Assessment

In this lesson, we will explore how each paper is structured and how your answers are marked using Assessment Objectives (AOs). Understanding this will help you prepare more effectively and write stronger responses. Students who get strong marks historically have a thorough understanding of the AOs and requirements for each question off by heart, so this lesson is key.

Assessment Structure

In AQA English Language, you will sit two written papers and one speaking exam (the speaking exam will not affect your GCSE grade). These two papers make up your whole GCSE grade for English Language:

• Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
• Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

You will be assessed on your retrieval skillsThe ability to locate and extract information.; language and structure analysisExplaining how a text’s organisation creates meaning and effect. capabilities; your ability to give critical opinions and evaluate how successful a goal is achieved; your ability to compare ideas; your descriptive and persuasive writing as well as how well you can use a vast array of vocabulary and punctuation accurately and appropriately. 

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

Written Exam Paper 1
Title	Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Marks	80 Marks
Time	1 hour 45 minutes
Weighting	50% of GCSE
Content Assessed	Section A: Reading (40 marks)Question 1 (short form question, 4 marks)Question 2 (long form question, 8 marks)Question 3 (long form question, 8 marks)Question 4 (extended question, 20 marks)Section B: Writing (40 marks)Question 5 (extended descriptive-writing/creative-writing question, 24 marks for content and organisation, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

In Paper 1 Section A, you will be given one extract. With this extract you must answer four questions about that extract. You will have to retrieve answers from the extract, analyse the language and structureThe organisation and order of information in a text. of the extract and lastly evaluate an opinion about the extract. 

In Paper 1 Section B, you will answer one creative writing or descriptive writing question. This is where you must tap into your imagination. Use linguistic devices and techniques to engage the reader and enhance your writing!

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

Written Exam Paper 2
Title	Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
Marks	80 Marks
Time	1 hour 45 minutes
Weighting	50% of GCSE
Content Assessed	Section A: Reading (40 marks)Question 1 (short form question, 4 marks)Question 2 (long form question, 8 marks)Question 3 (long form question, 12 marks)Question 4 (extended question, 16 marks)Section B: Writing (40 marks)Question 5 (extended writing question, 24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

In Paper 2 Section A, you will be given two sources (via extracts). You will have to answer four questions about these extracts, retrieving answers, comparing the ideas between them and how they are presented. You do this by analysing the language and structure of the texts and comparing the fruits of the analysis: meaning. 

In Paper 2 Section B, you will answer one question. It will ask you to write a speech, letter, leaflet or newspaper article. You must use persuasive devices to convince the reader (examiner) to do whatever you are persuading them to do in your extensive writing task. It is your ability to use persuasive devices and writing techniques that is truly assessed here. So make sure to write appropriately, intelligently and most of all, persuasively!

Spoken Language

AQA Spoken Language is a separate qualification to your English Language qualification. It is known as a ‘non-exam’ assessment, meaning the assessment is usually done in your own school and assessed by your teacher through the guidance of AQA guidelines. This assessment is a time for you to speak confidently on a subjectThe person, place, thing, or idea the clause is about; performs or experiences the verb. of your own choosing for a maximum duration of ten minutes and you must present it and answer questions that may come from the teacher or classmates. However, your teacher will give you more information about what is expected of you and the specifics of this assessment as this standard will be different from school to school. 

Some advice nonetheless, is that it is important for you to be able to speak on something you are comfortable speaking about, as you have to come off confident and well-versed in your presentation. The grades available are Not Classified, Pass, Merit and Distinction. This grade will not affect your grades on the written papers. 

As with every English Paper, there are also Assessment Objectives for Spoken Language. These are:

• AO7: Presenting Information and Ideas
• AO8: Responding to Spoken Language
• AO9: Spoken Standard English

You will have to be asked questions by a teacher who will ask you about something to do with your presentation. These will be on-the-spot and not prepared beforehand, so again, be prepared for your topic and be able to think on the spot. A teacher will ask questions to hopefully allow you to elaborate more on notions you are already aware of. Try to be consistent in your fluencyThe ability to speak smoothly, clearly, and without excessive pauses or hesitation., plan and present well, and respond with confidence. This will lead you to do as best as you can. 

Assessment Objectives

Assessment Objectives (AOs) are the criteria that examiners use to mark your work. In AQA English Language, there are four AOs for Reading and two AOs for Writing. You will be marked on how well you meet these in your answers across both papers.

AO	Description	Paper(s)
AO1	Identify and interpret explicit and implicit informationIdeas implied but not directly stated. and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.	Paper 1 Q1Paper 2 Q1 & Q2
AO2	Explain, comment on, and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers.	Paper 1 Q2 & Q3Paper 2 Q3
AO3	Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how they are presented, across two texts.	Paper 2 Q4
AO4	Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.	Paper 1 Q4
AO5	Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively. Organise information and ideas. Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.	Paper 1 Q5Paper 2 Q5
AO6	Use accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG). Use a range of sentence forms and vocabulary.	Paper 1 Q5Paper 2 Q5

In simple terms:

• AO1: Showing that you understand the text.
• AO2: Showing that you can analyse texts through identifying, explaining and understanding language and structure techniques.
• AO3: Showing that you can compare how writers use techniques to have an effect.
• AO4: Showing that you can evaluate how well a text accomplishes an effect through analysing techniques and giving critical opinion.
• AO5: Showing that you can plan and structure your writing well in making sure your ideas are engaging and clear.
• AO6: Showing that you can use punctuation, vocabulary, correct spelling and fluency to enhance your writing.
• AO7: Presenting Information and Ideas (Spoken).
• AO8: Responding to Spoken Language (Spoken).
• AO9: Spoken Standard English (Spoken).