The papers at a glance (AQA 8700)
| Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing | Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour 45 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Marks and weighting | 80 marks, 50% | 80 marks, 50% |
| Reading (Section A) | One literature fiction extract, 4 questions, 40 marks | Two linked non-fiction sources (one 19th century), 4 questions, 40 marks |
| Writing (Section B) | Description or narrative, 40 marks | Writing to present a viewpoint, 40 marks |
| Spoken Language | Teacher-assessed presentation, reported separately |
What each AQA question asks
- Paper 1 Q1 (4 marks, AO1): retrieval from set lines. Multiple choice from summer 2026.
- Paper 1 Q2 (8 marks, AO2): how the writer uses language in a short section.
- Paper 1 Q3 (8 marks, AO2): how the whole extract is structured, focused from 2026 on one named effect such as suspense.
- Paper 1 Q4 (20 marks, AO4): evaluate a statement about part of the extract; you can agree and/or disagree.
- Paper 1 Q5 (40 marks, AO5 and AO6): a description or a narrative (from 2026 the narrative may be an opening).
- Paper 2 Q1 (4 marks, AO1): shade four true statements out of eight.
- Paper 2 Q2 (8 marks, AO1): summary of similarities or differences across both sources.
- Paper 2 Q3 (12 marks, AO2): language analysis of Source B.
- Paper 2 Q4 (16 marks, AO3): compare the writers' perspectives and methods.
- Paper 2 Q5 (40 marks, AO5 and AO6): an article, letter, speech or essay presenting your viewpoint.
- Practise each question type on our GCSE English Language practice page.
Edexcel and OCR
Pearson Edexcel 1EN0 has Paper 1, Fiction and Imaginative Writing (1 hour 45 minutes, 64 marks, 40%), on a 19th-century fiction extract plus imaginative writing, and Paper 2, Non-fiction and Transactional Writing (2 hours 5 minutes, 96 marks, 60%), on two 20th or 21st-century non-fiction texts plus transactional writing.
OCR J351 has two 2-hour components of 80 marks each (50% each): Communicating Information and Ideas (non-fiction reading and writing) and Exploring Effects and Impact (literary reading and creative writing). The assessment objectives are the same for every board, so the skills transfer; only the question styles and timings change.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free GCSE English Language practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Grades, boundaries and resits
GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1. Grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 a strong pass. There are no tiers in English Language, so every student can reach grade 9.
Grade boundaries are set after each series once papers are marked, so the mark needed for a 4 or a 5 changes every year. Use past boundaries only as a rough guide, and aim for about 70% in timed practice to give yourself a safety margin.
If you are 16 to 18 and do not get grade 4, you will normally continue studying English in post-16 education. English Language has a November resit series, open to students who were at least 16 on the previous 31 August, as well as the May/June series.
When are the 2027 exams?
The final timetables for summer 2027 are published. AQA English Language Paper 1 is on the morning of Monday 24 May 2027 and Paper 2 on the morning of Tuesday 8 June 2027. OCR J351 sits on the same two mornings. Wednesday 23 June 2027 is the contingency day, so keep it free in case an exam has to be moved.
Results day for GCSEs is in late August. Always confirm dates on your own board's timetable and your school's exam timetable, because centres sometimes add internal deadlines.
An 8-week revision plan
- Week 1: learn the paper structure and the AO for every question. Do one Paper 1 Q1 and Paper 2 Q1 under time.
- Week 2: language analysis. Build a bank of 20 techniques with examples and practise point, quote, zoom, effect paragraphs.
- Week 3: structure (Paper 1 Q3) and summary (Paper 2 Q2). Write one of each in 10 minutes.
- Week 4: evaluation (Paper 1 Q4) and comparison (Paper 2 Q4). Plan three answers in bullet points, write one in full.
- Week 5: descriptive and narrative writing. Write two 45-minute pieces and check them against AO5 and AO6.
- Week 6: viewpoint writing. Practise letters, articles and speeches; learn the conventions of each.
- Week 7: a full timed Paper 1 and Paper 2. Mark them with the mark scheme and list your three weakest questions.
- Week 8: targeted practice on those questions, daily spelling and punctuation drills, then rest the night before.
Frequently asked questions
How long are the GCSE English Language exams?
With AQA, two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes each. Edexcel uses 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 5 minutes; OCR uses two 2-hour papers.
Is GCSE English Language tiered?
No. All students sit the same papers and can achieve any grade from 9 to 1.
Does Spoken Language count towards my grade?
No. It is a compulsory teacher-assessed presentation reported separately as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified.
What are the grade boundaries for GCSE English Language?
They are set after every series and change each year, so there is no fixed mark for a grade 4 or 5. Check your board's published boundaries after results day.
Can I resit GCSE English Language in November?
Yes, if you were at least 16 on the previous 31 August. English Language and Maths are the only GCSEs with a November series.
What changed in AQA English Language from 2026?
The structure and marks stayed the same. Paper 1 Question 1 became multiple choice, Question 3 focuses on one named effect, Question 4 lets you agree and/or disagree, and the narrative task may ask for a story opening.
Official sources
- AQA GCSE English Language 8700 specification
- AQA: GCSE English Language changes from 2026
- AQA GCSE English Language key dates
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language (1EN0)
Practice tests for these exams
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not official exam board guidance. Specifications and dates can change; confirm the details with your school or exam board.
