International GCSE English Language - Paper 2 - Source-based reading and directed writing - Example responses with commentary

Sep 5, 2026

Guide for teaching and assessment of International GCSE English Language (9270) Paper 2, focusing on source-based reading and directed writing. Presents selected questions from the summer 2018 exam, reproducing question parts alongside the final mark scheme. Includes student responses for each question and examiner commentary explaining what earns marks and where answers need tighter focus. Also serves as a reference for how language analysis supports effective writing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages31

Reading Time1 h 18 min

AccessFree to download

Example responses with commentary

Question 01

Question 02

Question 03

INTERNATIONAL GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (9270) Paper 2-Source-based reading and directed writing Example responses with commentary For teaching from September 2016 onwards For GCSE exams in May/June 2018 onwards This guide includes some examples of student responses to a selection of questions from the summer 2018 English Language Paper 2. The question parts are reproduced, along with the final mark scheme, student responses and a commentary from the Lead Examiner on each of the students’ answers. QUESTION 01 MARK SCHEME Copyright © 2019 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved. 4 STUDENT A The purpose of the puppets was to take the place of humans who were not allowed to dance on stage. The puppets could wear the robes of a king or a monk. The puppets could speak things that people could not. They travelled round the towns and villages with the news as there were no newspapers. EXAMINER COMMENTARY 3 marks – Collates some relevant detail and some relevant comment. The answer is not closely focused on the purpose of the puppets but a relevant point is made in the first sentence, then further on concerning speaking and a general point about news; if this was explored the mark would be higher. Some text copied directly from the extract and it is better for students to express comments in their own words. STUDENT B The function of the puppets at ancient time was not just entertainment, people give authority to the puppets to wear King’s or monk’s costumes, and to be the character of these people. Therefore, they were the representative of the kings, and also the representative of the kings’ behaviors. The opinion or attitude of the people towards kings can also be share through the puppets, as they can give speech by using these puppets moreover, people who live in village can get news or talk about political opinion through the puppets so puppets can be the transportation of views and opinions. EXAMINER COMMENTARY 5 marks – A range of relevant detail is shown with a closer focus on purpose. The answer explores what the puppets could provide for their audiences and begins to infer ‘talk about political opinion’ and the‘transportation of views and opinions’. QUESTION 02 MARK SCHEME Copyright © 2019 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved. 7 STUDENT A The author firstly use exaggerate ‘million watt illuminations’ to express that hour bright that words are. The author describe the people and the objects in the cinema by using sensory language and metaphor to shown that this cinema attract the author, it is like the author is doing something he never did before and he felt very exciting about it. By using metaphor can let the audience have a better understand about what the author saw. Then he use simile to directly that the ‘ODEON’ cinema is like a sofa, and the atmosphere here is like velvet or suede. To let the readers know how is narrator thought about his first trip been to cinema. The author describe going upstairs was like going over the top in a way to express that in the cinema it was a mass. EXAMINER COMMENTARY 4 marks – The opening sentence is a good example of a reliable approach to take: a point, an example and then a further comment. In addition, this sentence explains how language is used and for what effect. The rest of the answer, although mentioning some language terms –‘metaphor’, ‘simile’, is mainly simple identification (1-3 marks) and the purpose of it is very generalised – ‘what the narrator thought’. The final comment suggests some misunderstanding of the imagery. STUDENT B First, playing video games is able to help people enhance this phsycological healthy, in terms of reducing “depression and hostile feelings” according to an authoritized study. Secondly, paying video games provide people a good way to relax. People can use those games to relax their brain and get ride of annoying

FAQs

What exam skills does Paper 2 require?

Paper 2 focuses on source-based reading and directed writing, using the supplied material to develop responses that match the question requirements.

What does the guide include for each question?

Each question includes the question parts, the final mark scheme, student answers, and examiner commentary describing performance and improvement points.

How does examiner commentary help students understand marks?

Commentary explains which details and comments are relevant, whether answers are closely focused on the purpose or effect, and how exploring language choices more clearly can increase marks.

Sep 5, 2026

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