Question 2: Summary and Synthesis

Question 2 is worth 8 marks and tests your ability to summarise and synthesise information from both texts. This is assessed under AO1 and requires you to identify similarities and/or differences between the two sources on a specific topic.

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What the Question Looks Like

A typical Q2 might read:

You need to refer to Source A and Source B for this question. Use details from both sources. Write a summary of the differences between [topic in Source A] and [topic in Source B].

The question will always direct you to both sources and specify a focus (e.g. the writers' experiences of travel, their descriptions of childhood, their attitudes to education).

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What the Examiner Wants

Requirement	Explanation
Refer to BOTH sources	You must write about Source A AND Source B — do not focus on only one
Synthesise, don't just list	Make connections between the texts — compare or contrast the information
Use textual references	Support your points with short quotations or paraphrased evidence from both texts
Focus on the specified topic	Only write about what the question asks — stay on topic
Identify differences/similarities	The question usually asks for differences, but be prepared for similarities or both

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What Is Synthesis?

Synthesis means combining information from two texts to form a new understanding. It is more than just describing what each text says — it involves connecting and comparing the information.

Not Synthesis (Description)	Synthesis (Comparison)
"In Source A, the writer describes the city as exciting."	"While the writer in Source A describes the city as exciting, the writer in Source B presents it as overwhelming and hostile."
"Source B says the journey was difficult."	"Both writers experience hardship, but whereas Source A's writer finds it invigorating, Source B's writer finds it demoralising."

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How to Structure Your Answer

Write 2–3 developed paragraphs, each making a clear comparison between the two sources.

Paragraph Structure

1. Identify a point of comparison — What is similar or different about the two texts on this topic?
2. Evidence from Source A — A short quotation or paraphrased reference.
3. Evidence from Source B — A short quotation or paraphrased reference.
4. Brief comment — How are the two perspectives different or similar?

Useful Comparison Connectives

Showing Differences	Showing Similarities
However, in contrast, whereas, on the other hand	Similarly, likewise, both writers, in the same way
Unlike Source A, Source B...	Source A and Source B both...
While Source A suggests..., Source B implies...	Like Source A, Source B also...

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Model Answer

Question: Write a summary of the differences between the writers' experiences of school.

Sources:

• Source A (21st century): A journalist describes a modern school with interactive technology and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Source B (19th century): A Victorian memoir describes strict discipline, rote learning, and physical punishment.

Answer:

The writers present starkly different experiences of school. In Source A, the school is described as "buzzing with energy," with students using tablets and working in groups, suggesting a collaborative and stimulating environment. In contrast, Source B describes a classroom where children sat "in silence, row upon row," and learning consisted of "repeating dates and facts until they were branded into memory." This implies a rigid, joyless approach to education where individuality was suppressed.

The writers also differ in their portrayal of the relationship between teachers and students. Source A presents teachers who "moved between groups, encouraging and questioning," suggesting an equal, supportive dynamic. Source B, however, describes a teacher who "stood at the front with a cane across the desk," and children who "dared not speak unless spoken to." The language of fear in Source B — "dared not" — contrasts sharply with the encouraging language of Source A, highlighting how dramatically the educational experience has changed over time.

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How synthesis flows in Q2

flowchart LR
    A["Detail from<br/>Source A"]
    B["Detail from<br/>Source B"]
    A --> Combine["Combine in one sentence<br/>using a comparative<br/>connective"]
    B --> Combine
    Combine --> Inference["Inferred difference<br/>or similarity<br/>about content"]
    Inference --> Mark["Q2 synthesis paragraph<br/>8 marks · AO1"]

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Important: Q2 Is NOT a Language Analysis Question

Q2 does not require you to analyse language techniques in detail. Unlike Q3, you do not need to write PEE paragraphs or discuss the effect of metaphors and similes. The focus is on what the texts say (content and information), not how they say it (language and technique).

However, you can use short quotations to support your comparisons — just don't turn your answer into a language analysis essay.

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Common Mistakes

Mistake	Why It Costs Marks
Only writing about one source	You must refer to both sources — writing about one earns very few marks
Writing separate paragraphs for each source	Synthesise — compare within the same paragraph, not in isolation
Turning it into a language analysis	Q2 is about content and summary, not technique analysis
Not using quotations	Textual references are needed to support your points
Going off topic	Only write about what the question specifies

Exam Tip: Think of Q2 as a "compare the content" question. What do the texts say? How are their accounts similar or different? Use comparison connectives to show you are synthesising.

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Timing

Spend approximately 10 minutes on Q2. Write 2–3 clear paragraphs with references to both texts. Then move on to Q3, where the marks are higher.

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Summary

Question 2 tests your ability to summarise and synthesise information from both sources. The key skill is comparison — connecting information from Source A and Source B to identify similarities and differences. Use comparison connectives, refer to both texts in every paragraph, and focus on content rather than language analysis. Aim for 2–3 well-structured paragraphs in about 10 minutes.

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Worked example: a model Q2 summary paragraph