Spec 8700
Free AQA GCSE English Language revision: 460 exam-style questions and past papers from 2017–2025 with mark schemes.
1 Specification at a glance
1.1 Subject content and assessment overview
1.2 Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
1.3 Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
1.4 Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language
2 Subject content
2.1 Purpose of the subject content
2.2 Requirements for GCSE English Language
2.3 Requirements for texts studied
3 Scope of study
3.1 Critical reading and comprehension
3.2 Writing
3.3 Spoken language
4 Aims and learning outcomes
4.1 Overarching aims
4.2 Learning outcomes
4.3 Spoken language requirement and endorsement status
5 Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing
5.1 Aim and assessment focus
5.2 Content
6 Paper 2: Writers' viewpoints and perspectives
6.1 Aim and assessment focus
6.2 Content
7 Non-exam assessment: Spoken Language endorsement
7.1 Aim of the assessment
7.2 Content requirements
7.3 Assessment and general criteria
7.4 Pass criteria
7.5 Merit criteria
7.6 Distinction criteria
8 Assessment objectives
8.1 Reading assessment objectives
8.2 Writing assessment objectives
8.3 Spoken language assessment objectives
| Assessment | Format | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing | Written exam | 1h 45m | 80 marks | 50% |
| Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives | Written exam | 1h 45m | 80 marks | 50% |
| Spoken Language (endorsement) | Non-exam assessment | — | — | 0% (reported separately) |
AQA GCSE English Language builds the skills examiners reward. By the end of the course you should be able to:
