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AQA GCSE English Language revision notes

Concise notes per spec point, written in plain English with worked examples. AI-generated, admin-verified.

  1. P1Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
  2. P1.ASection A – Reading: prose fiction extract (40 marks)
  3. P1.A.AO1AO1 — Identify explicit and implicit information; select and synthesise relevant evidence (~5%)
  4. P1.A.AO2AO2 — Analyse how the writer uses language and structure for effect, with accurate subject terminology (~20%)
  5. P1.A.AO4AO4 — Evaluate a fiction extract critically, supporting judgements with textual references (~25%)
  6. P1.BSection B – Writing: descriptive or narrative task (40 marks)
  7. P1.B.AO5AO5 — Communicate clearly, imaginatively and effectively, adapting tone, style and register (~30%)
  8. P1.B.AO6AO6 — Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures with accurate spelling and punctuation (~20%)
  9. P2Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
  10. P2.ASection A – Reading: two linked non-fiction sources, one 19th century (40 marks)
  11. P2.A.AO1AO1 — Identify explicit/implicit information across both sources and synthesise evidence between them (~15%)
  12. P2.A.AO2AO2 — Explain and analyse how each writer uses language and structure to convey their viewpoint (~7.5%)
  13. P2.A.AO3AO3 — Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives and how these are conveyed across the two texts (~20%)
  14. P2.BSection B – Writing: transactional / persuasive task to a stated audience, purpose and form (40 marks)
  15. P2.B.AO5AO5 — Communicate a viewpoint clearly and effectively, organising ideas with structural and grammatical features (~30%)
  16. P2.B.AO6AO6 — Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures with accurate spelling and punctuation (~20%)
  17. SCScope of study
  18. SC1Critical reading and comprehension
  19. SC1.1Identify and interpret themes, ideas and information in literature and high-quality non-fiction
  20. SC1.2Read for different purposes, drawing inferences and supporting them with textual evidence
  21. SC1.3Distinguish supported claims from unsupported, and identify bias or misuse of evidence
  22. SC1.4Reflect critically on a text drawing on context and wider reading
  23. SC1.5Summarise the main ideas of a single text and synthesise across two or more texts
  24. SC1.6Evaluate a writer’s choices of vocabulary, form, grammar and structure using accurate terminology
  25. SC1.7Compare two or more texts critically with respect to ideas, perspectives and methods
  26. SC2Writing
  27. SC2.1Produce clear, coherent text matched to purpose and audience (describe, narrate, explain, instruct, inform, argue)
  28. SC2.2Choose vocabulary, grammar, form and structural features judiciously for purpose, audience and context
  29. SC2.3Use language imaginatively and creatively; sustain a consistent voice or point of view
  30. SC2.4Write for impact: select, organise and emphasise facts and ideas; cite supporting evidence effectively
  31. SC2.5Use rhetorical devices (rhetorical question, antithesis, parenthesis) for emotional and persuasive effect
  32. SC2.6Apply accurate spelling, punctuation and a wide vocabulary with varied sentence structures (the SPaG component, ~20% of marks)
  33. SC3Spoken language
  34. SC3.1Plan and deliver a prepared spoken presentation, selecting and organising ideas persuasively
  35. SC3.2Listen and respond appropriately to questions and feedback after presenting
  36. SC3.3Use spoken Standard English appropriately in formal contexts
  37. SLSpoken Language endorsement (Non-Exam Assessment)
  38. SL.AO7AO7 — Demonstrate presentation skills in a formal setting (prepared talk on a chosen topic)
  39. SL.AO8AO8 — Listen and respond appropriately to questions and feedback on the presentation
  40. SL.AO9AO9 — Use spoken Standard English effectively in speeches and presentations