What is the difference between OCR GCSE English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2?

Paper 1, ‘Communicating Information and Ideas’, focuses on non-fiction texts and transactional writing. You will read two unseen non-fiction extracts from different centuries and answer comprehension, analysis, and comparison questions. The writing section requires you to produce a piece of non-fiction writing for a specified audience and purpose, such as an article or a speech. Paper 2, ‘Exploring Effects and Impact’, centres on literary prose and creative writing. You will read one 19th-century fiction extract and answer questions on language and structure, then produce a piece of creative writing (narrative or descriptive) inspired by the text or a given prompt. Both papers are equally weighted and last 2 hours each.

How is the Spoken Language component assessed in OCR GCSE English Language?

The Spoken Language endorsement is a non-exam assessment that is conducted and marked by your teacher throughout the course, then externally moderated by OCR. You will need to deliver a formal presentation on a topic of your choice, which is followed by questions and answers. You are assessed on your clarity, organisation of ideas, vocabulary, and use of Standard English. The outcome is reported separately on your GCSE certificate as either Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and it does not contribute to your numerical 9–1 grade. It is a requirement of the qualification, but does not affect the final grade.

What kinds of texts will I study for OCR GCSE English Language?

You will study a wide range of high-quality, unseen texts drawn from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. For Paper 1, texts are non-fiction and literary non-fiction, including journalism, travel writing, autobiographies, essays, and digital media. For Paper 2, you will encounter 19th-century fiction extracts, such as short stories or novel openings. The texts are selected to represent diverse genres, styles, and contexts, encouraging you to explore how language is used and to develop your analytical skills across different forms of writing.

Is there any coursework in OCR GCSE English Language?

There is no coursework component in the OCR GCSE English Language specification. The qualification is assessed entirely through two external written examinations, which together account for 100% of the final grade. The Spoken Language endorsement is a separate non-exam assessment that must be completed, but it does not involve a portfolio of written work and is reported as a standalone result. This means your grade is determined solely by your performance in the final exams.

How many marks are available in total for OCR GCSE English Language?

The total number of marks for the written examinations is 160 — 80 marks for each of the two papers. Paper 1 (‘Communicating Information and Ideas’) and Paper 2 (‘Exploring Effects and Impact’) are equally weighted, each contributing 50% of your final grade. The Spoken Language endorsement does not carry any marks toward the 9–1 grade; instead, it is reported separately as a Pass, Merit, or Distinction on your certificate.

English Language

OCR

GCSE

Specification: J351

The OCR GCSE English Language specification covers 11 topics with 0 learning objectives (J351). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Ready to practise?

AI-powered quizzes tailored to your specification

Start Practising

Study Guides

32 revision guides for OCR GCSE English Language

Browse Study Guides

Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

About OCR GCSE English Language

The OCR GCSE English Language qualification is designed to develop essential communication skills for the modern world. Over the course, you will strengthen your ability to read critically, write effectively, and speak confidently. The specification encourages you to engage with a rich variety of texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including literary non-fiction, journalism, and digital media, helping you become a more perceptive and analytical reader. You will also explore the craft of writing, producing both creative and transactional pieces that demonstrate your command of language for different audiences and purposes.

A key theme running through the course is the relationship between writer, text, and reader. You will learn to analyse how writers use language and structure to shape meaning, and you will apply these insights to your own writing. The spoken language component is a separate endorsement, allowing you to focus on presenting, responding to questions, and using Standard English effectively — a skill highly valued in further education and employment.

The specification is structured around two examined components: ‘Communicating Information and Ideas’ and ‘Exploring Effects and Impact’. Both papers assess reading and writing, but each has a distinct focus, ensuring you develop a broad and balanced skill set. With clear assessment objectives and a wide choice of writing tasks, OCR gives you the opportunity to play to your strengths while building lifelong literacy.

Assessment Structure

Assessment for OCR GCSE English Language consists of two equally weighted written examinations, each worth 80 marks and lasting 2 hours, giving a total of 160 marks for the qualification. Paper 1, ‘Communicating Information and Ideas’, focuses on reading and writing non-fiction texts, while Paper 2, ‘Exploring Effects and Impact’, centres on literary prose and creative writing. Both papers include unseen text extracts and a range of reading and writing tasks. In addition, there is a non-examined Spoken Language endorsement, which is internally assessed and externally moderated, reported separately as a Pass, Merit, or Distinction — it does not contribute to the 9–1 grade.

