English Language
GCSE Assessment Information
Students study AQA GCSE English Language, which is assessed through two examination papers, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes and worth 50% of the final grade.
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
This paper focusses on unseen fiction texts. Students will read and analyse a fiction extract, demonstrating their ability to retrieve information, analyse language and structure, and evaluate interpretations. They will also complete a creative writing task, using imaginative techniques to engage the reader.
Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
This paper focusses on unseen non-fiction texts from different time periods. Students will need to summarise and infer information, compare viewpoints, and analyse how writers use language to express opinions. The writing section requires students to produce a persuasive or discursive piece, presenting a clear and convincing argument.
Throughout the course, students are expected to:
•Read and understand a range of unseen fiction and non-fiction texts
•Retrieve, summarise, and infer information
•Analyse language and structure for effect
•Evaluate and compare interpretations
•Write creatively and persuasively, adapting tone and style for purpose and audience
Your Course
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
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Year 10 |
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
Spoken Language |
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Year 11 |
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
Exams |
Revision
Revising for English Language is all about building skills, not memorising content. You can’t “learn” the exam texts in advance, but you can prepare by practising key techniques and becoming confident with the exam format.
1. Know the Exam Inside Out
There are two papers, both 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 50% each. Paper 1 tests reading fiction and creative writing and Paper 2 tests reading non-fiction and persuasive/discursive writing. Familiarise yourself with the question types and timings for each section so you can manage your time effectively.
2. Practise Reading Skills
Read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction (e.g. newspaper articles, speeches, short stories, travel writing). Practise retrieving key information and summarising main ideas. Highlight and annotate texts for language and structural techniques. Write analytical paragraphs explaining the effect of specific words or phrases. Compare writers’ viewpoints and how they are expressed.
3. Develop Your Writing Skills
For creative writing, practise describing settings, characters, and emotions using a range of techniques (show, don’t tell). For persuasive/discursive writing, practise structuring arguments clearly — use rhetorical questions, emotive language, and varied sentence structures. Plan before you write and leave time to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
4. Review Feedback
Go over a teacher's comments on past work — note which skills you need to improve. Redraft or rewrite practice questions using feedback to guide you.
5. Build Exam Confidence
Use past papers or sample questions to practise under timed conditions. Learn to identify what each question is asking (e.g. “analyse language,” “evaluate,” “compare”). Check your answers against mark schemes or exemplar responses to see how to improve.
Link to a more detailed course overview: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-8700/specification?f.Resource%20type%7C6=Question%20pape
Link to Past Papers: https://mmerevise.co.uk/gcse-english-language-revision/gcse-english-language-past-papers/aqa-gcse-english-language-past-papers/
Links to Booklets/ Revision Guides: GCSE English Books | CGP Books
Links to websites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqGFsWf-P-cAlttmXkEvJXCxqT-ZzFqAN