GCSE English Language

READING (50% of total grade)

This skill is broken down further into:

• Critical reading and comprehension;

• Summary and synthesis;

• Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features;

• Comparing texts. 

WRITING (50% of total grade)

This skill is broken down further into: 

• Producing clear and coherent text;

• Writing for impact.  

PAPER 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50% of total grade)

Section A: Reading - one fiction text (40 marks, 50% of paper)

• 1 short form question retrieving key information (1 x 4 marks)

• 2 longer form questions analysing structure and language (2 x 8 marks)

• 1 extended question agreeing or disagreeing with a statement (1 x 20 marks)

Section B: Writing - descriptive or narrative writing (40 marks, 50% of paper)

• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy).   

PAPER 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives (50% of total grade)

Section A: Reading - one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction text linked by theme (40 marks, 50% of paper)

• 1 short form question retrieving key information (1 x 4 marks)

• 2 longer form questions comparing the texts and analysing language (1 x 8) (1 x 12 marks)

• 1 extended question analysing perspective (1 x 16 marks).   

Section B: Writing - presenting a viewpoint (40 marks, 50% of paper)

• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy).  

SPOKEN LANGUAGE

This skill is broken down further into:

• Presenting;

• Responding to questions and feedback;

• Use of Standard English.

Please note: this does not contribute to the overall GCSE English Language grade but is awarded as a separate endorsement. 

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zr9d7ty

www.youtube.com/channel/UCM2vdqz-7e4HAuzhpFuRY8w

www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/gcse/english