The Question:
“Compare how the writers convey their different perspectives on surfing. In your answer, you could:
- compare their different perspectives on surfing;
- compare the methods the writers use to convey their perspectives;
- support your response with references to both texts.”
Extract can be found here: https://www.princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GCSE-English-Language-Paper-2-2018-Insert-Surfers.pdf
Step 1: 🔍 Read Both Sources Carefully
- Highlight the focus point in the question
- Make sure to read the box at the top of the page.
- Read the whole of Source A and the whole of Source B.
- Highlight or underline parts where the writers talk about surfing and their feelings or views about it.
- Notice words or phrases that reveal the writers’ attitudes and tone.
Step 2: ✏️ Identify the Writers’ Perspectives
- Ask yourself:
- How does each writer feel about the topic in question? In this case, it’s surfing.
- Do they adopt a negative or a positive attitude? Does their tone change or does it stay the same?
- What words show their emotions or attitudes?
- What points do they make about the topic in question?
Example:
- Source A might focus on surfing as a thrilling challenge.
- Source B might show surfing as a spiritual or cultural experience.
Step 3: 🛠️ Identify Methods and Language Features
Look for techniques like:
- Imagery (vivid descriptions)
- Tone (positive, negative, neutral)
- Word choice (diction) – exciting words, calm words, technical words
- Sentence structure – short/long sentences for effect
- Comparisons or metaphors
- Any personal anecdotes or facts that shape the perspective
Step 4: đź“‹ Plan Your Answer
Use a simple framework for each paragraph:
| Point | Source A- Evidence | Analysis | Source B- Evidence | Analysis | Comparison |
| Both writers admire the surfers | Metaphor elevates the surfer to a powerful, almost divine figure, showing admiration and awe; “bronze” suggests strength and beauty | “bronze god” | “So they rode in majestically” | personifies the surfers with grace and dignity, showing deep respect y, showing deep respect and admiration | Both use elevated language to admire surfers, but Source A uses a metaphor to glorify physical power as they aspire to be a surfer, while Source B uses an adverb to emphasise grace and nobility as they watch as a tourist, enjoying their view. |
Step 5: ✍️ Write Your Answer
- Start by introducing both sources and stating that they have different perspectives on surfing.
- Use comparative phrases to link your ideas.
- Include quotes and explain the methods used and the effect on the reader.
- Show clear comparison of the writers’ views and techniques throughout.
Useful Sentence Starters & Comparative Phrases
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Introduce Source A | In Source A, the writer presents surfing as… |
| Introduce Source B | In contrast, Source B conveys surfing as… |
| Compare perspectives | While Source A focuses on…, Source B highlights… |
| Compare methods | Source A uses vivid imagery to…, whereas Source B uses… |
| Support with quotes | This is shown when the writer says… |
| Add further points | Furthermore, Additionally, |
| Contrast ideas | However, On the other hand, |
Step 6: âś… Check Your Answer
- Have you included evidence from both sources?
- Did you explain how the writers convey their perspectives (language, structure, tone)?
- Have you compared both perspectives and methods clearly?
- Is your answer structured with clear paragraphs?
- Have you avoided just retelling the text and focused on analysis?
Example Mini-Paragraph (for inspiration)
Both writers clearly admire the surfers, but they express this admiration in different ways. In Source A, the surfer is described as a “bronze god”, a metaphor that elevates the individual to a powerful, almost divine status. The word “bronze” suggests strength, beauty, and resilience, conveying the writer’s awe at the surfer’s physical prowess. In contrast, Source B shows admiration through the phrase “So they rode in majestically”. The adverb “majestically” personifies the surfers with grace and dignity, highlighting their skill and poise as they ride the waves. While Source A focuses on glorifying the surfer’s strength and almost godlike power, as it is his dream to become a surfer, Source B emphasises their elegance and noble presence on the water as a tourist. Both writers use elevated language to show respect, but their methods create different images of admiration — one fierce and heroic, the other graceful and dignified.
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