GCSE English Success

AQA GCSE English Language

Flashcards
Read me first!

STEP ONE: Print, fold and go!

Print pages 2-11 - make sure to select the 'fit' option
so nothing's cut off.
Fold in half to create double-sided flashcards, or cut
in half for individual flashcards.
Highlight and underline key info as you read them.

STEP TWO: Watch the free YouTube tutorials

These flashcards are just notes - it's essential to get
the full explanation of what I've written and why.
Watch the tutorials here to advance your
understanding (don't forget to subscribe!)

STEP THREE: Join me inside our Facebook group

Access tons more free resources and advice.
Join the community now

www.GCSEEnglishSuccess.com
 Language Paper 1 - Overview
1 hour 45 mins - 1 extract - Fiction
Q1 - 4 marks - 4 mins
1. Read questions AO1 - List four things

SECTION A
2. Underline focus areas in Q2 - 8 marks - 10-12 mins

1 hour
the extract (for each AO2 - Language analysis
question)
Q3 - 8 marks - 10-12 mins
3. Read the insert up to
AO2 - Structure analysis
Q2 line focus
4. Answer Q1 and Q2
Q4 - 20 marks - 20-25 mins
AO4 - Agree + evaluate (language + structure)
5. Read whole insert
SECTION B

6. Answer Q4 Q5 - 40 marks* - 5 min plan + 40 min write

45 mins

7. Answer Q3 Description or story

8. Answer Q5 *16 marks = technical accuracy
Alternatively, answer 24 marks = content + organisation
Q5 first GCSE English Success

GCSE English Success

This shows Be quick but accurate 5.
This suggests Don't need full sentences 4.
Focus on the question 3.
Explicit meaning only Quote or re-phrase 2.
Don't infer meaning 1-4)
Tips correct line focus (e.g. lines
1. Draw a box around the

She likes... point

The car is... 1 mark for each correct
Mr Fisher is... Four true statements
E.g. AO1

4 marks - 4 mins - 4 bullet points (list 4 things)

Language Paper 1 - Question 1
 Language Paper 1 - Overview
1 hour 45 mins - 1 extract - Fiction
Q1 - 4 marks - 4 mins
1. Read questions AO1 - List four things

SECTION A
2. Underline focus areas in Q2 - 8 marks - 10-12 mins

1 hour
the extract (for each AO2 - Language analysis
question)
Q3 - 8 marks - 10-12 mins
3. Read the insert up to
AO2 - Structure analysis
Q2 line focus
4. Answer Q1 and Q2
Q4 - 20 marks - 20-25 mins
AO4 - Agree + evaluate (language + structure)
5. Read whole insert
SECTION B

6. Answer Q4 Q5 - 40 marks* - 5 min plan + 40 min write

45 mins

7. Answer Q3 Description or story

8. Answer Q5 *16 marks = technical accuracy
Alternatively, answer 24 marks = content + organisation
Q5 first GCSE English Success

GCSE English Success

This shows Be quick but accurate 5.
This suggests Don't need full sentences 4.
Focus on the question 3.
Explicit meaning only Quote or re-phrase 2.
Don't infer meaning 1-4)
Tips correct line focus (e.g. lines
1. Draw a box around the

She likes... point

The car is... 1 mark for each correct
Mr Fisher is... Four true statements
E.g. AO1

4 marks - 4 mins - 4 bullet points (list 4 things)

