Answering the Question 2: Language Task | English Language for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

How to Answer Question 2: Language Task

This guide aims to assist you in effectively tackling Question 2: Language analysis task. It covers:

• An overview of Question 2: Language analysis
• Breaking down the questions
• Steps to success
• Exam tips

Overview

For this task, you will need to carefully analyze specific paragraphs from Text C, focusing on how the author utilizes language to convey meaning and create effects. Your task involves selecting three examples of words or phrases from each paragraph to support your analysis, ensuring that your choices incorporate the use of imagery.
You are required to provide a response of about 200 to 300 words, equivalent to approximately one side of A4 paper in standard handwriting.
This question carries a maximum of 15 marks and assesses your proficiency in the following criteria:

• R1: demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
• R2: demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
• R4: demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve effects and influence readers

This means, in order to get the highest marks, you need to demonstrate:

• Your proficiency in discerning suitable language for analysis
• Your capacity to delve into the significance of the selected language and its potential purpose for the writer
• Your skill in dissecting imagery with accuracy and creativity
• Your comprehension of language mechanics

Breaking down the question

Question 2(d) will provide detailed instructions. It's crucial to carefully read the question and highlight:

• Which paragraphs you should re-read
• The command words in the question (instructions)
• The focus of each question (what to look for in the text)

For example (taken from the June 2022 exam paper):

Steps to success

• Read the question and highlight:
  • The command words (what you are instructed to do)
  • The focus of the question (the words or phrases you have to look for in the text)
  • The paragraphs you need to re-read
• Scan the relevant paragraphs in Text C and highlight three examples of language or imagery in each paragraph:
  • Keep your annotations short and concise - there is no benefit to highlighting lines and lines of text
• Write your answer dealing with one paragraph first, and then the other:
  • For instance, "In paragraph 10, the writer conveys a feeling of being fiercely protective and a sense of pride in her husband's choice."
    • Thoroughly examine three specific terms or phrases:
  • For example, "Select words that reveal unique grammar and punctuation nuances."
    • Opt for phrases that offer insight into language intricacies.
    • For example, "Explore quotes that elucidate the mechanics of language."
    • Do the same for the second paragraph

You are recommended to allocate no more than 20 minutes to this task, including reading time.

Exam Tips

• Carefully review the command words and paragraph references in the instructions
• Effective responses typically begin by elucidating the literal meaning of the chosen word or phrase in context before delving into the connotations and impacts stemming from the writer's linguistic choices
• Avoid choosing lengthy quotations or making generalized remarks:
  • Ensure that the quotations you select are specific and accurate
  • Do not merely copy entire lines or passages of text, nor omit key words
• Remember to select a total of six words or phrases (three from each paragraph):
  • Opt for words or phrases that you can best elucidate, rather than those employing the most obvious literary devices
  • Allocate your time equally between both paragraphs
  • When elucidating how language functions, refrain from statements like: "the writer helps us to imagine the scene." Such comments do not garner any marks
• Additionally, make sure to select and explicate the images crafted by the writer:
  • Consider the connotations and associations of your chosen words to aid in suggesting the effect the writer may have intended to evoke
  • Successful candidates can vividly envision images and explicate their precise meanings
• Crucially, avoid simply enumerating literary devices:
  • The quality of your analysis is what earns marks, not merely your ability to identify a metaphor or juxtaposition