AQA Paper 2
Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
Explore two linked sources, analyse language and compare viewpoints. Develop your own writing to present a viewpoint.
AQA GCSE English Language 8700
GCSE English • Paper 2
Two texts to compare? A viewpoint to develop? Start with a clearer plan.
Build your non-fiction reading, comparison and writing skills, then choose your exam board for guidance that matches your Paper 2.
AQA and Edexcel support from The Lightup Hub.
Start with the right paper
Both papers develop non-fiction reading and writing skills, but their questions and assessment details differ. Choose the guidance for your exam board.
Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
Explore two linked sources, analyse language and compare viewpoints. Develop your own writing to present a viewpoint.
AQA GCSE English Language 8700
Non-fiction and Transactional Writing
Explore non-fiction texts, analyse and evaluate how writers communicate, and compare their ideas. Write for a specified audience and purpose.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language 1EN0
Not sure which board you study? Ask your English teacher or check a recent exam paper. For Edexcel, also check the qualification code: English Language 2.0 and International GCSE have different specifications.
What should you actually revise?
You cannot memorise an unseen text. You can practise finding its viewpoint, making clear comparisons and shaping writing for a reader.
Work out what the writer thinks, then explain how specific words or choices communicate that view.
Try this: Read a short opinion piece. Summarise its viewpoint and explain how one phrase helps convey it.
Connect the texts through an idea. Use evidence from both to explain a relevant similarity or difference.
Try this: Compare two views on the same topic. Explain one difference, supported by a short quotation from each.
Make your position clear. Develop your ideas and choose a tone, structure and form that fit the task.
Try this: Write an opening for a school speech. Give it a clear viewpoint, then check its tone and punctuation.
Apply these skills to your board's task. Use its current practice papers and mark schemes to check your progress.
See how Lightup helps you learn
Watch our English Language Paper 2 preview for a look at the support inside Lightup.
A preview of the English Language Paper 2 course. Join free below to access your taster.
Explore the free Paper 2 taster to see what makes writing stronger and how Lightup helps you understand and apply those changes.
How to get the Paper 2 taster
Your taster matches the weakest topic you select. Choosing a different topic gives you a different taster.
When you first join, choose English Language Paper 2 as your weakest topic to get this taster.
A clearer starting point
Start with your exam board's current paper and mark scheme. Practise a reading question, a comparison or a writing skill at a time. Check your response and improve one specific part, then build towards timed practice.
No. Both involve non-fiction reading and writing, but their questions and assessment details differ. AQA 8700 calls its paper Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives. Edexcel 1EN0 calls its paper Non-fiction and Transactional Writing. Choose your board above for more specific guidance.
Start with the focus of the question. Identify a relevant similarity or difference, support it with evidence from both texts and explain it. Analyse the writers' methods where the question asks you to do so.
Follow the task you are given. AQA asks you to present a viewpoint. Edexcel 1EN0 sets transactional writing for a specified audience, purpose and form. Persuasive techniques can help when relevant, but clear ideas, appropriate tone and accurate writing matter too.
Ask your English teacher or check the front of a recent practice paper. Confirm the qualification code as well as the board, particularly for Edexcel. This helps you choose guidance that matches your course.
Yes. Join free, tell us what you study and choose English Language Paper 2 as your weakest topic when asked to receive this taster. If you select a different topic, you will receive a different taster.
Want a plan for the bigger picture?
Explore a free GCSE English improvement plan built around your current grade and where you want to go.
See how the free Mock Ready Check works and find out what to focus on before mock week.
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