GCSE English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 Explained

June 2026

A lot of English Language marks are lost simply because students don't understand what each question is asking. Once you know the structure of both papers cold, you can walk in with a plan for every question.

Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing

Paper 1 uses a single fiction extract. The reading section moves from simple retrieval up to analysing language and structure and evaluating the writer's methods. The writing section asks for a piece of descriptive or narrative writing, often linked to an image or the extract.

Paper 2: Writers' viewpoints and perspectives

Paper 2 uses two non-fiction texts, often from different time periods. The reading section tests retrieval, summary, language analysis and a comparison of the writers' viewpoints. The writing section asks for a piece of persuasive or discursive writing on a given topic.

Where the marks are

• Reading questions ranging from short retrieval to extended analysis and evaluation
• A comparison question on Paper 2 worth a large chunk of marks
• A single high-mark writing task on each paper
• Marks for SPaG and crafted structure within the writing tasks

How to approach each paper

Spend the recommended time per question and don't over-invest in low-mark questions. Read the writing question first so your brain works on it in the background, and always leave a few minutes to proofread the writing task — that's where the easiest marks are recovered.

Practise the question types

The fastest way to improve is repetition of the exact question formats. Use past extracts, and reinforce the techniques and approaches with flashcards with spaced repetition so your method for each question type is second nature.