specification overview
AQA GCSE English Language (8700) is a single-tier linear qualification with two 1h 45m written papers plus a separately-endorsed Spoken Language endorsement. Paper 1 (Explorations in creative reading and writing) uses 20th/21st century fiction; Paper 2 (Writers' viewpoints and perspectives) uses 19th century plus 20th/21st century non-fiction. Each paper is 80 marks, worth 50%.
subject content
1. Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Paper 1- Section A: Reading 20th/21st century fiction extract (40 marks)
- Section B: Descriptive or narrative creative writing (40 marks)
2. Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
Paper 2- Section A: Reading 19th century plus 20th/21st century non-fiction (40 marks)
- Section B: Non-fiction writing to present a viewpoint (40 marks)
3. Spoken Language (endorsement)
NEA- Presentation on a topic of the student's choice
- Respond to questions and feedback
- Use standard English (assessed for Pass/Merit/Distinction)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing) | 20th/21st century fiction extract (reading) + descriptive/narrative writing | 1h 45m | 80 | 50% | Section A: 4 reading questions (4, 8, 8, 20 marks). Section B: one creative writing task (24 content + 16 SPaG = 40 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives) | 19th plus 20th/21st century non-fiction (reading) + transactional writing to present viewpoint | 1h 45m | 80 | 50% | Section A: 4 reading questions (4, 8, 12, 16 marks). Section B: one transactional writing task (24 content + 16 SPaG = 40 marks) |
| Spoken Language (endorsement) | One presentation, response to questions and use of standard English | One presentation (typically 5-10 mins) | 0 | 0% (separately endorsed) | Presentation to a live audience, assessed by teacher for Pass/Merit/Distinction. Recorded and moderated by AQA |
Spoken Language is separately endorsed on the certificate (Pass/Merit/Distinction) but does not affect the 9-1 grade. Both written papers include SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) marks in Section B (16 marks per paper).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts. | 10% |
| AO2 | Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology. | 17.5% |
| AO3 | Compare writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts. | 10% |
| AO4 | Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references. | 12.5% |
| AO5 | Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. | 30% |
| AO6 | Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. | 20% |
key tips for success
Master the Paper 1 Q3 structure question
Paper 1 Question 3 (8 marks) asks about structure. Learn to identify openings, focus shifts, endings and dramatic devices with clear terminology.
Practise timed creative writing
Paper 1 Section B is 24 content + 16 SPaG marks in 45 minutes. Practise planning fast (5 mins), writing 400-500 words, checking SPaG (5 mins).
Practise the Paper 2 comparison question
Paper 2 Q4 (16 marks) compares writers' viewpoints across two texts. Learn a structure (point, evidence from text A, evidence from text B, comparison of methods, effect on reader).
Learn 19th century vocabulary
Paper 2 Section A uses 19th century non-fiction. Read Dickens, Bronte-era news articles, letters to build vocabulary and sentence recognition.
Nail Section B transactional writing formats
Paper 2 Section B: letters, articles, speeches, essays. Learn conventions for each: greeting, headline, opening address, structured argument.
Watch SPaG marks in Section B
16 marks per paper come from SPaG. Simple: correct spellings of common words, varied sentence starters, appropriate punctuation. Losing SPaG easily drops a grade.
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