Grade Boundaries for AQA GCSE English Language (Explained for Students)

Here’s how to grade boundaries for AQA GCSE English Language yourself. Figuring out how to convert a mark into an actual grade can be very confusing! We’ve broken it down here for you so that it’s clearer and more manageable to see how you’re doing on practise questions and papers. Here are a few things […]

AQA Language Paper 2, Question 2 Answer + Feedback from an AQA Examiner

This page breaks down the process for answering AQA Language Paper 2 Question 2 – the language analysis question. You are advised to write PEE paragraphs for this question, if you aim for three detailed paragraphs that will be better than writing four or five smaller paragraphs. This was the student’s first time planning and […]

How to get top marks in the AQA Power and Conflict Exam Question (by an AQA Examiner)

How to get top marks in AQA Power and Conflict Essay Question

Below, you’ll find an answer on how to get top marks in the AQA Power and Conflict Exam Question. This question can be a bit tricky! The first thing to do is understand all the themes and ideas of each poem. Then, practise planning and writing until you feel like the essay’s easy to do! […]

How to Answer Language Paper 2, Question 4: Comparative Essay

How to answer English Language Paper 2 Question 4 Comparative Essay

This question is a tough one! I think it’s probably the hardest on the whole paper. It counts for 16 marks, which is 20% of your overall score for this paper. So, make sure you know how to do it! A lot of my students get a bit intimidated by the idea of having to […]

AQA Language Paper 2, Question 3: A*/L9 Full Mark Answer

Below, you’ll find a high-grade student example answer for AQA GCSE Language Paper 2: Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives, Question 3. I’ve added in the mark scheme notes to show why this would receive a high level. Thanks for reading! If you need help with this exam, you can take a look at our full course. […]

AQA Language Paper 1, Question 4 – Full Mark Answers

AQA English Language Paper 1, Question 4

I’ve been teaching the AQA Language Paper 1 ‘Rosabel’ extract a lot recently, and I find that students generally enjoy it the most out of all of the different sample papers that are available. But, there’s always a huge debate when we get to Question 4: Is Rosabel right to be annoyed by the rich […]

AQA Language Paper 1, Question 2: Example Answer

Below, you’ll find an example answer written by a student in time conditions to an AQA Language Paper 1 Past Paper Question 2 (‘Rosabel extract’ – 2017 exam).

Narrative Writing: Student Example “On The Run”

This example narrative essay was written by one of my 15-year-old students, with my detailed notes on feedback and marking. This was one of her first attempts at writing (her exam board is AQA GCSE English Language, but most English exams have similar questions and mark schemes to this one ) and I think she […]

Ozymandias by Shelley – Poem and Analysis

Below, you’ll find poem and analysis of “Ozymandias” – one of my all-time favourite poems. I remember being completely taken aback the first time I read it. The way in which power fades over time, and humans and their efforts crumble back into sand and dust is a sentiment that always keeps us humble and […]

Checking Out Me History: Summary and Analysis

‘Checking Out Me History’ is an incredible poem. While I was writing it, it led me to think about my own personal history and cultural influences, and I encourage you to do the same! It’s like going down a historical rabbit hole, as you learn more about the history of your ancestors you also discover […]