GCSE English Language Exam Book

Overview: GCSE English Language Exam Structure

The GCSE English Language exam structure is designed to assess a range of reading and writing skills. Here’s an elaborative breakdown of the exam components:

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Weight: 50% of GCSE
• Content:
  • Section A: Reading
    • One literature fiction text
    • Questions include:
      • 1 short form question (4 marks)
      • 2 longer form questions (2 × 8 marks)
      • 1 extended question (20 marks)
  • Section B: Writing
    • Descriptive or narrative writing
    • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Weight: 50% of GCSE
• Content:
  • Section A: Reading
    • One non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
    • Questions include:
      • 1 short form question (4 marks)
      • 2 longer form questions (1 × 8, 1 × 12 marks)
      • 1 extended question (16 marks)
  • Section B: Writing
    • Writing to present a viewpoint
    • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language

• Assessment Objectives (AO7–AO9):
  • Presenting
  • Responding to questions and feedback
  • Use of Standard English
• Assessment: Teacher set throughout the course, marked by the teacher
• Note: This component has a separate endorsement and does not contribute to the overall GCSE weighting