AQA GCSE English Language Model Answers - English Language (8700) Nov 2020 - Paper 2

Sep 5, 2026

Model answers for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 (English Language 8700, Nov 2020, NEW SPEC) focusing on interpreting and analysing passages about climbers’ experiences. The material provides exemplar responses for Questions 1–3, linking explicit and implicit ideas, comparing two sources through details such as tone, comfort, strength, pacing, and time constraints. It also explains how language techniques—metaphor, alliteration, and personification—shape meaning and reader impact. Examiner report guidance highlights assessment objectives, evidence selection, and signposting.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

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Pages5

Reading Time13 min

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Examiner report

GCSE English Language Model Answers: English Language (8700) (NEW SPEC) Nov 2020 Paper 2 Q1 . ● They had been on the mountain for at least five days. ● There were no more uphill sections to climb. ● The climbers were feeling more positive now than they were before. ● On the ice cliff, the climbers had felt overwhelmed by despair. Examiner report: ● The answer selects the correct statements from the specified lines in the text-lines 1 to 4. ● This question assesses the first part of AO1-identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Q2 . In Source B,we are told Marius is a ‘local guide’ and therefore is paid to ensure the safety of the climber he is supporting, whereas in Source A, Simon is the ‘companion’ of Joe, which suggests a more equal partnership. Within this, the tone of Source A suggests that Simon is less careful with Joe’s comfort while lowering him down the mountain. This is seen in the comment ‘despite my cries of alarm and pain, he had kept the pace of descent going’, which indicates that whilst Simon is responsible for the safety of his companion, he is not as concerned with his comfort. Conversely, in Source B, the reader gets the sense that Marius is concerned with the comfort of Gertrude, as well as her safety. Gertrude describes how Marius had ‘kindly put my rug in a corner of the floor’ and later she describes how Marius ‘literally pulled me up like a bear’. The simile in ‘like a bear’ directly compares Marius’ strength to that of a bear, and the connotations of this are that Gertrude feels very secure that Marius’ strength is sufficient to pull her up the mountain. This directly contrasts with Source A where Simon is described as journeying his companion down the mountain with many an ‘abrupt jerk’ causing ‘cries of alarm and pain’. This suggests that Marius, perhaps due to being paid, is very hospitable and cares deeply about Gertrude having an enjoyable experience. However, in Source A, this seems less apparent in Simon’s actions. © 2023 MME Revise Furthermore, another difference between the two characters is the way they converse with their companions and what this reveals about their time constraints on the trip. In Source A, Simon adopts a no-nonsense approach to speaking with Joe, focusing on the task at hand with phrases such as‘right, let’s do it again’ and ‘nothing to wait for, come on’. This suggests that whilst he cares about the safety of Joe, he is aware of the task at hand and values getting it done fast over Joe’s comfort. In Source B however, it is apparent that Marius is in less of a rush. He speaks ‘calmly’ to Gertrude, calling her ‘Mademoiselle’ and letting her ‘sleep for half an hour’at the summit. The text contains a lot of specific and accurate temporal references which suggest that the journey went on for a while. Conversely, the temporal references in Source A suggest a more hurried approach, such as ‘at this rate, we should be down by nine o’ clock’. Therefore, it can be seen from both texts that Simon and Marius differ in their priorities in regards to time. Examiner report: ● This answer assesses both parts of AO1-identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas , and select and synthesise evidence from different texts. ● The answer illustrates a detailed interpretation of both texts, and makes inferences about the two characters from the texts. This is signposted to the examiner with phrases such as ‘this suggests that…’. ● The answer uses textual detail from both sources, in the form of quotes, which provide evidence for their point. ● Perceptive differences about Simon and Marius are identified and explained fully. ● The student has signposted to the examiner by using phrases such as ‘conversely’and ‘difference’ in order to link back to the question. Q3 . In Source A, the writer uses a range of language techniques to describe how he feels. The metaphor ‘a wave of nausea and pain swept over me’ is

FAQs

What does the Q1 model answer require students to do?

It selects the correct statements from the specified lines and assesses identification and interpretation of explicit and implicit information and ideas.

How are Source A and Source B compared in Q2?

The response contrasts the characters’ roles and priorities, using details about tone, comfort, pacing, and time references to infer how Simon and Marius differ.

Which language techniques are discussed in the Q3 model answer and what is their effect?

It discusses metaphor for all-encompassing pain, alliteration to increase pace and tension, and personification to make the cold feel vivid while highlighting contrast with burning pain.

Sep 5, 2026

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