For the most part, the prep for Paper 2 is similar to Paper 1 (building up your reading skill, vocabulary check etc). Still, there are certain things you have to be aware of regarding this specific paper. They will be found in this document. Save It. Here are other tips that will come in handy for this specific paper.
1) Practice Past Papers under Exam Condition
You've heard about needing to write most answers in your own word. Hearing and experiencing, actually doing the thing is entirely different. Unlike Paper 1, there is no guaranteed "Paper 2 format" that will you net you a decent grade.
Practice the questions. Write the answers in your own words unless specified. Feel used to questions. Learn how to write answers that will fit in lines while also directly answering what the questions mean within the time limit. Learn to write practical answers, not answers full of flashy words that ultimately exceed the word limit / don't amount to anything. Keep the mark scheme beside you. It is a process of trial and error.
2) Get feedback from your teacher
While it is always handy to keep a mark scheme beside you to refer to; always get feedback from your GP teacher, first and foremost. The way to excel in General Paper is to acknowledge that it is a subject based on a feedback loop. Adapting and clarifying your doubts is the way to go.
3) Try and complete your Paper 2 classwork within the class itself
Oftentimes you will get a random past paper of Paper 2 as classwork in your GP class. Don't skip out on it.
As tempting as it is to skim out on it, to just have some fun with friends (or *cough doing homework for other subjects) it will just cause trouble for you down the road. It will warp your view in such a way that instead of being an opportunity to get a good grade, you will start viewing Paper 2 as a nuisance. And this will affect you negatively when the real thing comes around. Your subconscious will pick up on this.
Do the work especially when you don't feel like it. Plus you can always ask your teacher for help if you feel blank. There's no shame in that.
Ultimately there is no short-term "ratta" or any formula to excel at English General Paper as a whole. This is especially vital for Paper 2.
You have to play the long game with it. Refer to my prior posts on the "English General Paper" section of this site if you are on PC or click on the tag / labels "
EGP" if you are on mobile devices. They will guide you in ample amounts.
