AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 2: Complete Comparison Masterclass (8 Marks)

This resource teaches students exactly how to approach Paper 2 Question 2, the comparison question worth 8 marks. Many students struggle to balance both sources, select short quotations and make clear comparisons. This pack simplifies the process into clear, teachable steps that match the AQA mark scheme.

It works well for whole-class lessons, intervention groups and one-to-one tuition. The slides are clear, visual and structured to help students make rapid progress.

What’s Included

A complete lesson and a full set of activities covering all the skills needed for 7 to 8 marks in Question 2.

Clear explanation of the exam requirements
Pages 4 to 6 outline the key facts and show students how to compare either similarities or differences using both sources. Page 6 breaks down the Level 4 mark scheme in accessible language.

A four-step method for answering the question
Page 7 provides a straightforward process that guides students through reading the question, identifying relevant quotations and building comparisons using the paragraph structure.

Paragraph structure for high marks
The eight-step structure on page 8 teaches students exactly how to move between Writer A and Writer B using short evidence, brief analysis and a clear comparison. This prevents writing about texts separately.

Sentence starter banks
Page 9 provides a wide range of sentence starters that support accurate comparative statements and help students structure their responses confidently.

Key exam tips
Pages 11 to 15 outline the essential rules:

Compare viewpoints, not language

Use short, precise quotations

Link both writers in every paragraph

Focus on attitudes and opinions

Keep comparisons clear

These reflect the skills rewarded in the AQA mark scheme.

Three sets of exam-style practice tasks
The pack includes three full practice questions (pages 17 to 28) with the texts and Level 4 mark schemes:

Childhood experiences

Surfing and the sea

Drivers’ behaviour

These allow students to apply the method repeatedly and develop secure exam technique.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

Saves planning time
All explanations, examples, sentence starters and tasks are ready to use.

Suitable for all ability levels
The scaffolding supports weaker learners, while Level 4 models stretch high achievers.

Clear and accurate
The resource explains exactly what the exam expects and avoids unnecessary language analysis.

Aligned to the AQA specification
All slides match the exam format and assessment criteria.

Who This Resource Is For

GCSE English teachers
GCSE tutors
NQTs and Early Career Teachers
Non-specialists teaching English
Students aiming for Grade 7 to 9
Intervention groups focusing on reading and comparison skills