1. English Language Paper 2: Reading
Question 1
“assesses implicit and explicit understanding of words and meanings.
Students are reminded of the need to read the text and statements slowly and carefully.
Ensure all students complete the answer booklet according to the instructions provided.”
Question 2
Engaging in detail offers students the ability to gain higher marks
Students who extend and develop their inferences also achieved at a higher level
Students should add depth and detail to the similarities or differences that they detail
Question 3
Comments when linked to the effect of the examples in context were best
Students are selecting better examples of words and phrases from the text
Students should avoid general comments or references and be specific
Exploring ‘big ideas’ in the text helps students attain
Question 4
Using: What – How – Why – works well for this question
Students build on the skills from Q2 & Q3 in this question
Writer’s methods must be included
Compare ‘like with like’ for the highest marks
Detailed and perceptive answers were awarded highly

2. English Language Paper 2: Writing
Question 5 Students with the “ability to engage with the ‘big ideas’: politics, economics, gender, aesthetics, class, morality, psychology, even philosophy. Students who were confident and familiar with these ideas were able to frame their own perspectives in this larger context and thereby enhance the quality of their argument.” Vocabulary use did enhance ideas but teachers must ensure it is taught in context and that students don’t swamp their writing with enhanced vocabulary without really understanding it. “Varying sentence forms and punctuation is a useful means of improving marks for AO6.”