AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 Revision Checklist

Paper 2 of AQA English Language 8700 is "Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives". You compare two non-fiction sources from different time periods and then produce transactional writing. RAG-rate every skill below.

This checklist is taken straight from the official AQA English Language 8700 specification. Every spec statement is listed as an "I can…" objective so you can plan revision sessions, see what's left and walk into the exam knowing nothing has slipped through the cracks.

Specification code 8700/2 · 16 sub-topics across 3 sections.

Section A — Reading (40 marks)

Two linked non-fiction sources from different time periods (19th-century + 20th/21st-century).

5 sub-topics.

  • Q1 — True/False statements (4 marks, AO1) — Shade four boxes — read the line references carefully and don't over-think it.
  • Q2 — Summary of differences/similarities (8 marks, AO1) — Synthesise both sources and identify differences; use connectives ("whereas", "by contrast").
  • Q3 — Language analysis (12 marks, AO2) — Analyse how language is used in ONE source; use subject terminology.
  • Q4 — Comparison of viewpoints (16 marks, AO3) — Compare writers' attitudes/methods across BOTH sources; cite evidence from each.
  • Q4 — Comparative discourse markers — Use "similarly", "whereas", "in contrast", "both writers", "however" to signpost comparison.

Section B — Writers' Viewpoints (40 marks)

Transactional writing — match form, tone and register to audience and purpose.

7 sub-topics.

  • Q5 — Content & organisation (24 marks, AO5) — Clear thesis; PEEL paragraphs; signpost arguments; counter-argument and rebuttal.
  • Q5 — Technical accuracy (16 marks, AO6)
  • Q5 — Form: letter — Address, sign-off, register matched to recipient; avoid contractions in formal letters.
  • Q5 — Form: article — Headline, sub-heading, opening hook, byline; balanced argument.
  • Q5 — Form: speech — Direct address, rhetorical questions, anecdote, call-to-action ending.
  • Q5 — Form: leaflet — Sub-headings, bullets, imperative verbs; concise punchy sentences.
  • Q5 — Form: essay

Toolkit — terminology and timings

4 sub-topics.

  • Tone and register — Formal vs informal, persuasive vs argumentative; consciously match to audience.
  • DAFOREST — Direct address, alliteration, facts, opinion, repetition, emotive language, statistics, triplets.
  • Rhetorical devices — Anaphora, hypophora, antithesis, anecdote, allusion.
  • Timing plan — 15 min reading + 45 min Section A + 45 min Section B; plan Q5 for 5 minutes.

How to use this checklist

  • RAG-rate every sub-topic. Red = haven't studied; Amber = revised but shaky; Green = confident.
  • Revise reds first. Your marginal mark gains are biggest where you're weakest.
  • Re-rate after every past paper. The list updates with your actual performance, not your feelings.
  • Don't binge. 25-minute focus blocks (try the Pomodoro timer) beat 3-hour sessions.

Suggested revision order

  • Q5 first — 40 marks. Memorise structures for letter, article and speech.
  • Q4 next — comparison is the hardest skill on the paper.
  • Q2 summary of differences: practise paraphrasing both sources concisely.
  • Q1 and Q3 are quick wins once you spot the language techniques.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

How long is AQA English Language Paper 2?

1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks (50% of GCSE).

What forms can come up on Q5?

Letter, article (newspaper or magazine), speech, leaflet, or essay. Audience and purpose are always specified — match your tone to them.

How is Q4 different from Q3?

Q3 analyses language in ONE source. Q4 compares attitudes/methods across BOTH sources — you must reference both.

Source: AQA English Language 8700 specification.

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