Edexcel GCSE English Language Revision Guide

🌟 Hey there, English stars! 🌟

If you’re gearing up for your Edexcel GCSE English Language exams, this post is here to make revision so much easier. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, what each paper includes and how to prep like a pro 💪. 

• ⏰Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

• 🏆Marks: 64 marks (40% of the overall grade)

• 📌Content:

Paper 1 focuses on fictional texts - think novels, short stories and extracts that pull you into another world 🌍. You’ll need to analyse how writers use language, structure and techniques to engage readers.

Then, in Section B, it’s your turn to get creative! You’ll be asked to write your own imaginative piece  - usually a short story or narrative opening ✨

Section A: Reading - 24 marks - Questions on a 19th-century fiction extract.

Section B: Writing - 40 marks - In this section, there is a choice of two writing tasks. The tasks are linked to a theme in Section A. (Includes SPaG)

❓Question Types: 

Q1 - 4: Reading comprehension and analysis

Q5: Creative writing task

Section A:

1. Read certain line and identify a word or phrase that shows something. (1 mark)

2. Read the extract and give two things / ways etc that show certain things. (2 marks)

3. Read the extract. How does the writer use language and structure to show something. (6 marks)

4. In this extract, there is an attempt to create something. Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. (15 marks)

Section B: 

In section B, there is a choice of writing task. Both tasks ask you two write about something that has happened in your life that can be real or imagined. E.g. Write about a time in your life when something unexpected happened. In one of the choice of tasks, there are pictures to use as a prompting aid. (40 marks)

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes

• 🏆Marks: 96 marks (60% of the overall grade)

• 📌Content: 

Paper 2 is all about real-world writing - letters, speeches, articles and more! You’ll compare two non-fiction texts, often from different centuries and analyse how writers get their message across.




Then, you’ll write your own piece of transactional writing - maybe a speech, letter or article where you argue, persuade or inform.

Section A: Reading - 56 marks - You will have 2 unseen non-fiction extracts that are thematically linked and answer questions.

Section B: Writing - 40 marks - In this section, you will have a choice of two writing tasks that are linked to the themes from the extracts in section A. (Includes SPaG)

❓Question Types: 

Q1 - 7: Reading and comparison of non-fiction texts

Q8: Transactional writing task

Section A: 

Q1 - Read text one. From certain lines in the extract, identify two ways / things that the writer says about something. (2 marks) 

Q2 - From the extract, give two ways the writer describes something. (2 marks)

Q3 - Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader. (15 marks)

Q4 - Read text two. From certain lines, identify one thing. (1 mark)

Q5 - From certain other lines, identify one other certain thing. (1 mark)

Q6 - In this extract, the writer attempts to create or show something. Evaluate how successfully this was achieved. (15 marks

Q7 - This question is about both of the texts. 

a) - Linking with a shared theme - What are the similarities in these extracts? (6 marks)

b) Compare how the writers of Text 1 and Text 2 present ideas and perspectives about a certain theme. (14 marks)

Section B: 

A choice of task, writing a letter, speech, newspaper article, review or another example of transactional writing based on a question or topic. (40 marks)

Here’s how to make your English Language revision actually work:

🔍 1. Practise Close Reading

Use extracts from novels, newspapers and blogs to practise spotting language techniques - similes, metaphors, emotive language and persuasive devices. Ask yourself: Why did the writer choose this word or phrase?

✍️ 2. Plan Before You Write

In the writing sections, planning is key! Spend 5 minutes outlining your structure - intro, key ideas and a strong ending. A clear plan = more confident writing ✅

⏱️ 3. Time Yourself

Do mini timed practices to get used to the pressure ⏰. For example, give yourself 45 minutes to complete a creative writing task (we've got you covered on this page with links to past papers to help you!)

🗣️ 4. Learn the Mark Schemes

Understand what examiners want:

• Reading: analysis, evidence and clarity

• Writing: organisation, vocabulary, tone and accuracy

You can find mark schemes and example answers on the Edexcel website - we've got the links on this page that will take you straight there! 

🌈 5. Mix It Up

Don’t just read notes - make flashcards for techniques, try past papers or even record yourself explaining how to answer a question. Teaching it helps you remember it! 🎧

💬 Final Thoughts

English Language isn’t about memorising - it’s about skills. The more you practise reading, analysing and writing, the more confident you’ll feel on exam day 💪