Master the AQA English Language GCSE with Expert Guidance
Preparing for the AQA English language GCSE exam requires more than just reading and writing practice, it involves understanding exam expectations, mastering analytical techniques, and becoming familiar with past paper formats. At English Made Simple, we support students in navigating GCSE AQA past papers English through structured guidance and expert-led instruction. Our approach helps learners identify recurring question patterns, apply effective strategies, and build confidence in tackling both reading and writing sections. By working through past papers with intention and feedback, students can improve their skills, manage exam timing, and strengthen their overall performance.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction to AQA GCSE English
AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) is the most widely used exam board in the UK, recognised for its clear subject specifications, rigorous assessment methods, and extensive bank of support materials. For English Language (8700) and English Literature (8702), AQA provides a highly structured GCSE framework that evaluates a student’s analytical, critical, and communicative abilities.
At English Made Simple, we specialise in helping students succeed in AQA assessments by demystifying exam formats, clarifying marking criteria, and offering practical learning strategies. We use real English GCSE AQA past papers to ensure learners build familiarity and confidence with actual exam formats. Our tailored approach also includes access to our custom AQA English language GCSE revision guide, developed to support both classroom learners and independent candidates.
2.0 AQA GCSE English Language (8700) Breakdown
The English Language GCSE focuses on developing key skills in reading, comprehension, analysis, and writing. It is divided into two written papers, and one separately assessed spoken component.
2.1 At a Glance
Paper | Title | Duration | Weighting |
1 | Explorations in Creative Reading & Writing | 1 hour 45 mins | 50% |
2 | Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives | 1 hour 45 mins | 50% |
Each paper tests different sets of reading and writing skills and is designed to reflect real-world communication tasks.
2.2 Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Paper 2 focuses on non-fiction texts and persuasive writing.
Section A:
Reading – Involves a series of four questions based on an unseen prose extract. Students analyse language, structure, and form, and evaluate authorial choices.
Section B:
Writing – Students write their own descriptive or narrative piece based on a visual or written prompt.
At English Made Simple, we guide students in how to approach this paper analytically and imaginatively. Using a blend of English GCSE AQA past papers and mock tasks, we help learners develop vocabulary, build paragraph control, and refine narrative voice.
2.3 Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
Paper 2 focuses on non-fiction texts and persuasive writing.
Section A:
Reading – Students read two linked non-fiction texts (from different periods or perspectives) and answer comparison and analysis questions.
Section B:
Writing – A transactional writing task (e.g. a letter, article, or speech) where students must present a viewpoint on a topical issue.
This paper tests real-world literacy skills and critical thinking. We reinforce these through scaffolded practice exercises and structured response planning; all aligned to the AQA English language GCSE revision guide.
2.4 Spoken Language Endorsement
Though it doesn’t contribute to the final GCSE grade, the Spoken Language Endorsement is an essential part of the English Language course.
Students are required to plan and deliver a formal presentation on a chosen topic.
They are assessed on clarity, structure, audience engagement, and response to questions.
We provide speech-building exercises, script development support, and peer/practice sessions to help students develop their verbal communication skills with confidence.
3.0 AQA GCSE English Literature (8702) Breakdown
The English Literature GCSE focuses on students’ ability to analyse set texts, develop coherent arguments, and engage with historical and literary contexts. It’s assessed through two written exams, each focused on a different range of texts.
3.1 At a Glance
Paper | Title | Duration | Weighting |
1 | Shakespeare & 19th-Century Novel | 1 hour 45 mins | 40% |
2 | Modern Texts & Poetry | 2 hours 15 mins | 60% |
3.2 Set Texts Covered
Students must study the following:
One Shakespeare text
(e.g. Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice)
One 19th-century novel
(e.g. A Christmas Carol, Jekyll and Hyde, Pride and Prejudice)
One modern prose or drama text
(e.g. An Inspector Calls, Lord of the Flies)
Poetry from an AQA anthology:
Power and Conflict
Love and Relationships
Plus, two unseen poems for analysis and comparison
English Made Simple provides guided text readings, thematic analysis, and model essay plans to help students navigate complex literary material with ease.
3.3 Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-Century Novel
This paper includes two extended questions based on:
A passage from the Shakespeare play, followed by an analytical essay.
A similar extract-based question from the 19th-century novel.
We focus on characterisation, themes, context, and dramatic techniques. Our method involves detailed textual exploration followed by practice with English GCSE AQA past papers to reinforce key skills.
3.4 Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry
This paper tests a student’s ability to construct comparative and thematic arguments.
Section A:
Essay question on a modern text.
Section B:
Comparison of two poems from the chosen poetry cluster.
Section C:
Analysis and comparison of two unseen poems.
We provide structured comparison templates, key quotation lists, and targeted practice tasks based on previous AQA materials, helping students gain precision in literary argument and evaluation.
4.0 Revision and Resources for AQA
4.1 Official AQA Resources
To prepare students thoroughly, we integrate the following into our lessons:
GCSE AQA past papers English (Language & Literature)
Examiner mark schemes and model answers
AQA assessment grids and objectives
AQA’s Data Insights Tool for trend analysis
Our students gain experience through repetition and reflection using real exam content.
4.2 Our AQA Revision Approach
At English Made Simple, our revision programme blends exam technique with conceptual understanding. Our bespoke AQA English language GCSE revision guide supports learners by breaking down:
Key question types and answer structures
Time management strategies for each paper
Vocabulary enrichment and sentence structure drills
Self-assessment tools and mock exam checklists
We believe students achieve best when they understand not just what to write, but why it matters. That’s why we combine analytical depth with practical exam skills across every lesson.