Language Paper 1 - Question 1
 Language Paper 1 - Question 2
EXAMPLE: How does the writer use language to describe the Hartop family?
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
Highlight all the relevant quotes Choose and number your favourite Write 3 short paragraphs
(with language techniques) 3 quotes (including grouped quotes)
irstly, the writer uses the semantic field of
overty in the metaphor "starved faced" and the
djective "thin" to describe Mr Hartop. This Subject terminology
mplies that he is perhaps longing for a better life, Well-chosen quotes
nd has been "starved" of emotions and happiness, Words for 'shows'
ot just food. The adjective "thin" is repeated Analysis of effects
hroughout the extract to describe his family, but
uxtaposes the idea of him occupying "almost all
he seat", which suggests he is dominant and shows
ittle care to his family.
GCSE English Success
GCSE English Success establishes connotes
(juxtaposition) onomatopoeia elucidates ratifies
emotive language sibilance
adverbs imagery alliteration infers establishes
adjectives semantic field personification illustrates implies
verbs oxymoron metaphor demonstrates suggests
nouns pathetic fallacy simile
Words for 'shows'
Subject terminology (language techniques)
believe ______________________________.
Focus on the question
_______________. The reader may think / feel /
Subject terminology
In particular, the ________ "______" suggests
quotes (start, middle, end)
This suggests ___________________________.
Range of well-chosen
seem ________ in the phrase "_____________".
The writer uses __________ to make the ______ Analyse effects
3 paragraphs AO2
8 marks - 10-12 minutes - language analysis
Language Paper 1 - Question 2
 Language Paper 1 - Question 3
QUESTION: How has the writer structured the text to interest you as a reader?
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
Check if extract is from the Divide into 3 sections (start/middle/end) Write 3 short paragraphs
start/middle/end of a text and annotate structural features (start/middle/end)
(Paragraph 2 example)
In the middle of the extract, we reach the climax
where Alice successfully retrieves the flowers.
However, the reader soon realises that this is in fact Examples from the
an anti-climax for both Alice and the reader, as she is start/middle/end
sent away again to attempt to sell them. At this point, Subject terminology
the narrative focus moves beyond the room to "the Analysis of
lights of houses, little squares of yellow". This shift in
effects/effect on the
mood implies there will be hope for Alice,
reader
foreshadowing better things to come. However, by the
end of the extract, the readers' hopes are dashed
once again with Hartop's harsh dialogue.
GCSE English Success
sequence of events
dialogue GCSE English Success order of events?
pace control the speed and
juxtaposition withholding information
in media res How and why does the writer
repetition narrative perspective
volta
anti-climax foreshadowing zooming in/out this point?
climax asyndetic list focus shifts How does the reader feel at
cliffhanger polysyndetic list paragraphs
atmosphere change?
sentence lengths flash forward cyclical structure
punctuation flashback beginnings/endings How does the focus / mood /
Subject terminology (structural features) Things to consider
Focus on the question
However, later on in the extract, ____________.
believe _______________________________. Subject terminology
reader]. This makes the reader think / feel / middle, end)
structural features and how they affect the story / Range of examples (start,
At the start / middle / end of the extract, [explain Analyse effects
3 paragraphs AO2
8 marks - 10-12 minutes - structure analysis
Language Paper 1 - Question 3
 EXAMPLE Q4: A student said: "This part of the story, where Alice is sent
back along the road to find what has fallen from the rood and returns
with the chrysanthemums, shows how hard and cruel Hartop is, so that
all of our sympathy is with Alice." To what extent do you agree?
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
dentify 2 parts to the statement Find language + structure techniques Write 4 paragraphs using those
