You read two non-fiction texts on a linked topic, one from the 19th century and one from the 20th or 21st century, and answer four questions on them. Then you write your own text giving your view on a related statement. Reading and writing are worth 40 marks each.
Use both sources to explain what you can infer (work out from clues) about the differences the question names (on the sample paper, the differences between two trains). This means you synthesise: bring details from Source A and Source B together in one answer.
What earns marks
Details from both sources, paired up so that each difference is clear.
Inferences: what each detail suggests, not only what it says.
Short quotations or close references to back up each inference.
Keeping to the focus of the question all the way through.
What each level looks like
Top level first.
Level
Marks
What an answer at this level does
Level 4
7-8
Makes sharp, thoughtful inferences and weaves precise details from both sources together to bring out the differences.
Level 3
5-6
Draws sound inferences from both sources and links well-chosen details from each to show the differences.
Level 2
3-4
Makes some attempt to work out what details suggest, with some useful references and some differences noted.
Level 1
1-2
Retells what the sources say rather than working anything out, with a simple difference and a detail or two.
What to avoid
Writing about one source only: that answer can score no more than 3 marks.
Analysing the writers' language: that is Question 3. Here the marks are for what you can infer.
Drifting from the focus named in the question: Level 3 and above need both sources and the right focus.
Tip: Write in linked pairs: a detail from Source A and what it suggests, then a contrasting detail from Source B and what that suggests.
Using the whole of both sources, compare the writers' feelings and perspectives on the topic they share, and the methods each uses to get them across. A perspective is a writer's way of seeing something, shaped by their own experience and time.
What earns marks
A comparison of what each writer thinks and feels, using linking words such as whereas and similarly.
Comparing methods: how each writer's language, tone and structure convey their view.
Evidence from across both whole sources, with what each piece shows.
A comparison kept going throughout, rather than one source and then the other.
What each level looks like
Top level first.
Level
Marks
What an answer at this level does
Level 4
13-16
Gives a thoughtful, sustained comparison, analysing how each writer's methods shape their view, with well-chosen detail from both sources.
Level 3
9-12
Compares the views directly and well, explaining how each writer conveys them, with relevant detail from both sources.
Level 2
5-8
Tries to compare the writers' views, with some comment on their methods and some useful detail.
Level 1
1-4
Makes a basic link between the writers' views and spots a method or two, with simple references.
What to avoid
Writing about one source only: that answer can score no more than 6 marks.
Comparing only what the writers say and never how they say it.
Two separate essays with no links between them.
Tip: Plan three or four points of comparison first. In each paragraph cover both writers: what each feels, how each shows it, and how the two differ.
One writing task: you give your own view on a statement linked to the topic of the sources, in the form and for the audience the task names.
Question 5
Writing to give your viewpoint
40 marksAO5 · 24AO6 · 16About 45 min
What it asks
The task gives a statement on the topic of the sources and asks you to argue your point of view on it, in a set form for a set audience, for example an article or a speech.
What earns marks
A clear point of view that answers the statement and stays consistent.
Writing that fits the form and the audience: the right tone, the right level of formality and the features the form needs.
An organised argument: an engaging opening, paragraphs that build, and a strong ending.
Persuasive methods chosen for a purpose, such as examples, direct address and an opposing view answered.
Accurate spelling and punctuation with varied sentences: these earn the separate 16 marks for AO6.
What each level looks like
Top level first.
Level
Marks
What an answer at this level does
AO6 Level 4
13-16
Every sentence starts and ends in the right place, and every kind of punctuation is used with skill. Even adventurous words are spelt right, and long sentences stay clear and correct.
AO6 Level 3
9-12
Sentences nearly always start and end in the right place, and most punctuation is used well. Most words are spelt right, hard ones included, and sentence types are varied on purpose.
AO6 Level 2
5-8
Sentences usually start and end in the right place, and several kinds of punctuation are tried. Some harder words are spelt correctly, with some variety in sentences and words.
AO6 Level 1
1-4
A few sentences start and end in the right place, and some punctuation is used on purpose. Simple words are spelt correctly, but sentences and vocabulary are mostly simple.
AO5 Level 4
19-24
Argues with real force and confidence, pitched exactly for the audience. Ambitious, exact vocabulary and a carefully planned structure carry the reader through a developed argument.
AO5 Level 3
13-18
Argues clearly throughout, in a tone that suits the form and audience. Vocabulary and persuasive methods are chosen for effect, and well-linked paragraphs build the case.
AO5 Level 2
7-12
Puts a view across in places. There is some attempt at a suitable tone and form, some deliberate word choices, and paragraphs and linking phrases begin to organise the argument.
AO5 Level 1
1-6
States a view simply, with little sense of the audience. Ideas are few and loosely joined, and paragraphs, if used, do not really organise the argument.
What to avoid
Ignoring the statement: if your writing does not respond to the statement in the way the task asks, the AO5 mark cannot go above 12 of 24.
A list of undeveloped points: one idea per paragraph, explained and backed up, gives the argument weight.
Techniques used for their own sake, such as a pile of rhetorical questions.
Leaving no time to check: accuracy is worth 16 marks.
Tip: Before writing, sum up your view in one sentence. Then plan four or five paragraphs that each push it forward, including an opposing view that you answer.
These times are AQA's own advice. The front cover suggests about 15 minutes reading the sources and all five questions, and the start of each section suggests about 45 minutes on it.
Section A, from AQA's Exam Timing Ideas: Question 1 about 5 minutes, Question 2 about 8 and Question 3 about 12.
Question 4, from the same guide: about 5 minutes to re-read both sources and plan, then 15 to write.
Question 5, from the same guide: about 5 minutes to plan, 35 to write and 5 to check.
Before you hand in
Question 1: exactly four statements shaded, no more.
Questions 2 and 4: have you used both sources?
Question 3: are all your quotations from the source and lines the question named?
Question 5: does your writing fit the form and audience, and answer the statement directly?
Check full stops, capital letters, apostrophes and the spelling of your most ambitious words.
About this guide
This guide explains the mark scheme in plain English, in our own words. It is not the board's mark scheme, and it is not a prediction of any mark. The questions, marks and levels were checked against AQA GCSE English Language 8700/2 sample mark scheme, version 1.0 (Sample set 1, first exam June 2026), with its question paper and the 8700 specification, version 1.6 (March 2026) on 24 October 2026.