English Language

What are the two exam papers for AQA GCSE English Language?

• Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (Fiction / Stories) — 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives (Non-fiction / Articles / Letters) — 1 hour 45 minutes.

What are 3 basic language techniques you can spot in a text?

1. Simile: Comparing two things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He was as fast as a cheetah").

2. Metaphor: Saying one thing is another thing (e.g., "The classroom was a zoo").

3. Adjectives / Descriptive words: Words that describe a noun to build a picture (e.g., "dark", "cold", "terrifying").

What is Alliteration?

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words (e.g., "She sells seashells").

How do you make your writing better in Section B (Creative/Non-fiction writing)?

• Use short sentences for impact (e.g., "Stop." or "It was over.").

• Use capital letters and full stops correctly every single time (this gives you marks for technical accuracy).

• Use simple punctuation like commas, question marks, and exclamation marks

• When the exam asks "How does the writer use language to...", what should you do?

1. Find a short quote from the text (3 to 5 words max).

2. Name a technique (e.g., simile, strong verb, adjective).

3. Write what it makes the reader feel or imagine (e.g., "This makes the reader feel scared because...").

What does "summarise" mean in Paper 2?

• Pick out the main points or differences between Source A and Source B.

• Write it in your own words in a few short sentences. Do not copy whole chunks from the text.

What are the top things to include if you have to write a letter in the exam?

• Your address (top right) or just dive straight into: "Dear [Name],"

• Clear paragraphs (one main idea per paragraph).

• A polite or firm sign-off: "Yours sincerely," (if you know the name) or "Yours faithfully," (if you don’t).