GCSE English Language: AQA Paper 2
These exam practice resources will help to develop students' confidence and exam skills in preparation for their AQA Paper 2 GCSE English Language exam, Writers' viewpoints and perspectives.
What's included in our resources
You'll find practice exam papers, including a range of non-fiction and 19th-century text extracts, alongside mark schemes and model answers to help students understand how to gain maximum marks in the exam.
Developing key skills for Paper 2
With these specimen materials and exam-style question papers, you can help students to:
- Understand how writers use language differently
- Create summaries of the differences in writers' choice of language
- Explore the effects of language techniques and sentence structures
You'll also find revision tips and ideas to improve technical accuracy and help with understanding different points of view.
Additional support materials
If you are looking for more practice paper resources and targeted support with exam skills for AQA GCSE English Language, try our AQA English Language Paper 2 exam skills pack. This pack includes a range of non-fiction source A and source B texts for comparison, along with detailed mark schemes and guidance on different assessment objectives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is in AQA Paper 2?
Paper 2 focuses on Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives. It includes: • Two linked non-fiction texts (one from the 19th century) • Questions testing reading comprehension and analysis • A writing task requiring students to present a viewpoint • Total marks: 80 • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
What are the assessment objectives for AQA Paper 2?
The key assessment objectives are:
- AO1: Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information
- AO2: Analyse language and structure
- AO3: Compare writers' ideas and perspectives
- AO4: Evaluate texts critically
- AO5/AO6: Communicate effectively and accurately in writing
What is the difference between AQA Paper 1 and Paper 2
The key differences are:
- Paper 2 examines non-fiction texts, while Paper 1 examines fiction
- Paper 2 explores writers' viewpoints and perspectives, whilst Paper 1 focuses on creative reading and writing
- Paper 2 requires writing to present a viewpoint, whereas Paper 1's task is descriptive/narrative
- Paper 2 includes a challenging 19th-century text with historical language
How can students get a 9 in GCSE English Language Paper 2?
To achieve the highest grades, students need to be able to:
- Master comparative analysis between texts
- Develop sophisticated evaluation of writers' methods
- Use precise subject terminology accurately
- Structure responses clearly with developed arguments
- Maintain technical accuracy in writing tasks
- Practice timing to ensure complete responses
- Read widely, especially non-fiction and 19th-century texts
How can teachers best prepare students for Paper 2?
Help students to feel fully prepared and confident for AQA English Language Paper 2 with these practical strategies:
- Set regular practice sessions with past papers and specimen materials, both in lessons and for homework
- Break down comparison techniques step-by-step to build students' understanding
- Help students master the language of analysis through targeted vocabulary work
- Guide pupils in crafting clear, effective summaries
- Offer detailed, constructive feedback on practice answers
- Build a carefully curated collection of engaging non-fiction texts
- Share proven time management techniques and provide plenty of opportunities to practise them
