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Paper 2 might seem like the trickier sibling of Paper 1, but once you know what the exam is really looking for, it feels far less daunting. With the updated specification from summer 2026, a few details have shifted but the core skills you need, such as careful reading, comparing ideas and clear, written explanations, haven’t changed. This guide breaks down Questions 1 - 4, shows how much time to spend on each and gives you practical tips you can actually use.  

Paper 1, Question 5 is where students can show off their writing skills, including creativity, control of language and technical accuracy. It’s worth 40 marks, almost half of the paper, so getting comfortable with this question can make a huge difference to overall grades. From summer 2026, students will still have a choice between two tasks: one narrative (story opening) and one descriptive (based on an image). Both tasks are designed to test the same skills as before.

Tackling AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 might feel confusing at first, especially with the new spec changes coming into effect from summer 2026, but, don't worry, once you know what the paper involves, it’s surprisingly straightforward. This guide explains Questions 1 - 4, gives timing and mark breakdowns and shares top tips that actually work.

Wondering how to help your child with Year 7 English? Find out reading and writing tasks and ways you can build confidence at home.

Year 8 English is all about stretching skills and building confidence - without the pressure of exams. This post explores what students learn in Year 8 and offers simple, realistic ways parents can help their child with Year 8 English by practising simple reading, writing, grammar and speaking and listening skills at home.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your GCSE English Literature exam by clearly explaining the plot, themes and Shakespeare’s language, along with practical and engaging revision strategies.

This guide will help you to prepare for your GCSE English Literature exam on "Macbeth" by explaining exactly what you need to know about the plot, themes and language of this play and suggesting practical revision strategies.

Improved academic results and self-confidence are just some of the benefits of private English tuition. Here's how it can help your child.

Find out how dyslexia can be identified, what is the impact on a child's learning and what parents can do to support a child with dyslexia.

For over two decades, I’ve helped students of all abilities unlock their confidence and achieve real results in English. Whether your child is tackling their first Shakespeare text, preparing for GCSEs or building essential literacy skills, my approach is always the same: practical, positive and completely tailored to their needs. As the founder of English Home Studies, I draw on years of classroom experience and specialist training to make English accessible and engaging f

Reading is an essential skill for children to develop as, not only does it open up a world of knowledge, but it helps them to learn important life skills such as problem solving and creativity. It can also improve their self confidence and be highly beneficial for their mental health.

As a parent, it's natural that you want your child to excel in every aspect of their life and, if your child is struggling in their English classes, you want to help them. Whether it's problems with grammar and writing skills, reading comprehension or literature, hiring an English tutor can help your child feel more confident. How To Choose The Right English Tutor For Your Child With so many options available, how do you choose the right tutor for your child?

In recent years, the GCSE exams have undergone many changes and many parents are, understandably, unsure about what they involve. The GCSE English exams no longer include Foundation or Higher Tier papers, there's no coursework or controlled assessments and you can't take the set texts into the exams. For GCSE English Literature, you’re expected to know the plot, characters, themes and context of a Shakespearean play, a 19th Century novel and a modern prose or drama text.