Language Paper 2

About Language Paper 2


English Language Paper 2 is a 1 hour 45 minute exam paper.

Within this, you will be given 15 minutes of reading time.


This exam paper tests your understanding of non-fiction texts and how attitudes are presented through language in different non-fiction texts.

You will be given two sources to read. The texts that you will be given will be taken from different historical time-periods between19th - 21st century.


  • Source A will be a modern text.

  • Source B will be an older, 19th Century text.

  • They will be linked by a similar theme / topic.


The types of texts you will be given could include:

  • high quality journalism

  • articles

  • reports

  • essays

  • travel writing

  • accounts

  • sketches

  • letters

  • diaries

  • autobiography and biographical passages

  • other appropriate non-fiction and literary non-fiction forms.


Paper layout and timings as follows:

In the exam, spend 15 minutes reading both sources. If you are entitled to a reading pen, it is very important that you practice using it ahead of the exam.

paper 2