bold and italics in the example) from the S/M/E, linked to part 1 or part 2. examples
irstly, I agree that Alice's father demonstrates cruelty
hen he sends her away into the "rain and the Focused response to
arkness" to find the flowers. The writer uses statement
athetic fallacy, with the rain reflecting the tragedy Analyse techniques
f the situation - it's almost as if nature is crying for used to create effects
lice, which compels the reader to sympathise. Evaluate effects on
urthermore, the fact that "all she could see was the the reader
ail-light, smoothly receding" highlights the neglect Language/structure
rom her father, with the adverb "smoothly" implying examples from the
e has absolutely no regrets or hesitation about start/middle/end of
bandoning her. Therefore, I agree that his treatment this section
f her is harsh and cruel.
GCSE English Success
GCSE English Success
agree
used language + structure to make you agree
Use subject terminology to evaluate how the write / entirely / wholeheartedly
2 of the statement mostly / fully / completely
Start every paragraph agreeing with part 1 or par
separate things to agree with I partly / somewhat /
The statement in the question normally has 2 Always agree
Tips
I agree that ____________________________. statement
/ believe that ___________________. Therefore, Focused response to
a second quote]. This makes the reader think / feel Analyse techniques used
[Add more in-depth analysis of first quote or add
Evaluate effects on reader
The use of ______ suggests ________________.
examples from S/M/E
the writer uses the _______ "______________".
I _______ agree that [refer to statement] when Language and/or structure
4 paragraphs AO4
20 marks - 20-25 mins - agree + evaluate (language and/or structure)
Language Paper 1 - Question 4
 EXAMPLE Q5: Either: Write a description suggested by the image.
Or: Write a story with the title ________ / that begins _______.
Note: You may not have a choice between description OR story. Both
questions could be the same (e.g. 2 x description questions)
Story Description
SET - begin zoomed out. The sky + weather SET - [as for story]. Establish a mood with the
above a place (e.g. a city). Very descriptive - set setting + foreshadow.
the mood + foreshadow.
MAN - introduce a character, doing something, MAN - introduce a character or object inside the
inside the setting. Zoom in + describe them in setting. Zoom in + describe them in detail.
detail. Emotion. Emotion.
FLASH - character notices something - triggers a FLASH - go back in time to when this character
flashback. Short memory that contrasts the object / setting was different. Contrast the
present emotion / mood. present emotion / mood.
BACK - return to the present. Character feels BACK - return to the present. Zoom in on a
different and takes some sort of action as a different character or object that now appears
result of the flashback. different or doesn't belong after the flashback.
OUT- zoom out to the weather again. Is it OUT- [as for story] clear shift in mood - OR -
different? Has the mood changed? keep the mood the same for a cyclical structure.
GCSE English Success
GCSE English Success
-E d -ing -ly sentence starters
Standard English and correct grammar C ontrast (atmosphere, mood etc.)
Varied sentence lengths and structures for effect R epetition
Spelling advanced vocab correctly O ne word sentence
. , ? ! : ; - ( ) ... " " used for effect F oreshadowing
Correct punctuation throughout OUT
16 marks = technical accuracy BACK S enses
P ersonification
FLASH
Well-organised paragraphs A dverbs + adjectives
Language techniques for effect (SAMOSAPS) MAN S imile
with structural features (FORCES) SET O nomatopoeia
Clear structure (SET, MAN, FLASH, BACK, OUT) M etaphors
Engaging plot/ideas A lliteration
Vocab - descriptive adjectives, adverbs etc. S emantic field
24 marks = content and organisation Remember these
40 marks - 5 mins planning + 40 mins writing - description or story
Language Paper 1 - Question 5
 Language Paper 2 - Overview
1 hour 45 mins - 2 extracts - Non-fiction
Q1 - 4 marks - 4 mins
1. Read questions AO1 - Select 4 true statements

