How to answer every question

Short questions in parts on a section of the text, such as finding phrases or explaining a detail in your own words.

• Use only the lines given.
• Check whether it wants a quotation or your own words.

For top marks: Follow the instructions exactly: if it asks for your own words, don’t quote.

Use details from both texts to explain something that links them, such as how two people responded to something.

• Two or three points from each text.
• Join them with “both” or “whereas”.
• Use your own words where you can.

For top marks: Bring the ideas together and don’t analyse language: this is about understanding.

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Explore how the writer uses language and structure to do something in the named lines.

• Three paragraphs, including some on structure.
• Short quotations and exact terms.
• Say what the effect is, and why.

For top marks: Top-level answers bring language and structure together and pick details precisely.

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A statement about both texts. How far do you agree? Compare the texts as part of your answer.

• Give your view on the statement in your first line.
• Use both texts in each paragraph.
• Use short quotations from both and follow the bullet points in the question.

For top marks: Marks are split: you’re judging the statement and comparing the texts, so keep doing both.

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Choose one of two tasks: non-fiction writing such as an article, letter or speech.

• Check the form and audience.
• Spend 5 minutes on planning.
• Spend 5 to 10 minutes checking.

For top marks: A real voice that fits the audience, with a clear argument that develops.

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Short questions in parts on a section of Text 1.

• Use only the lines given.
• Write short answers.

For top marks: Keep it brief.

How does the writer use language and structure to show something in the named lines of Text 1?

• Two short paragraphs.
• Use subject terms and a short quotation in each.
• Cover both language and structure.

For top marks: Say something about both language and structure, even in a short answer.

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Explore how the writer uses language and structure in the named lines of Text 2.

• Three paragraphs.
• Move through the lines in order to show how things develop.
• Use exact terms.

For top marks: Bring language and structure together so that they work as one argument.

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A statement about both texts, such as “Both texts powerfully present characters in danger”. How far do you agree?

• Give your view on the statement.
• Follow the bullet points in the question.
• Use both texts in each paragraph, with short quotations.

For top marks: Judge and compare at the same time. Ask how “powerfully” each one does it: that’s where the marks are.

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Choose one of two creative writing tasks.

• Plan a simple idea.
• Use a clear shape, and show control of sentences.
• Spend 5 to 10 minutes checking.

For top marks: A strong opening and an ending that’s been earned, with fresh details rather than a busy plot.

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