AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 2025 Mark Scheme

Download the official AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing mark scheme from the June 2025 series (8700/1). This is the final v1.0 examiner-approved document used during standardisation to ensure consistent marking across all candidates.

This mark scheme provides full guidance on how marks are awarded across both Section A (Reading) and Section B (Writing), including level descriptors, indicative content, and examiner expectations.

Section A (Reading) includes:
• Question 1: Accepted answers (e.g. telephones failed, vehicles disappeared, police car vanished)
• Question 2: Language analysis levels (Level 1–4, from simple comment to perceptive analysis)
• Question 3: Structural analysis (e.g. shifts from mystery to discovery, contrast between Midwich and Oppley)
• Question 4: Evaluation criteria for 20-mark responses (Levels 1–4 with detailed examples)

For example:
- Page 7 shows full indicative answers for Q1 (events that happened that night)
- Page 9–10 explains how to achieve Level 4 in language analysis (perceptive and detailed)
- Page 11–12 outlines structural features such as chronological narrative and shifts in focus
- Page 13 highlights Level 4 evaluation responses, including analysis of mystery and narrative tone

Section B (Writing) includes:
• Question 5 marking criteria split into:
- AO5 (Content & Organisation – 24 marks)
- AO6 (Technical Accuracy – 16 marks)

For example:
- Page 17–19 shows Level 4 writing criteria (convincing, compelling communication with advanced structure)
- Page 20 details technical accuracy expectations (punctuation, grammar, sentence forms, spelling)

The mark scheme also explains AQA’s level-based marking system:
• Level 4: Perceptive, detailed
• Level 3: Clear, relevant
• Level 2: Some understanding
• Level 1: Simple, limited
This document is essential for understanding exactly how examiners award marks and what is required to achieve top grades (7–9).

Use it alongside the 8700/1 question paper and insert to:
• Accurately mark your answers
• Understand examiner expectations
• Improve language analysis, structure, and evaluation skills
• Master creative writing techniques for Question 5

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

This mark scheme is designed for GCSE English Language students studying AQA 8700, especially Year 10–11 students preparing for Paper 1 and aiming for grades 6–9.

It is also essential for teachers and tutors for marking, standardisation, and teaching exam technique. Independent learners and home-schooled students will benefit from understanding how marks are awarded.