May 2026 Paper 2: Sample Response 3 (Q1)
This is the 3rd Paper 2 exemplar we are publishing from the May 2026 exams. It is also an excellent comparative essay.
What’s best about this model example is that it doesn’t feel unattainable. There are writers out there who express themselves with such precision that students sometimes feel it is impossible to do what they have done. This is not that type of essay.
Instead, it is clear the student knows the expectations of the assessment. Answer the question. Provide specific and detailed evidence that relates to that answer. Unpack that evidence, and in doing so, discuss the writer’s choices and effect. Provide a whole lot of analysis. Compare and/or contrast often. Make sure your argument is structured and organized, focused and coherent.
Think about how you can use this model example in your classroom. Do you want students to highlight or underline when the writer compares and/or contrasts? Do you want students to highlight or underline when the student analyzes the writer’s choices and the effect? Do you want to focus on transitions between paragraphs, answering the question, evidence, or something else?
This is a great model example to use for so many different reasons. Pick a focus or two and hammer the idea home using the exemplar to reinforce your message that day in class.
Best,
Tim and David