WJECGCSE102 resources

WJEC GCSE English Language Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free WJEC GCSE English Language past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. Oracy, reading and writing units. 102 resources for Wales-specific qualification.

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102 of 102 resources — page 1 of 5

Summer 2023

9 files

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GCSE English Language – Unit 1 Oracy: Oracy – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Resource] – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Resource] – Past Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition – Mark Scheme – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional – Mark Scheme – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Summer 2023

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Autumn 2022

8 files

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Paper size: A3 Font size: 36] – Modified Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Paper size: A4 Font size: 18] – Modified Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition – Past Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional – Past Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Includes Resources] – Past Paper – Autumn 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Includes Resources] – Past Paper – Autumn 2022

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Summer 2022

2 files

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Includes Resources] – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Includes Resources] – Past Paper – Summer 2022

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Autumn 2021

3 files

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition – Mark Scheme – Autumn 2021

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional – Mark Scheme – Autumn 2021

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GCSE English Language – Unit 2 Description: Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition [Resource] – Past Paper – Autumn 2021

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Autumn 2020

2 files

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GCSE English Language – Unit 3 Argumentation: Reading & Writing: Argumentation Persuasion & Instructional [Resource] – Past Paper – Autumn 2020

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GCSE English Language – Unit 1 Oracy: Oracy [Resource] – Past Paper – Autumn 2020

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Summer 2020

1 file

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GCSE English Language – Unit 1 Oracy: Oracy [Resource] – Past Paper – Summer 2020

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Oracy as a Formal Assessment Component and the Welsh Approach to English Language

WJEC GCSE English Language differs from its English counterparts in one fundamental way: it formally assesses oracy (spoken language) as a substantial component worth 20% of the total grade, not just as a separate endorsement. This reflects the Welsh curriculum's emphasis on communication skills across all modes — reading, writing, and speaking are treated as equally important. The qualification comprises three units. Unit 1 (Oracy, 20%) is assessed through controlled speaking and listening tasks including individual presentations, group discussion, and response to spoken language. Unit 2 (Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition, 40%) is a 2-hour written exam testing comprehension of non-fiction and literary non-fiction texts alongside descriptive and narrative writing. Unit 3 (Reading and Writing: Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional, 40%) is a 2-hour written exam testing analysis of persuasive and argumentative texts alongside writing to argue, persuade, or instruct. The reading sections present unseen texts from a range of periods and genres. Students must analyse how writers use language, structure, and form to achieve effects. The writing sections require students to demonstrate accuracy (spelling, punctuation, grammar), organisation, and the ability to adapt register and tone to purpose and audience. This archive contains 102 resources from Autumn 2017 to Summer 2023, covering both written examination units and supporting materials.

Exam Paper Structure

Unit 1No calculator

Oracy

⏱ Controlled assessment🎯 marks📊 20% of grade

Individual presentationGroup discussionResponse to spoken language

Unit 2No calculator

Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition

⏱ 2 hours🎯 marks📊 40% of grade

Reading comprehension of non-fiction textsDescriptive writingNarrative writing

Unit 3No calculator

Reading and Writing: Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional

⏱ 2 hours🎯 marks📊 40% of grade

Analysis of persuasive textsArgumentative writingWriting to persuade or instruct

Key Information

Exam Board	WJEC
Qualification	GCSE
Grading Scale	A*–G
Assessment Type	1 oracy unit + 2 written papers
Unit 1	Controlled assessment — Oracy (20%)
Unit 2	2 hr — Reading & Writing: Description, Narration & Exposition (40%)
Unit 3	2 hr — Reading & Writing: Argumentation, Persuasion & Instructional (40%)
Oracy Note	Spoken language formally assessed and graded — unique to WJEC Wales specification
Available Sessions	Autumn 2017 – Summer 2023
Total Resources	102

Key Topics in English Language

Topics you need to know

Textual analysis and language effectsDescriptive and narrative writingArgumentative and persuasive writingSpeaking and listening skillsTechnical accuracy in writingUnderstanding writer purpose and audienceAdapting register and tone

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
How does the writer...	Analyse the specific techniques the writer uses and explain the effects they create on the reader
What impressions	Identify the feelings, images, or ideas the text creates, supporting with evidence from the text
Compare	Identify similarities and differences between two texts, focusing on the specified aspect
Write a description	Produce a piece of descriptive writing using sensory detail, figurative language, and varied structure
Write an article	Produce a piece of non-fiction writing with appropriate form features, register, and rhetorical techniques
Proofread	Identify and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar in the given passage

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
Grade A*	76–86%
Grade A	64–75%
Grade B	52–63%
Grade C	40–51%
Grade D	30–39%
Grade E	22–29%

⚠️ Based on combined Unit 2 and Unit 3 written papers. Oracy is assessed separately. Actual boundaries vary by series.

Mastering Two Distinct Writing Modes and Analysing Unseen Texts Under Pressure

Units 2 and 3 test different writing skills, and you must prepare for both modes separately. Unit 2's writing tasks ask for description and narration — here you need sensory detail, varied sentence structures, atmospheric language, and controlled pacing. Unit 3's writing tasks ask for argumentation and persuasion — here you need logical structure, rhetorical devices (tricolon, anaphora, direct address), counter-arguments, and a clear, authoritative voice. Practise writing in both modes under timed conditions so you can switch register confidently. For reading comprehension, WJEC mark schemes reward precise textual reference. Don't paraphrase loosely — quote specific words or phrases and explain exactly how they create meaning. The key skill is 'zooming in': start with the effect the writer creates, then identify the specific technique, then analyse how the technique produces that effect. For example, don't just say 'the writer uses a metaphor' — explain what the metaphor compares, why that comparison creates a particular impression, and what it reveals about the writer's attitude. WJEC examiner reports consistently note that candidates who score highly on writing questions are those who plan before writing. Spend 3–5 minutes creating a brief structural plan: what will each paragraph achieve? Where will you shift tone or introduce a new angle? This prevents the common pitfall of a strong opening that meanders into a weak middle and abrupt conclusion. Technical accuracy (spelling, punctuation, grammar) carries significant marks in both units. The most impactful improvements are often the simplest: using paragraphs consistently, varying sentence openings, deploying semicolons and colons correctly, and ensuring subject-verb agreement. Proofread your work in the final five minutes of each paper.

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WJEC GCSE English Language Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download Past Papers

Summer 2023

Autumn 2022

Summer 2022

Autumn 2021

Autumn 2020

Summer 2020

Oracy as a Formal Assessment Component and the Welsh Approach to English Language

Exam Paper Structure

Key Information

Key Topics in English Language

Exam Command Words

Typical Grade Boundaries

Mastering Two Distinct Writing Modes and Analysing Unseen Texts Under Pressure

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