Embedded Files
English Language
Tuesday 21st October
Tuesday 21st October
English Language Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
What's assessed
Section A: Reading 40 marks Students are presented with two texts that they will not have seen before: one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction. The questions assess students’ comprehension of the texts and their understanding of how they have been deliberately crafted for effect.
Section B: Writing; descriptive or narrative writing 40 marks Students are asked to produce a piece of writing expressing their viewpoint on a given topic. The question assesses students’ discursive writing skills as well as their technical control of writing.
How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks
50% of GCSE
Questions
Q1: Comprehension 4 marks
Q2: Inference (comparing two texts) 8 marks
Q3: Language analysis 12 marks
Q4: Comparing the writers’ viewpoints and perspectives in the two texts. 16 marks
Q5: Discursive writing (article, speech, essay, letter or leaflet). 20 marks
Revision Materials
Revision Materials
Please note that the format of the exam paper has changed slightly for this year group (for first examination in summer 2026). Care should be taken if using printed or online revision tools as most will be in the old format.
Reading
Reading
The comprehension of non-fiction is a fundamental part of this exam. Students who regularly read (and read non-fiction in particular) will therefore find the exam considerably easier. Establishing regular reading between now and exams in Y11 can have very significant impact.
Mr Bruff is a well-known English teacher and online content creator who’s built a massive following for his English GCSE revision resources. He became popular through his YouTube channel, where he breaks down key English Literature and Language topics in an engaging, easy-to-understand way. Click on the buttons below to be taken to the videos to support revision for the 5 questions.
Page updated
Report abuse