Top Tips for AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Question 5

Paper 2, Question 5 is a crucial part of the AQA GCSE English Language exam. It carries a

hefty 40 marks that can significantly boost your final grade.

However, this can also feel overwhelming. If you've ever looked at this question on past papers and felt unsure about what the examiner wants, you’re not alone.

Most students find this part of the exam a bit mysterious at first. But with the right approach and a few expert tips, you’ll be able to tackle this section with confidence.

If you'd like some extra help with this question, check out the printable "Top Tips for AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Question 5" revision resource. It includes advice on planning, persuasive techniques, structure, and more.

Understanding Paper 2, Question 5

This question involves a persuasive or transactional writing task. In simple terms, you’ll be asked to write something with a clear purpose. This could be arguing, persuading, informing, or advising. You might use a format you’d find in real life, such as:

• Newspaper articles

• Formal letters (to a headteacher, an editor, or a local MP)

• Persuasive speeches (perhaps to your classmates or a community group)

• Opinion essays

  
  

The 2026 AQA specification hasn’t changed the core of this question. However, there’s now a greater focus on writing for a real audience and ensuring your viewpoint is clear. Sometimes, the task will be direct; at other times, it’ll be more subtle. Either way, you’ll need to show you can adapt your style and structure for the situation.

For example, you might get a prompt like, “School holidays are far too long and should be reduced.” Your job is to decide who you’re writing to, choose the right format, and then present your viewpoint using evidence, examples, and a bit of flair.

How to Approach Question 5 (Without Overthinking It)

I know, everyone says “just answer the question.” But what does that actually mean here? This is what I tell my students:

1. Figure out the basics

Before you start planning, pause for a moment. Who’s your audience? What’s the format: an article, speech, or letter? Are you supposed to persuade, inform, or advise? Sometimes, students jump straight into writing and later realize they’ve written a brilliant speech when the question asked for a letter.

This simple check can save you a lot of stress later.

2. Planning isn't wasted time

I know the clock is ticking, and it’s tempting to just start writing. However, spending two or three minutes jotting down your main points can make everything flow more easily. I’ve seen students skip the planning stage and end up repeating themselves or forgetting key arguments.

Also, pay attention to the structure of your work as well as the fancy vocabulary and language techniques.

Quick Plan:

• Opening: Grab attention (maybe with a bold statement or a rhetorical question).

• Middle: Write 2 or 3 paragraphs, each with a clear point and some evidence or an example.

• Ending: A memorable final line, a call to action, or something that lingers in the reader’s mind.

Is it always that neat? No. Sometimes your ideas might spill over, or you might realize halfway through that you want to switch the order of your arguments. That’s fine. Just try to keep the main structure in mind.

3. Use persuasive techniques (but don't overdo it)

There’s a long list of persuasive language devices that teachers and tutors recommend including in your response to Question 5, such as the DAFOREST techniques. However, it's important to remember that you don’t have to use all of them.

Pick a couple that feel natural for the task. For example:

• Rhetorical questions: “Do we really want to look back and regret not acting sooner?”

• Direct address: “You have the power to make a difference.”

• Emotive language: “This isn’t just unfair: it’s heartbreaking.”

• Rule of three: “We need action, we need hope, and we need it now.”

  
  

It’s not about including every persuasive technique you've ever learned; it’s about making your writing sound convincing. Sometimes, less is more.

4. Adapt your tone

This one’s easy to overlook. The way you write a letter to a headteacher isn’t the same as how you’d deliver a speech to your classmates. If you’re unsure, try reading your opening lines aloud. Does it sound natural? Or is it a bit too chatty for a formal letter?

5. Always proofread your work

It's completely understandable that, towards the end of the exam, you’ll be tired, your hand will ache, and you’ll just want to leave the exam hall. However, this is not the time to put your pen down, cross your arms, and rest your head on the desk. Instead, summon whatever energy you have left and take a minute to read over what you’ve written.

• Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.

• See if you can swap a simple word for something more sophisticated.

• Maybe you spot a paragraph that could use a better topic sentence, or you notice you’ve used “however” three times in a row.

  
  

These little tweaks can make a real difference.

Example:

Let’s say the task is:

Write a speech to persuade young people to volunteer in their local community.

You might start with something like:

“Imagine a street with no friendly faces, no one to help when you need it. That’s the world we create if we ignore each other. However, a small act of volunteering can change everything: not just for others, but for you too.”

Why does this work? Well, it paints a picture, uses a bit of emotion, and talks directly to the audience. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. Remember that examiners aren’t looking for perfection; they want to see your thought process and your ability to communicate clearly.

Some Extra Tips

• Plan first. Even a few bullet points can really help you focus and organise the content and structure of your response.

• Start with a hook. A question, a fact, or a bold statement will grab the reader’s attention.

• Use connectives. Words like “Furthermore,” “However,” and “On the other hand” will help your writing flow.

• Aim for 5 - 6 paragraphs, but don’t panic if you end up with 4 strong ones or 7 shorter ones. Examiners are more interested in the quality of your work than the quantity.

• Be yourself. Your own voice is more convincing than trying to sound like a textbook.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Paper 2, Question 5 can feel daunting, but it’s also your chance to show what you can do. If you plan ahead, use a few persuasive techniques, and keep your audience in mind, you’ll be in a strong position.

If you need a little help, don’t forget to check out the printable, "Top Tips for AQA GCSE English Language: Paper 2, Question 5" revision guide, now available in my shop.

Also, I've put together a 30 Day English Language Revision Challenge with daily tasks tailored to the 2026 AQA spec.

Finally, if you ever feel stuck, just remember that writing is a skill you build over time. Every draft, every practice essay, and every little improvement will help you achieve the exam result you deserve.

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About the Author

I’m Catherine: a private tutor, former secondary school English teacher and the founder of English Home Studies.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, I specialise in personalised 1:1 English tuition for students aged 9 to 16 (Year 5 to Year 11) through my EHS Masterclass programme.

Alongside tailored lessons, I create high quality digital and printable revision guides and activity packs to support students’ progress at home.

If you’d like to learn more about my qualifications, read parent and student reviews, or discover how the EHS Masterclass can help your child excel, please explore the rest of my website.