Assessment objectives for GCSE English Language

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE English Language specifications and all exam boards. The exams and Spoken Language endorsement will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:

• AO1: identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas; select and synthesise evidence from different texts

• AO2: Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views

• AO3: Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts

• AO4: Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references

• AO5: Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts

• AO6: Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation (this requirement must constitute 20% of the marks for each specification as a whole)

• AO7: Demonstrate presentation skills in a formal setting

• AO8: Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to questions and feedback on presentations

• AO9: Use spoken Standard English effectively in speeches and presentations

Assessment objectives for GCSE English Literature

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE English Literature specifications and all exam boards. The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:

• AO1: Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response; use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations

• AO2: Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate

• AO3: Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written

• AO4: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation

Texts used across the different exam boards

Shakespeare

Students will study one play from the list of six set texts. Students should study the whole text.

Macbeth | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas
Romeo and Juliet | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas
The Tempest | AQA | Edexcel
Merchant of Venice | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas
Much Ado About Nothing | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas |
Julius Caesar | AQA
Twelfth Night | Edexcel | Eduqas
Othello | Eduqas |
Henry V
CCEA board specifies “a Shakespeare play” on the theme of conflict or love.

The 19th-century novel

Students will study one novel from the list of seven set texts. Students should study the whole text.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens | AQA | Edexcel | Eduqas | WJEC
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens | AQA | Edexcel | OCR
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley | AQA | Edexcel
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas | WJEC
The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle | AQA
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas
Silas Marner by George Eliot | Edexcel | Eduqas | WJEC
War of the Worlds by HG Wells | OCR | Eduqas

Modern texts

Students will study one from a choice of 12 set texts, which include post-1914 prose fiction and drama. Students should study the whole text.

Drama

The Empress by Tanika Gupta | Edexcel
Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah (adapted  by LemnSissay) | Edexcel
An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas | CCEA | WJEC
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell | AQA | Edexcel | WJEC | Eduqas | CCEA
The History Boys by Alan Bennett | AQA | WJEC | Eduqas
DNA by Dennis Kelly | AQA | OCR
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon / Simon Stephens | AQA | Eduqas | CCEA
A Taste of Honey by Shelagh Delaney | AQA | WJEC
Hobson’s Choice by Harold Brighouse | Edexcel | WJEC
Journey’s End by RC Sherriff | Edexcel | CCEA
My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley
A View From the Bridge by Arthur Miller | WJEC
Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington | WJEC
Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel | CCEA
All My Sons by Arthur Miller CCEA
Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel | CCEA
Our Town by Thornton Wilder | CCEA
Leave Taking by Winsome Pinnock | AQA | OCR (from September 2022) Eduqas
Princess & the Hustler by Chinonyerem Odimba | AQA (from September 2023)
Three Dublin Plays by Sean O’Casey | CCEA

Prose

Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin | Edexcel
Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman | Edexcel | Eduqas
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | CCEA
Lord of the Flies by William Golding | AQA | CCEA | Edexcel | Eduqas | WJEC
The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene | CCEA
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee | CCEA | WJEC
Animal Farm by George Orwell | AQA | CCEA | Edexcel OCR
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | CCEA | WJEC
Anita & Me by Meera Syal | AQA | Edexcel | OCR | Eduqas | WJEC
Woman in Black by Susan Hill | Edexcel | Eduqas
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro | AQA | OCR | WJEC
Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle | WJEC | CCEA
Heroes by Robert Cormier | WJEC
About a Boy by Nick Hornby | WJEC | CCEA
Resistance by Owen Sheers | WJEC
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou | WJEC
Ash on a Young Man’s Sleeve by Danni Abse | WJEC
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson | Eduqas
How Many Miles to Babylon? by Jennifer Johnston | CCEA
Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman | AQA
Chanda’s Secrets by Allan Stratton | WJEC
My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal | AQA

Creative Writing

A great piece of creative writing is characterised by several key elements that captivate the reader and demonstrate the writer's skill and imagination. 

Firstly, a strong and compelling narrative is essential. This involves creating a well-structured plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and developing interesting and relatable characters. The writer should also incorporate vivid descriptions that engage the reader's senses and bring the story to life.

Additionally, creativity and originality are crucial in creative writing. Examiners are looking for unique ideas and perspectives that showcase the writer's ability to think outside the box. This could involve creating imaginative settings, inventing new worlds or characters, or approaching a common theme or topic in a fresh and innovative way.

Another important aspect of great creative writing is the effective use of language and literary devices. Skillful writers employ a variety of techniques such as similes, metaphors, personification, and symbolism to enhance their writing and create a deeper impact on the reader. They also demonstrate a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary to ensure clarity and coherence in their writing.

When children sit the eleven plus exam, examiners are specifically looking for certain writing skills. These include the ability to generate and develop ideas fluently and coherently, to use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately, and to structure their writing effectively. Examiners also assess the writer's ability to engage the reader through descriptive and imaginative language, as well as their understanding of narrative structure and the ability to create tension and suspense.

Furthermore, examiners look for evidence of originality, creativity, and the writer's unique voice in their writing. They want to see that the child can think critically and analytically, and that they can express their ideas and emotions with clarity and depth. 

Finally, attention to detail and a strong grasp of grammar, spelling, and punctuation are important to ensure the overall quality of the piece.

In summary, a great piece of creative writing is characterised by a compelling narrative, originality, effective use of language and literary devices, and strong technical skills. 

When sitting the eleven plus exam, children should focus on generating ideas, using a wide vocabulary, structuring their writing effectively, and showcasing their creativity and unique voice.