SECTION A
2. Underline focus areas Q2 - 8 marks - 10-12 mins

1 hour
in the extracts for Q1, AO1 - Summarise similarities OR differences
Q3 + Q4 (if needed)
Q3 - 12 marks - 12-15 mins
3. If Q1 + Q3 are both on
AO2 - Language analysis
Source A, read Source
A and answer Q1 + Q3
Q4 - 16 marks - 16-20 mins
AO3 - Compare writers' viewpoints
4. Read Source B
SECTION B

5. Answer Q2 + Q4 Q5 - 40 marks* - 5 min plan + 40 min write

45 mins

6. Answer Q5 Viewpoint writing - speech / article / letter

*16 marks = technical accuracy
Alternatively, answer 24 marks = content + organisation
Q5 first
GCSE English Success

GCSE English Success

true statements
2. Shade the boxes next to the
guess and move on.
correct line focus (e.g. lines 1-4)
ones you're sure about, then
1. Draw a box around the
Don't waste time - select the
circle around the box.
final one will be ignored
after crossing out, draw a
If more than 5 selected, the
If you change your mind selected statement
out the whole box. 1 mark for each correctly
If you make an error, cross false statements
Tips Four true statements, four
AO1

4 marks - 4 mins - Select 4 true statements

Language Paper 2 - Question 1
 Language Paper 2 - Question 2
EXAMPLE: Both Sources give details about the places where the events occur.
Use details from both Sources to write a summary of the differences between Aberfan and London.
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
Check if the question asks for Highlight quotes in both sources relevant Write 3 short paragraphs, each wit
similarities or differences to the question + match pairs together a clear comparison + inference
In Source A, the writer describes a “disused
canal” in Aberfan. This suggests the waterway Well-chosen quotes
is undervalued and pointless for the community, Well-chosen, thoughtful
which must be a lifeless place. However, in comparisons
Source B, London has a “great river”, which High quality inferences
suggests it’s well-respected and treasured by
the people of London. Therefore, whilst both
cities have waterways, only London's is
admired and appreciated by its residents.
GCSE English Success
paragraph
GCSE English Success A pair of quotes per
Each quote needs a clear inference
Equally Although
techniques (language or structure)
In a similar manner Contrastingly
You don't need to analyse
Likewise On the other hand
show a clear similarity/difference
Similarly However
Source A, one from Source B) that
Similarities Differences
Match pairs of quotes (one from
Comparative conjunctions Tips
Source A ___________. in Source B _________.
_______ _____________. . Therefore, whilst in Clear, high-quality inferences
the_____ is "_______________".. This suggests comparison
_____________. However/Similarly, in Source B, Relevant, thoughtful
"_______________". This suggests _______ from Source A and B
Well-chosen pairs of quotes
In Source A, the _____ is described as
3 paragraphs AO2
8 marks - 10-12 minutes - summarise similarities or differences
Language Paper 2 - Question 2
 Language Paper 2 - Question 3
EXAMPLE: How does the writer use language to describe the coal tips?
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
Highlight all the relevant quotes Choose and number your favourite Write 3 detailed paragraphs
(with language techniques) 3 quotes (including grouped quotes)
The writer uses a simile to make the coal tips seem
like a divine punishment when the writer describes
them “as though dumped by the hand of God”. This Subject terminology
suggests that the tips are so vast, they could only be Well-chosen quotes
handled by a powerful heavenly being. Moreover, the Words for 'shows'
"hand of God" could convey that the tips were Detailed analysis of
deliberately sent to punish the people of Aberfan, as
effects
though they are cursed. The verb "dumped" further
confirms how God has carelessly cast his rubbish onto
the town, making the reader sympathise for its
inhabitants.
GCSE English Success
GCSE English Success Use other words for 'shows'
techniques
E xaggeration / E motive Language techniques in P1Q2
language
additional R hetorical question / R epetition (DAFOREST) alongside the
See P1Q2 for O pinion language techniques
F act Look out for persuasive
T riplet A lliteration / A necdote worth more marks
S tatistics D irect address P2Q3 is very similar to P1Q2 but
Subject terminology (DAFOREST) Tips
believe ______________________________.
Focus on the question
_______________. The reader may think / feel /
Subject terminology
the ________ "______" suggests
quotes (start, middle, end)
___________________________. In particular,
Range of well-chosen
in the phrase "_____________". This suggests
The writer uses __________ to _____________ Detailed analysis of effects
3 detailed paragraphs AO2
12 marks - 12-15 minutes - language analysis
Language Paper 2 - Question 3
 Language Paper 2 - Question 4
EXAMPLE: Refer to the whole of Source A, together with the whole of Source B.
