Language Paper 2 — Q3 (language comparison)

What you need to know

• Q3 compares how writers use language in both sources.
• Best structure: point-by-point comparison (not “A then B”).
• Method:
  1. Pick 2–3 focus areas (tone, attitudes, imagery, word choices).
  2. For each, select a short quote from A and a short quote from B.
  3. Analyse a word/phrase from each, then compare the effect.

Sentence frame:

• “In Source A, the writer uses ___ (‘__’) which suggests _. In Source B, ___ (‘’) suggests ___. This creates a more ___ / less ___ tone…”

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to compare (writing two mini-analyses).
• Naming techniques without effect.
• Picking quotes that don’t match the question focus.

Self-check

• I compared in every paragraph.
• I zoomed into at least one key word/phrase from each source.
• I explained the effect on the reader.
• I linked back to the question focus each time.

Support videos

• Mr Bruff (P2 Q3 language comparison) search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=aqa+english+language+paper+2+question+3+comparison+mr+bruff

Practice

• Past papers (Paper 2): https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/past-papers/gcse-english-language/aqa-paper-2/