Paper 2 Section B: Viewpoint Writing
Paper 2 Section B: Viewpoint Writing
AQA Paper 2 Section B asks you to write a piece expressing a viewpoint. This could be a letter, article, speech, or essay. It is worth 40 marks (24 for content/organisation + 16 for technical accuracy). You have roughly 45 minutes.
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The Task
The task gives you a statement on a topic and asks you to write expressing your point of view. The format will be specified — for example:
- "Write an article for a broadsheet newspaper arguing that..."
- "Write a letter to your headteacher persuading them to..."
- "Write a speech to deliver to your year group about..."
- "Write an essay giving your views on..."
You must follow the specified format. A speech written as a letter will lose marks.
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Planning (5 Minutes)
Structure Your Argument
Plan 5–6 paragraphs:
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Hook the reader, state your position clearly |
| 2. Point 1 | Your strongest argument with evidence/example |
| 3. Point 2 | Second argument with evidence/example |
| 4. Counter-argument | Acknowledge the opposing view, then rebut it |
| 5. Point 3 | Another argument or emotional appeal |
| 6. Conclusion | Summarise your position, call to action |
Choose Your Arguments
- Think of 3 strong reasons supporting your viewpoint
- Think of 1 counter-argument and how to dismiss it
- Consider a real-world example or anecdote for each point
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Format Conventions
Article
- Headline — short, attention-grabbing (can use wordplay or alliteration)
- Subheading (optional) — expands on the headline
- Opening paragraph — hook the reader with a bold statement, question, or anecdote
- Written in paragraphs, not bullet points
- Can use subheadings to organise sections
- Formal or semi-formal register
Letter
- Your address (top right) — just your town, no need for full address in exam
- Date
- Recipient's name and title ("Dear Mrs Thompson")
- Opening paragraph — state why you are writing
- Body paragraphs with your arguments
- Closing paragraph — reiterate your request or position
- "Yours sincerely" (if you know their name) or "Yours faithfully" (if you don't)
Speech
- Address the audience: "Ladies and gentlemen", "Fellow students"
- Use direct address ("you") throughout to engage listeners
- Rhetorical questions work especially well in speeches
- More informal and conversational tone than an article
- Can reference shared experiences ("We all know what it's like to...")
- End with a powerful call to action
Essay
- No special formatting — just well-structured paragraphs
- More formal register than a speech
- Can be more balanced — explore both sides before concluding
- Clear topic sentences at the start of each paragraph
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Persuasive Techniques — DAFOREST+
Use the DAFOREST+ acronym to remember key techniques:
| Letter | Technique | Example |
|---|---|---|
| D | Direct address | "You know this matters to you." |
| A | Alliteration | "Cruel, callous, catastrophic." |
| F | Facts/statistics | "73% of teenagers report increased anxiety." |
| O | Opinions (presented as fact) | "It is undeniable that..." |
| R | Rhetorical questions | "How can we stand by and do nothing?" |
| E | Emotive language | "Innocent children are suffering." |
| S | Superlatives/Hyperbole | "This is the most important issue of our generation." |
| T | Tricolon (list of three) | "We must act. We must speak. We must change." |
| + | Anecdote | "Last summer, I witnessed..." |
| + | Counter-argument | "Some may argue that..., however..." |
| + | Expert opinion | "According to leading researchers..." |
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Building a Strong Argument
Opening Hooks
| Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Bold statement | "Social media is the greatest threat to young people's mental health." |
| Rhetorical question | "When did we stop caring about the world our children will inherit?" |
| Shocking statistic | "Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans." |
| Anecdote | "I remember the exact moment I realised things had to change." |
| Provocative challenge | "If you think this doesn't affect you, think again." |
Developing Paragraphs — PEE+
- Point — state your argument clearly
- Evidence — support with facts, examples, or anecdotes
- Explanation — explain why this matters and how it supports your viewpoint
- Link — connect back to your overall argument or forward to the next point
Counter-Arguments
Including and rebutting a counter-argument shows maturity and sophistication:
- "Critics may argue that [opposing view]. However, this fails to consider [your rebuttal]..."
- "While it is true that [concession], the reality is that [your stronger point]..."
- "Some might suggest [opposition], but the evidence overwhelmingly shows..."
Powerful Conclusions
- Summarise your key arguments in one sentence
- Return to your opening hook for a circular structure
- End with a call to action: "The time to act is now."
- Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final line
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Tone and Register
| Audience | Register | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Headteacher/MP | Formal | Respectful but firm |
| Newspaper readers | Formal/semi-formal | Authoritative, persuasive |
| Peers/students | Semi-formal | Passionate, relatable |
| General public | Accessible | Engaging, clear |
Match your tone to your audience. Writing to your headteacher requires more formal language than a speech to classmates.
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Technical Accuracy (16 Marks)
The same 16 marks apply as Paper 1 Section B. Focus on:
- Varied sentence structures — simple, compound, complex, minor
- Ambitious vocabulary — choose precise, powerful words
- Correct punctuation — semicolons, colons, dashes, commas after subordinate clauses
- Accurate spelling — especially of commonly misspelled words
- Paragraphing — clear, logical, with discourse markers (Furthermore, In addition, Consequently)
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Exam Tips
- Follow the format exactly — if it says letter, write a letter with proper conventions
- Plan before you write — 5 minutes of planning saves time and improves structure
- Use a range of persuasive techniques — aim for at least 6 different DAFOREST+ techniques
- Include one counter-argument — it shows sophistication and is rewarded at the top levels
- Don't sit on the fence — take a clear position and argue it confidently
- Write 1.5 to 2.5 pages — quality matters more than length
- Proofread for 3 minutes at the end — fix punctuation errors and spelling mistakes
- You can invent statistics and expert quotes — examiners know you don't have sources in the exam