Welcome to your ultimate guide for tackling the AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from exam format and timing to top tips and common pitfalls — to help you feel confident and prepared. 🙌
Paper Title: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Marks: 80
Weighting: 50% of your GCSE English Language grade
Section A – Reading (40 marks)
Section B – Writing (40 marks)
✅ Understand the structure of the paper
✅ Be familiar with the type of fiction extract provided
✅ Know how many questions to answer
✅ Understand what the examiner is looking for
✅ Have a clear time management and planning strategy
You’ll be given a fiction extract from the 20th century or later. You must answer four questions, totalling 40 marks. Aim to spend 45 minutes on this section.
Number the paragraphs in the extract.
Skim the questions, paying extra attention to Question 4.
Read slowly, not skimming, and if possible, read twice.
Summarise each paragraph in one word — this will help with Question 3.
Jot down your initial thoughts about Question 4 as you read.
This question asks you to list four things from a specific part of the extract. Tests AO1.
Top Tips:
Stick to the exact lines specified.
Use explicit information only.
From 2026 these will be multiple-choice questions.
Analyse how the writer uses language for effect in a given part of the extract. Tests AO2.
Top Tips:
Choose two "diveable" quotes you can analyse deeply.
Use subject terminology: simile, imagery, lexical choice, etc.
Zoom in on individual word choices.
Build your analysis — show development in your ideas.
Focuses on how the writer structures the text to engage the reader. Also AO2.
Top Tips:
Ignore language — only structure matters here.
Comment on:
Changes in focus
Pace
Flashbacks/foreshadowing
How the text ends
Use direct quotes.
Aim for three main points.
You’ll evaluate a student’s statement about the extract. Tests AO4.
Start with an overall opinion.
Address both parts of the statement.
Use quotes and analysis to support your view.
Explore how language and structure create effects.
Track how and why your opinion might change.
👏 Well done — you’ve finished Section A!
Choose one of two tasks — either a descriptive piece based on an image, or a narrative based on a prompt.
AO5 (24 marks): Content, structure, language use
AO6 (16 marks): Spelling, punctuation, grammar (SPaG)
Planning (10 mins):
Use bullet points to plan each paragraph.
Note any interesting language or techniques to include.
A good plan = a focused, engaging piece.
Writing (30 mins):
Use ambitious vocabulary and vary sentence structures.
Keep your tone and content appropriate to the task.
Use your own experiences to add realism and depth.
Editing (5 mins):
Proofread for SPaG — those marks are valuable!
Check for repetition and level-up vocabulary.
Keep Revising Descriptive Writing ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
Keep Revising Narrative Writing ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
Focus: Writers' viewpoints and perspectives
Texts: Two non-fiction texts – one from the 19th century and one from the 21st century
Genres: Autobiographies, blogs, articles, journals, etc.
Themes: Linked by topic (e.g. travel, education)
✅ Start reading more non-fiction texts to prepare! Think newspapers, online articles, letters, blogs, etc.
🕒 Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Section A – Reading (4 questions – 40 marks)
Section B – Writing (1 question – 40 marks)
⚖️ Worth 50% of your GCSE
Reading texts for 15 minutes Keep revising ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
Section A Q1–Q4 45 minutes
Section B Q5 45 minutes
Focus: Source A (short section)
Task: Choose 4 true statements from 8
Time: 5 minutes
Top Tips:
💡 Read the right lines!
❌ Don’t guess – find evidence
✅ Dot the boxes before shading them in
Focus: Both sources
Task: Find 2–3 differences or similarities based on a theme (e.g. school uniforms)
Time: 10 minutes
Top Tips:
🔍 Use inference (read between the lines)
💬 Quote and explain
🚫 Don’t analyse language – summarise only!
Focus: One source (specific lines)
Task: Explain how the writer uses language to describe something
Time: 12 minutes
Top Tips:
✂️ Pick 3 juicy quotes
🧠 Explore metaphors, emotive language, and persuasive techniques
📌 Stick to the right lines and source!
Focus: Both texts
Task: Compare how writers convey viewpoints/attitudes
Time: 18 minutes
Top Tips:
🔁 Compare tone, language, and structure
🗣️ Use quotes from both texts
📊 Consider whether they’re persuasive, informative, etc.
Time: 45 minutes
Formats: Letter, article, speech, essay, or guide
Focus: Argue, persuade, explain a viewpoint
Marks Breakdown:
✍️ AO5 (24 marks): content, structure, purpose, tone
📝 AO6 (16 marks): spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary
Keep revising ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
Top Tips:
🧠 Spend 10 minutes planning!
📢 Be consistent with your argument
🗣️ Tailor tone to the audience (formal/informal)
💥 Use rhetorical devices, but avoid shoehorning them in
🔄 Include counter-arguments
👀 Leave 5 minutes at the end to proofread
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