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AQASpec P2Foundation & Higher~25 min

Reading Non-Fiction - Comprehension (Q1-2)

English Language · Topic revision workspace

Topic progress0%

Read the notes, score 80% and know 75% of the cards.

Topic overview

What you need to know

Paper 2 begins with non-fiction retrieval and summary. Identify the exact focus, select differences or similarities from both sources and infer what the details reveal.

Exam tip

For summary, pair a point from Source A with a related point from Source B and add an inference; do not analyse language unless asked.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • True statement: A claim fully supported by the specified part of the source.
  • Summary: A concise account of the most relevant similarities or differences between sources.
  • Cross-reference: Linking a relevant detail from one source with a related detail from the other.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Difference: A clear contrast in experience, attitude, setting or idea between the sources.
  • Similarity: A meaningful shared feature supported by evidence from both sources.
  • Inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence rather than directly stated.

Core knowledge

Key facts for Reading Non-Fiction - Comprehension (Q1-2)

1

True statement

A claim fully supported by the specified part of the source.

2

Summary

A concise account of the most relevant similarities or differences between sources.

3

Cross-reference

Linking a relevant detail from one source with a related detail from the other.

4

Difference

A clear contrast in experience, attitude, setting or idea between the sources.

5

Similarity

A meaningful shared feature supported by evidence from both sources.

6

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence rather than directly stated.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain true statement and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain summary and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain cross-reference and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain difference and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

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Official AQA specification
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