AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 2025 Qp

Download the official AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing question paper from the June 2025 series (8700/1). This exam was sat on Friday 23 May 2025 (Morning), lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, and is worth 80 marks in total.

The paper is divided into two sections:

• Section A: Reading (40 marks)
• Section B: Writing (40 marks)

Section A is based on Source A (provided in the insert booklet) and includes four questions testing comprehension, language analysis, structure, and evaluation:

- Question 1 (4 marks): List four things from the opening lines (lines 1–8)
- Question 2 (8 marks): Analyse how the writer uses language to describe the early morning (lines 9–18)
- Question 3 (8 marks): Analyse how the writer structures the text to interest the reader
- Question 4 (20 marks): Evaluate a student’s statement about the mystery of events in Midwich

For example:
- Page 2 shows Q1 requiring retrieval skills from the opening paragraph
- Page 3 presents Q2 focusing on language techniques such as imagery and sentence structure
- Page 6 introduces Q3 on structural shifts across the whole text
- Page 9 includes Q4, a 20-mark evaluation question requiring detailed analysis and judgement

Section B focuses on creative writing:

- Question 5 (40 marks): Choose one task:
• Write a description of a town or village based on an image
• OR write a story about a day when technology stopped

The image (page 13) shows a European-style town with narrow streets and traditional buildings, designed to inspire descriptive writing.

Marks are split as:
• 24 marks for content and organisation
• 16 marks for technical accuracy

This paper is essential for practising real AQA exam questions and improving both reading analysis and creative writing skills.

Use it alongside the insert and mark scheme to:
• Practise under timed conditions
• Understand exam structure and expectations
• Improve responses for Questions 2–5

Optimised for mobile and desktop, and ideal for 2025/2026 revision.

This document is designed for GCSE English Language students studying AQA 8700, especially Year 10–11 students preparing for Paper 1. It is essential for practising both reading and writing sections.

Teachers and tutors can use this paper for mock exams, classroom practice, and exam preparation. It is also ideal for independent learners and home-schooled students.