specification overview
Oxford AQA International GCSE English Language (9270) is a single-tier linear qualification with two 2h written papers, plus an optional Speaking and Listening endorsement. Paper 1 (Literary non-fiction and composition) is 80 raw marks (60% after scaling); Paper 2 (Source-based reading and directed writing) is 80 raw marks (40% after scaling). Schools can substitute a non-exam assessment project for Paper 2. First teaching September 2016; first exams May/June 2018.
subject content
1. Literary non-fiction and composition
Paper 1- Section A: Reading a single literary non-fiction text (autobiography, biography, letters, memoir, travel/adventure writing) with a stepped question sequence including at least one whole-text question (40 marks)
- Section B: Composition, choose one of three tasks (descriptive, imaginative, argumentative or discursive) (40 marks)
2. Source-based reading and directed writing
Paper 2- Section A: Reading 5-6 modern-world texts (fiction, non-fiction, some brief or visual), with questions on individual texts and at least one requiring comparison of two texts (40 marks)
- Section B: Directed writing linked to the sources, focused on writing for audience and purpose; choice of two tasks (40 marks)
3. Non-exam assessment project (alternative to Paper 2)
NEA- Independent research using at least five sources
- Written task with specified purpose and audience, plus a commentary
- Assessed for both reading (30 marks) and writing (30 marks), 60 marks total
4. Speaking and listening (optional endorsement)
Endorsement- Prepared spoken presentation up to 10 minutes (talk, debate, speech or dialogue)
- Listen and respond to questions afterwards
- Reported separately on the certificate; does not affect the 9-1 grade
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Literary non-fiction and composition) | Literary non-fiction reading (Section A) + composition (Section B: descriptive/imaginative/argumentative/discursive) | 2h | 80 | 60% | Section A: stepped questions on a single literary non-fiction text, including at least one whole-text question (40 marks). Section B: one composition from a choice of three (40 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Source-based reading and directed writing) | Reading 5-6 modern-world texts (Section A) + directed writing linked to the sources (Section B) | 2h | 80 | 40% | Section A: questions on individual texts and pairs of texts, with at least one comparison question (40 marks). Section B: choice of two writing tasks linked to the source material (40 marks) |
| Non-exam assessment project (alternative to Paper 2) | Independent research on a chosen topic, culminating in a written task with specified purpose and audience, plus a commentary and record of sources | Coursework | 60 | 40% | Teacher-assessed and Oxford AQA moderated. Assessed for both reading and writing |
| Speaking and listening (optional endorsement) | Prepared presentation up to 10 minutes plus response to questions | Up to 10 minutes | 0 | 0% (separately endorsed) | Teacher-assessed and Oxford AQA moderated; reported separately on the certificate |
Oxford AQA International GCSE English Language 9270 is the international variant of AQA's UK GCSE English Language (8700). Component weightings after scaling are Paper 1 = 60% and Paper 2 (or NEA project) = 40%. Speaking and listening is an optional endorsement reported separately on the certificate.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Reading: read and understand texts; collate and synthesise from one or more sources; develop and sustain interpretations of writers' ideas and perspectives; explain and evaluate how writers use linguistic, grammatical, structural and presentational features to achieve effects. | 50% |
| AO2 | Writing: communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively; use a range of sentence structures for clarity and effect; organise ideas coherently; demonstrate technical accuracy in grammar, punctuation and spelling. | 50% |
| AO3 | Speaking and listening (optional endorsement): communicate clearly and purposefully; prepare and develop ideas; interact with others through comments and responses to questions. | 0% (endorsement only) |
key tips for success
Read literary non-fiction widely
Paper 1 Section A uses a single literary non-fiction text (autobiography, biography, letters, memoir, travel/adventure writing). Build familiarity by reading across these genres, the stepped question sequence rewards close reading.
Practise the whole-text question
Paper 1 Section A includes at least one whole-text question. Learn to move beyond a single extract, tracing ideas or perspectives across the full source.
Master comparison across multiple texts
Paper 2 Section A gives you 5-6 texts. At least one question asks you to compare two of them, practise identifying links (theme, purpose, tone, methods) quickly.
Learn writing forms for Section B
Paper 2 Section B is directed writing with a specified audience and purpose. Learn conventions for letters, articles, speeches and essays so you can pick the right register fast.
Choose composition type strategically
Paper 1 Section B offers three tasks (descriptive, imaginative, argumentative or discursive). Practise all four styles and go into the exam knowing your strongest, don't decide on the day.
Keep technical accuracy sharp
AO2 rewards accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling across both writing sections. Drill common misspellings, apostrophes and varied sentence starters, errors chip away at marks quickly.
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