Edexcel English Language Paper 2 advice

Questions 1 to 3 are about text one.
Questions 4 to 6 are about text two.
Questions 7a and 7b are a comparison of the two.

Question 1) Will ask you to identify two phrases between lines X and Y. Make sure you pick the best two quotations that address the question. These re easy marks, but don't stress over them, it is only 2 marks.

Question 2) Will ask you to identify how the writer uses language between lines X and Y. Make sure you use a quotation from the extract, and then make sure you make a valid point to accompany the quote. You should make a language comment on the quotation, for example word types (Adjectives, Adverbs, Nouns, Verbs etc), Lexical/Semantic fields of the word choices, or sound devices (Onomatopoeia).

Question 3) The first high scoring question. Use the same technique you used on paper one on question 3, analyzing language AND structure, and how the techniques you identify engage the reader. I would find five or six pieces of evidence. Make sure you comment on language AND structure, otherwise you will limit your mark in the lowest bands.

Question 4) Very similar to question 1, but you only have to identify one quotation.

Question 5) Very similar to question 2, but you only have to identify one quotation.

Question 6) This question is an evaluation question, so stuff your answer full of evaluative language (Successfully, Masterfully, Effectively, Cleverly etc). You should aim to include at-least five pieces of evidence, and use comments such as "combined effect" or "coupled with" to evaluate the effectiveness of a point.

Question 7a) Asks you to discuss the similarities of the text for 6 marks. You need to show a detailed understanding of both texts through a range of points. Do atleast three comparisons, and use language such as "both texts".

Question 7b) Asks you to write a comparison of the WRITERS perspectives and ideas. Make sure you discuss both texts, and how the writers views are different or similar. Make sure to analyse structure and language, and as a tip, you can use some of the ideas you discussed in question 7a for similarities, as different examiners mark each question.

Question 8/9) Transactional writing - There will be a choice of two questions. Normally what they ask us to write is related to the extracts, but you should use you own knowledge and ideas when discussing the topic. It could be a letter, a speech, and article... Anything formal. Unlike the first paper, you cannot really plan for this, just hope that the options are interesting.

If you need any further help, feel free to ask.