GCSE · AQA · English Language
AQA GCSE English Language (8700) revision for both papers
19 AQA papers from November 2020 to June 2025 and the 2026 sample papers, plus 40 practice papers. Answer a reading question or a writing task, get it marked against the AQA mark scheme with feedback, then rewrite it and have it marked again.
Studying Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (4EA1) instead? Go to the International GCSE course.
What you'll study
The AQA GCSE English Language papers on Markaroo
10 AQA papers (40 questions) and 20 practice papers (160 questions).
- Q1: retrieving information
- Q2: language analysis
- Q3: structure
- Q4: evaluation
- Q5: descriptive or narrative writing
9 AQA papers (45 questions) and 20 practice papers (100 questions).
- Q1: true statements
- Q2: summary
- Q3: language analysis
- Q4: comparing perspectives
- Q5: writing to present a viewpoint
AQA papers come from November 2020 to June 2025, plus AQA’s 2026 sample papers. AQA changed some questions from the June 2026 exams (Paper 1 Question 1 is now four multiple-choice items), and the sample papers show the new wording. AQA no longer publishes the 2017 to 2019 papers, and the November 2023 Paper 2 question paper is not public, so those are not included.
13 questions are held back because AQA removed the source from the public paper for copyright reasons: Paper 1 Questions 1 to 4 from June 2022, November 2022 and November 2023, and Paper 1 Question 5 from June 2023.
The 40 practice papers are written by Markaroo in the AQA format on out-of-copyright extracts, and are labelled as practice papers, not AQA papers. There are also 30 skill lessons, one set for each question type.
Assessment
How AQA GCSE English Language is examined
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing (1 hr 45 min) | Section A Reading: four questions on one fiction extract (4, 8, 8 and 20 marks). Section B Writing: one descriptive or narrative task (40 marks) | 80 · 50% |
| Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (1 hr 45 min) | Section A Reading: four questions on two non-fiction sources (4, 8, 12 and 16 marks). Section B Writing: one task presenting a viewpoint (40 marks) | 80 · 50% |
Your answers are marked against the AQA mark scheme for that question, with feedback on what would move you up a level; the writing tasks are marked on both the content (AO5) and technical accuracy (AO6) grids. The multiple-choice questions are checked against AQA’s answers. The spoken language endorsement is reported separately and is not covered.
Markaroo is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Past papers are attempted and marked inside the app, not offered as downloads.
Questions
AQA GCSE English Language on Markaroo
Which AQA GCSE English Language (8700) papers does Markaroo cover?
Both papers: Paper 1, Explorations in creative reading and writing, and Paper 2, Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives. There are 19 AQA papers from November 2020 to June 2025 plus the 2026 sample papers (85 questions), and 40 practice papers written by Markaroo (260 questions). The spoken language endorsement is not covered.
How is AQA GCSE English Language assessed?
Two exams, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 80 marks and 50% of the GCSE. Paper 1 has four reading questions on a fiction extract and one descriptive or narrative writing task. Paper 2 has four reading questions on two non-fiction sources and one writing task presenting a viewpoint. Each writing task is worth 40 marks.
Does Markaroo have the new 2026-style questions?
Yes. AQA changed some questions from the June 2026 exams; Paper 1 Question 1, for example, is now four multiple-choice items. AQA’s 2026 sample papers are included, with the new wording.
Why are some past-paper questions missing?
AQA removes some sources from its public papers for copyright reasons, and a question cannot be answered without its source. 13 questions are held back: Paper 1 Questions 1 to 4 from June 2022, November 2022 and November 2023, and Paper 1 Question 5 from June 2023. AQA no longer publishes the 2017 to 2019 papers, so those are not included.
Is there a free plan for AQA GCSE English Language on Markaroo?
Yes. The free plan gives you your coach and 2 written answers marked free, with no card required. Plus unlocks unlimited questions, AI essay marking and the rewrite loop from £6.99 a month (add more subjects for £5 each, with a 7-day free trial).