Specification at a glance

Subject content

For the award of the GCSE in English Language students must offer all three assessments.

Assessments

All texts in the examination will be unseen.

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

What's assessed

Section A: Reading

  • one literature fiction text

Section B: Writing

  • descriptive or narrative writing

Assessed

  • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

Reading (40 marks) (25%)– one single text

  • 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

  • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives

What's assessed

Section A: Reading

  • one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Section B: Writing

  • writing to present a viewpoint

Assessed

  • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

Reading (40 marks) (25%) – two linked texts

  • 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

  • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language

What's assessed

(AO7–AO9)

  • presenting
  • responding to questions and feedback
  • use of Standard English

Assessed

  • teacher set throughout course
  • marked by teacher
  • separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)