Paper 2, Question 5 is the persuasive / transactional writing task and is worth a hefty 40 marks... so getting this right can make a huge difference to your final grade. This is where you’ll show off your ability to communicate with purpose: to argue, persuade, inform or advise while using language and structure effectively.

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.

In this post, we’ll focus on AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Section B (Question 5).

This "Parent's Guide" will explain what you need to know about the GCSE English exams and how you can support your child's preparations.