Eduqas GCSE English Language Revision Guide

Hey there, future GCSE superstar! 🌟 If you’re taking Eduqas English Language, this guide will help you feel confident and ready to smash your exams. Let’s break down what to expect, how to prepare and some top tips to make your revision count 💪.

• ⏰Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

• 🏆Marks: 80 marks (40% of the overall grade)

• 📌Content:

Section A - Reading (40 marks) - You’ll read an extract from a 20th-century literary text (like a novel or short story). The questions will test your ability to analyse language, structure and effects, as well as understanding the writer’s ideas and viewpoints.

Section B – Prose Writing (40 marks) - This section will test your creative prose writing. You’ll be given a choice of four imaginative writing tasks (like describing or narrating). You’re marked on content, organisation, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.

🧠 Top Tip: Practise describing a setting or moment in detail - use the five senses and try to show emotion through your writing!

• ❓Question Types: 

Section A - Critical Reading and Comprehension - 5 Questions - each question focuses on specific lines from the text (in chronological order) and the final question asks you to consider the text as a whole.

1. List 5 things you learn about something from these lines. (5 marks)

2. What impressions does the writer create in these lines about something? Refer to the language used and use subject terminology. (5 marks)

3. How does the writer create tension and drama? / How does the writer create certain impressions? How does the writer show changes? Refer to language and use relevant subject terminology. (10 marks)

4. How does the writer create or show something in these certain lines? Refer to language and use relevant subject terminology. (10 marks)

5. Consider the text as a whole. You will be given a statement. To what extent do you agree with this statement? (10 marks)

Section B - You will be given a choice of four tasks to assess your creative prose writing skills. (40 marks) 24 marks are awarded for communication and organisation and 16 marks are awarded for vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation. Aim to write about 450–600 words.

Choose one of the four choices given. Some choices are titles, some are story endings and starters, and some ask you to write about a time when something happened to you. You will have space to plan your answer.

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours

• 🏆Marks: 80 marks (60% of overall grade)

• 📌Content: 

Section A - Reading (40 marks) - You’ll read two non-fiction texts: one from the 19th century and one modern (21st century). You’ll compare how writers present ideas, opinions and perspectives.

Section B - Writing (40 marks) - You’ll complete two transactional / persuasive writing tasks - e.g. write a letter, article or speech. Focus on persuasive techniques, tone and audience awareness.

🧠 Top Tip: Learn some persuasive devices (like rhetorical questions, repetition, emotive language) and practise using them in context.

• ❓Question Types: 

Section A -  Comparing two texts. The first two questions are from the extract in the resource booklet, the next two questions are about the extract on the opposite page, and the final two questions is comparing the two texts.

1. 3 separate comprehension questions about the text. (3 marks)

2. How does the writer try to show something? Refer to the text and use subject terminology. (10 marks)

3. 3 separate comprehension questions about the second text. (3 marks)

4. A statement is given. To what extent do you agree with this view? (10 marks)

5. Using information from both texts, explain briefly a theme that links with both texts. (4 marks)

6. Both texts are about a shared theme. Compare them and how the writers create the impressions to the readers. (10 marks) 

Section B - There are two questions that you must answer. For each question, 12 marks are awarded for communication and organisation and 8 marks are awarded for vocabulary, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. Think about the purpose and audience for your writing. Aim to write about 300–400 words for each task.

Your task could be a newspaper article, a speech, a letter, reviews etc. You will have space to plan your answer. 

⏰ Here’s how to make your revision time count:

1. Read Widely 📚

Get used to different writing styles. Try short stories, opinion articles and speeches - this helps you recognise techniques and tones quickly.

2. Practise Past Papers 🧾

Eduqas provides sample papers - use them! Time yourself and check your answers against the mark scheme. (We've got you covered with the links on this page!)

3. Learn Key Terminology 🧠

Know your language features (simile, metaphor, juxtaposition) and structural techniques (contrast, repetition, cyclical structure). These are gold in analysis questions.

4. Plan Before You Write 🗂️

Whether it’s creative or transactional writing, spend a few minutes planning. This keeps your ideas organised and helps you write with purpose.

5. Check Your Work ✅

Always leave a few minutes at the end to proofread for spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes. Small fixes can make a big difference!

🌟 Final Words

English Language might seem tricky, but it’s all about understanding how writers create meaning - and showing you can do the same. With a bit of practice, planning and creativity, you’ll ace it! 🎉

Good luck - you’ve got this! 💪