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Every question you will face on AQA papers, decoded
This table lists every question type on the AQA specification, grouped by paper. Use it to identify what the marker is really asking for.
| Question | Marks | What it asks | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 - List four things | 4 | Simple retrieval from a specified section. | Four clear sentences. One point per line. Do not over-explain. |
| Q2 - Language analysis | 8 | How does the writer use language to describe X? | 2-3 zoomed-in quotations. Technique → effect → writer's intention. |
| Q3 - Structure analysis | 8 | How has the writer structured the text to interest the reader? | Opening, shifts, perspective, sentence and paragraph length, ending. |
| Q4 - Evaluation | 20 | To what extent do you agree with a statement? | Clear position. 3 evidenced points. Use evaluative language. |
| Q5 - Creative writing | 40 | Descriptive or narrative writing linked to a stimulus. | Single moment or setting. Sensory detail. Varied sentences. 400-600 words. |
| Question | Marks | What it asks | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 - True or false | 4 | Shade four correct statements from Source A. | Quick retrieval. Maximum 4 minutes. |
| Q2 - Summary of differences | 8 | Summary of differences across both sources on a topic. | 3 differences with short embedded quotations from both sources. |
| Q3 - Language analysis | 12 | How does the writer use language in one source? | 3-4 detailed points with subject terminology. Deeper than P1 Q2. |
| Q4 - Comparison | 16 | Compare how the writers convey their different perspectives. | Both texts in every paragraph. Focus on methods, not just content. |
| Q5 - Transactional writing | 40 | Letter, article, speech or leaflet on a viewpoint. | Match the form. Persuasive techniques. Counter-arguments. |
| Question | Marks | What it asks | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shakespeare extract essay | 30+4 | Starting with the extract, explore how Shakespeare presents X. 30 marks AO1-AO3 + 4 marks AO4 SPaG. | Start with extract. At least one paragraph from wider play. Context. |
| 19th-century novel extract essay | 30 | Starting with the extract, explore how the writer presents X. | Same structure as Shakespeare. Refer to extract and wider novel. |
| Question | Marks | What it asks | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern text essay (no extract) | 30+4 | Choice of two questions on your studied modern text. 30 marks AO1-AO3 + 4 marks AO4 SPaG. | Quotations from memory. Thematic argument across the whole text. |
| Anthology poetry comparison | 30 | Compare a printed anthology poem with one of your choice. | Pre-prepared pairings. Compare methods within paragraphs. |
| Unseen poetry - single poem | 24 | How does the poet present X in this poem? | Language, structure, form. No context required. |
| Unseen poetry - comparison | 8 | Compare how the two poets present X. | 2-3 focused comparison paragraphs on methods. |
Practise spotting command words in real AQA questions.