning light. Branches clawed at the sky, their twisted forms jagged and menacing, as if warning intruders to turn back. A damp, earthy smell hung in the air, thick and suffocating, while the silence pressed down like a heavy hand. Every snap of a twig underfoot sounded like a gunshot in the stillness, making Clara's heart jolt with each step. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching, waiting, hidden just beyond sight.

How does the writer use language here to create a sense of fear?

You could include the writer's choice of:

• words and phrases
• language features and techniques
• sentence forms.

[8 marks]

Key things to understand about this question

• "Look in detail" means you must go beyond surface observations and provide in-depth analysis of language choices.
• "From lines X to Y" restricts your focus to the specified lines only; any references outside these lines will not be credited.
• The question specifies the effect or purpose (e.g., to create a sense of fear), and your analysis must stay relevant to this focus.
• The bullet points are suggestions to guide your response, but you don't need to cover all of them (prioritise the most impactful language choices in the extract).

What is being assessed?

Assessment Objective 2 (AO2)

This question evaluates your ability to:

• Explain how writers use language to create meaning or effects.
• Comment on the impact of specific language choices on the reader.
• Analyse why these choices are made and how they influence the reader's thoughts or feelings.

The central focus is on effects: you must explore what the language makes the reader think, feel, or imagine, rather than just listing techniques.

The difference between identifying and analysing

Examiners reward analysis of effects, not mere identification of techniques. Your response should always link language choices to their impact on the reader.

How to approach Question 2

You should allocate approximately 10–12 minutes to this question. Following a structured approach will help you manage your time and produce a focused, analytical response.

Step-by-step approach

Step 1: Read the extract carefully (1–2 minutes)

• Read the specified lines at least twice to understand the content and tone.
• Identify the specific effect or purpose mentioned in the question (e.g., creating fear, describing a character).
• Keep this focus at the forefront as you analyse.

Step 2: Annotate key language features (1–2 minutes)

• Highlight or underline striking words, phrases, or imagery that relate to the question's focus.
• Look for language techniques such as metaphors, personification, or semantic fields.
• Note any sentence structures that contribute to the effect, like short sentences for tension.
• Choose 3–4 strong examples to explore in your answer.

Step 3: Plan your response briefly (30 seconds)

• List the 3–4 language choices you'll discuss.
• Ensure they are all from the specified lines.
• Organise them in a logical order, not necessarily the order they appear in the text.

Step 4: Write detailed analytical paragraphs (7–8 minutes)

For each example, use this structure:

• Point – State the language choice and its purpose in relation to the question.
• Evidence – Include a short quotation (1–6 words) to support your point.
• Explain – Describe the effect this creates on the reader.
• Develop – Explore deeper connotations or reasons why this choice is effective.

Step 5: Review your answer (1 minute)

• Confirm all quotations are from the correct lines.
• Check that you've focused on effects, not just techniques.
• Ensure your subject terminology (e.g., metaphor, verb, alliteration) is used accurately.

How much to write

Focus on quality over quantity. A strong response doesn't need to be lengthy but must be detailed.

• Aim for 3–4 well-developed analytical paragraphs.
• Each paragraph should focus on one or two specific language choices.
• A top-level answer (Level 4) might be around one side of A4, packed with insightful analysis rather than unnecessary length.

The mark scheme levels explained

The mark scheme for Question 2 is divided into four levels, each reflecting a different quality of response based on the depth of analysis and understanding of language effects.

Key differences between levels

• Depth of analysis – Higher levels explore effects and connotations in detail, while lower levels make general or obvious points.
• Quotation quality – Level 4 uses short, precise quotations; Level 1 often uses longer, less focused examples.
• Explanation sophistication – Level 4 responses are perceptive and layered; Level 1 responses are basic and surface-level.
• Terminology use – Higher levels use accurate and sophisticated terms to enhance analysis; lower levels may misuse or avoid terminology.

To move up levels, focus on explaining how and why language choices create specific effects on the reader, supported by carefully selected evidence.