Compare how the writers convey their different ideas and perspectives of the events
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
ighlight quotes in both sources that Match pairs of quotes that show a Write 3 paragraphs comparing
demonstrate a writer’s viewpoint clear similarity or difference quotes + writers’ viewpoints
Both writers use language to convey contrasting viewpoints. In Source
A, the writer seems to be distressed and significantly affected by the Compare writers'
tragic events, using hyperbole and emotive language to describe an
“event of such wanton and indifferent cruelty... shame both man and
viewpoints
God”. The writer uses his religious reference to "God" to convey his Subject terminology
feelings of disbelief, as though he can't comprehend how a higher Well-chosen quotes
power could allow this to happen. However, the writer of Source B uses
exaggeration, in keeping with the provocative style of a newspaper
Explore viewpoints in
article. They use rhetorical questions such as "who knows how deep or detail
how wide?" to make the reader feel panicked, which would likely make
their story sell. Therefore, while the writer of Source A feels genuine
horror, the writer of Source B attempts to inflate the seriousness of
the events.
GCSE English Success
both texts?
GCSE English Success the start/middle/end of
F orm – Letter? Speech? Article?
of similar/different quotes from
members?
Can you match and analyse pairs
A udience – Who are the intended readers / audience
express their feelings?
aiming to achieve?
P urpose – Why was the text written? What is the writer Do they use similar techniques to
as well as looking at PAF: viewpoints, similar or different?
Choose quotes with language and/or structure techniques, How are the two writers’ feelings /
Subject terminology (PAF) Things to consider
Source B __________________.
Therefore, the writer of Source A _____, but the writer of similar/different
_________, conveying their feelings of ___________. Explain how those attitudes are
uses ______ in the phrase “___________”. This implies attitude
_________. Similarly / In contrast, in Source B, the writer each source reveal the writer’s
This implies _________, revealing their feelings of Analyse how the quotes from
A, the writer uses ______ in the phrase “___________”. subject terminology)
attitudes/feelings/viewpoints about ________. In Source in quotes from both texts (with
Both writers use ______ to present their similar/different Compare the techniques used
3 comparative paragraphs (similarities or differences) AO3
16 marks - 16-20 minutes - compare writers' viewpoints
Language Paper 2 - Question 4
 EXAMPLE: ‘It is the people who have extraordinary skill, courage and
determination who deserve to be famous, not those who have good looks or
lots of money or behave badly.’ Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in
which you argue your point of view in response to this statement.
Letter Speech Article
Layout Layout Layout
Two addresses (sender top No title or Headline
right, recipient top left) subheadings etc., By-line / strapline
Date on the right just paragraphs Subheadings (optional)
'Dear Sir/Madam' - don't Make it clear in No columns or pictures
know their name paragraph 1 that
'Yours faithfully' - don't you're talking to an Make sure you...
know their name audience Check which type of article
'Yours sincerely' - know their you’re writing, as it will
name Make sure you... affect the audience and
Always use first tone:
Make sure you... person (I, me) Magazine or blog (more
Explain why you're writing Connect with your chatty and informal)
Check if it's formal audience, especially News website (wider
(someone you don’t know) if you know them audience, must be
or informal (to a friend or Use direct address engaging)
family member)? School newspaper
(designed for students)
Broadsheet newspaper
GCSE English Success (more formal)
GCSE English Success
as well as this
Standard English and correct grammar e.g. In addition, moreover, besides
Varied sentence lengths and structures for effect Use conjunctions to link your arguments:
Spelling advanced vocab correctly topic sentence (line of argument)
. , ? ! : ; - ( ) ... " " used for effect Begin each paragraph with a clear
Correct punctuation throughout (explain why it's wrong)
Add a counterargument then kill it
16 marks = technical accuracy
argument per paragraph
Plan 4-5 topic paragraphs, one
/ letter(
give you ideas
Style + tone matched to text type (speech / article Use the statement in the question to
Persuasive techniques for effect (DAFOREST) against the statement consistently
arguments + counterargument (kill it) Don't be balanced - argue for or
Fluent structure (topic paragraphs) with linked form) in the question
Considered, well-argued viewpoint Check the PAF (purpose, audience,
24 marks = content and organisation Things to consider
40 marks - 5 mins planning + 40 mins writing - speech, article or letter
Language Paper 2 - Question 5