Why Choose OCR?

Clear and balanced exam structure: The two papers are distinct yet complementary, with Paper 1 focusing on non-fiction and transactional writing, and Paper 2 on literary texts and creative writing. This clear split helps you to prepare systematically and reduces the risk of topic overlap.
Authentic and engaging text choices: OCR uses a wide range of high-quality unseen extracts from different centuries and genres, encouraging genuine critical reading rather than reliance on pre-learned material. This fosters deeper engagement and better preparation for A Level and beyond.
Separate spoken language endorsement: Unlike some boards, OCR reports your spoken language achievement independently on your certificate. This highlights your oracy skills to employers and colleges, recognising the value of effective spoken communication as a distinct competence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment Objectives

AO1

Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas

AO2

Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers

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

AO6

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

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

OCR

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name or select

Describe

2-4 marks

Account of process or features

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

Evaluate

9-12 marks

Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Overusing clichéd hooks such as 'It was a dark and stormy night' without adapting them to the specific narrative
•Focusing too heavily on description at the expense of establishing a clear narrative perspective or voice
•Failing to link the opening to the overall plot, resulting in an opening that seems disconnected from what follows
•Using complex vocabulary unnecessarily, which can obscure meaning rather than enhance the tone
•Failing to use spoken Standard English
•Inadequate preparation for the Q&A session
•Lack of clear structure in the presentation
•Failing to engage the audience

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Ensure you refer closely to evidence from the text to justify your points of view
•Use appropriate linguistic terminology to support your analysis
•Consider the context of the text, such as its historical setting, mode or genre, to inform your reading
•Look for connections across texts to develop your understanding of the ideas, attitudes and values presented
•Ensure you refer closely to evidence from the text to justify your points of view
•Use appropriate linguistic terminology to support your analysis
•Consider the context of the text, such as its historical setting, mode or genre, to inform your reading
•Look for connections across texts to develop your understanding of the ideas, attitudes and values presented

Specification Topics

11 topics

Reading information and ideas

This topic covers the reading of unseen non-fiction texts from the 19th century and either the 20th or 21st century. It focuses on identifying and interpreting information, analysing writers' choices of vocabulary, form, and grammatical features, exploring the effects of writing for specific audiences and purposes, summarising and synthesising information, drawing inferences, evaluating the usefulness of texts (including bias and evidence), and understanding context.

0 objectives4 tips

Presenting information and ideas

0 objectives4 tips

E2E stub topic

This subtopic focuses on the techniques writers use to create compelling opening paragraphs for narratives. Students explore the critical role of the opening in establishing tone, character, and setting, while also engaging the reader's interest from the very first sentence. Mastery of these skills enables students to craft memorable and effective story introductions in their own writing, a key requirement of the GCSE exam.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Exploring effects and impact (02)

Component 02 focuses on reading literary prose texts and creative writing. Learners read and respond to unseen 20th and/or 21st century literary prose texts (including potential literary non-fiction) and produce a piece of original creative writing, applying narrative techniques and linguistic conventions to create deliberate effects.

0 objectives5 tips

Communicating information and ideas (01)

0 objectives5 tips

Spoken language (03 or 04)

The Spoken Language endorsement (Component 03 or 04) is a compulsory, internally assessed, and externally monitored non-exam assessment. It requires learners to plan and deliver a formal spoken presentation, listen to and respond to questions and feedback, and use spoken Standard English effectively. It is graded separately as Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Not Classified, and does not contribute to the overall GCSE grade.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Reading meaning and effects

This topic covers the development of writing skills for non-fiction and creative purposes, focusing on the ability to adapt tone, style, and register for specific audiences and purposes. It encompasses the structural and linguistic techniques required to create impact, influence readers, and maintain coherence, as well as the application of accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls

Ready to master English Language?

Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your OCR GCSE specification.

Get Started Free

English Language OCR GCSE Topics & Revision

Topics Covered

Exam Tips for OCR GCSE English Language

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Key Terms