When tackling GCSE AQA English Language Paper 2, Question 2, it’s essential to focus on comparing how both sources present a shared topic. For example, in the 2018 surfing boards extracts, both writers describe different types of boards used by surfers, but they do so from contrasting perspectives. In this post, we’ll explore how to identify key details, make effective comparisons, and write a clear, concise summary that hits all the marks.
📝 Question:
Both sources describe the types of boards used for surfing.
Use details from both sources to write a summary of what you understand about the different boards used by the surfers.
1️⃣ Highlight the Focus Point 🔍
- Read the question carefully.
- ✨ Highlight key words/phrases like:
- “types of board used for surfing”
- “both sources”
- “write a summary” (IDENTIFYING LANGUAGE TECHNIQUES AND ANALYSING LANGUAGE IS NOT REQUIRED)
2️⃣ Find & Highlight Relevant Details 🔦
- Read Source A and Source B closely.
- Highlight words/phrases about boards (materials, shape, size, weight).
- Annotate with quick inferences (what it tells you about the boards or the writer’s view).
3️⃣ Organise Your Points Clearly 🗂️
Make a simple table or list with:
| 🔑 Point | 📖 Source A Quote | 📖 Source B Quote | 💡 Inference | 🔄 Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | “wooden framework, plywood” | “made from native breadfruit” | Different materials used | California = industrial, Hawaii = traditional |
| Weight & design | “weighed fifty or sixty pounds” | Not mentioned | Boards in A are heavy | Weight not mentioned in B |
4️⃣ Write Your Summary Answer ✍️
In Source A, the writer describes the surfboards used in California as being made from a “wooden framework with a plywood shell”. This shows that the boards were constructed using more industrial materials and techniques. Additionally, the boards were quite heavy, with some “weighed fifty or sixty pounds”, suggesting they were sturdy but cumbersome.
In contrast, Source B explains that the surfboards in Hawaii were made from the “native breadfruit tree”, highlighting the use of natural, local materials. Although the weight is not mentioned, the focus on the wood type and traditional craftsmanship suggests a different, possibly lighter design compared to the California boards.
Overall, Source A presents the boards as larger and heavier, with an emphasis on evolving technology, while Source B emphasises traditional materials and cultural practices. This shows a clear difference in the types of boards used by surfers in the two regions.
💬 Sentence Starters
- In Source A, the writer describes…
- In contrast, Source B focuses on…
- While Source A highlights…, Source B…
- Both sources describe…
- This suggests that…
🔗 Comparative Vocabulary
| ↔️ Contrast | 🔄 Similarity | ➡️ Cause / Effect |
|---|---|---|
| However | Similarly | Because |
| On the other hand | Both | As a result |
| In contrast | Likewise | Therefore |
| Whereas | In the same way | Consequently |
| Although | Equally | Due to |
5️⃣ Check Your Answer ✅
- ✔️ Did you refer to both sources?
- ✔️ Is your summary clear and focused on the question?
- ✔️ Did you include comparisons?
- ✔️ No personal opinions?
Visual Recap 🌟
🔍 Highlight question → 🔦 Highlight details in texts → 🗂️ Organise info → ✍️ Write answer focusing on the question → ✅ Check your work!
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