Comparing texts (Paper 2 Question 7b): complete overview - Edexcel GCSE English Language
A complete overview of the AO3 comparison on Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 Question 7b: comparing the writers' perspectives and methods across two non-fiction texts, structuring an integrated comparison, using comparative connectives, and the balance the mark scheme demands.
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Question 7b on Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 is the comparison question, worth 14 marks, and the only question in the whole qualification assessed on AO3. It asks you to compare how the two non-fiction writers present their ideas, perspectives and methods on the shared theme. This overview maps the two things to compare, the integrated structure the mark scheme rewards, the role of comparative connectives, and the balance that is essential.
What Question 7b asks
AO3 asks you to compare "writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts". So Question 7b has two halves: comparing what the writers think (their perspectives and attitudes) and how they convey it (their methods). It is worth 14 marks and follows the 6-mark synthesis in Question 7a.
The two things to compare
First pin each writer's perspective on the shared theme, then compare both the attitudes and the methods. See comparing ideas and perspectives for the perspectives, and comparing writers' methods for how each writer's language, tone and structure conveys their viewpoint.
Structuring an integrated comparison
The biggest grade lever is structure. Build each paragraph around a shared idea, with both texts inside it, rather than writing all about one text then the other. See structuring an integrated comparison. Keep the comparison live in every paragraph with comparative connectives. See using comparative connectives.
The balance rule
The mark scheme states that unbalanced answers cannot access Level 3 or above. So the evidence must be drawn from both texts roughly equally, and the comparison must genuinely compare both, not analyse one with the other as an afterthought.
How the marks work
Question 7b is 14 marks, laddered from one or two obvious comparisons with limited references (low levels) to a wide range of comparisons of perspectives and methods, with balanced references (top levels). The leap into the top bands comes from integration, balance, and comparing methods as well as ideas.
How to study Question 7b
- Pin each perspective first. State each writer's viewpoint clearly before comparing.
- Compare methods, not just opinions. Show how each writer's language and tone conveys their stance.
- Integrate around shared ideas. Plan two or three shared ideas and build one paragraph per idea, both texts inside.
- Use comparative connectives. Link the texts within every paragraph to keep the comparison live.
- Balance the evidence. Quote both texts roughly equally; unbalanced answers are capped.
For the official specification
Pearson publishes the specification (1EN0), past papers and mark schemes at qualifications.pearson.com. Always revise from the current specification and Edexcel's own past papers, because question wording and mark schemes are board-specific.