Claire's Notes
Online English tutorials
for GCSE and beyond
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GCSE English Language
There is far more material in these videos than you would ever have time to write in the exam. That is deliberate. The analysis here does not provide an 'exam-ready' answer as there is no one 'correct' response. but is designed to get you thinking about the text as a whole. Analysis that speaks to you does not necessarily speak to someone else and vice versa! My own analysis isn't exhaustive and you may not agree with it - but hopefully it will give you some ideas about the kind of points that you need to be making.
AQA English Language
Paper 1
Explorations in creative reading and writing
This paper focuses on analysing and engaging with a variety of texts to explore how writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture readers' imaginations. You'll be tested on your ability to understand and interpret creative texts, as well as your skill in crafting your own compelling narratives and descriptions. Our resources provide comprehensive tutorials, practice papers, and model answers to help you excel in this examination, ensuring you develop a deep understanding of both reading and writing creatively.​
Guide to AQA Paper 1, Question 3
(the structure question)
Paper 1, Question 3 of the AQA English Language paper is tricky. Instead of analysing language, it expects you to analyse the structure of a whole extract... and in just 10 minutes! This requires a whole new way of thinking to tackle it and a whole new terminology to write it. In this guide, I go through what is expected of you, what AQA have themselves said about tackling the question, the terminology that you'll need and the questions that you can ask yourself to set you off in the right direction, along with a suggested broad framework for structuring your response. Subsequent videos will go through past papers, looking at the range of analytical responses you could make.
Specimen paper
Step-by-step analysis of Paper 1, Section A of the first specimen paper
In this video, I explore a range of responses to Questions 1 to 4 in Paper 1, Section A of the first specimen paper issued by AQA. The extract in question is taken from Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier.
June 2017
Step-by-step analysis of Paper 1, Section A of the June 2017 paper
In this video, I explore a range of responses to Questions 1 to 4 in Paper 1, Section A of the June 2017 paper issued by AQA. The extract in question is taken from The Tiredness of Rosabel by Katherine Mansfield
Paper 2
Writers' viewpoints and perspectives
This paper focuses on understanding and analysing how writers present their views and perspectives in non-fiction texts. You'll be evaluated on your ability to compare texts, identify the techniques used to convey viewpoints, and express your own ideas clearly and effectively in writing. Our resources include detailed tutorials, practice papers, and model answers designed to help you master these skills. With our support, you'll develop a strong ability to engage with and critique a variety of perspectives, preparing you for success in this examination.
Specimen paper
Step-by-step analysis of Paper 2, Section A of the first specimen paper (Parenting and Education)
In this video, I explore a range of responses to Questions 1 to 4 in Paper 2, Section A of the first specimen paper issued by AQA. The sources include an article taken from The Observer newspaper in 2013 entitled 'Could you do your child's homework?' written by Jay Rayner and two letters written in 1822 by Henry and William Heritage. Both sources are on the theme of Parenting and Education.
June 2017
Step-by-step analysis of Paper 2, Section A of the June 2017 paper (Children growing up)
In this video, I explore a range of responses to Questions 1 to 4 in Paper 2, Section A of the June 2017 paper issued by AQA. The sources include an article taken from The Guardian newspaper in 2016 entitled 'How can my son be a year old already?' written by Stuart Heritage and a newspaper article published in the 1800s, entitled 'Boy Lost' by an anonymous Victorian mother. Both sources are on the theme of children growing up.
November 2018
Step-by-step analysis of Paper 2, Section A of the November 2018 paper (Cycling)
In this video, I explore a range of responses to Questions 1 to 4 in Paper 2, Section A of the November 2018 paper issued by AQA. The sources include an article taken from The Guardian newspaper in 2016 entitled 'All cyclists fear bad drivers' written by Peter Walker and a magazine article published in 1896, entitled 'On a bicycle in the streets of London by Susan, Countess of Malmesbury.. Both sources are on the theme of cycling.