AQA English Language Paper 1 (2026-style) – Practice Exam Paper with Questions & Model Answers

Description

This resource is a full practice exam paper for the new AQA English Language GCSE (8700) Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (2026 specification).

It is based on an extract titled “Press-ups” and includes:

A complete Source A extract (fiction)

Section A: Reading (Questions 1–4)

Q1: Multiple choice with textual support (4 marks)

Q2: Retrieval and inference (8 marks)

Q3: Language analysis (12 marks)

Q4: Structure analysis (16 marks)

Section B: Writing (Question 5) – choice of descriptive or narrative task (40 marks)

Clear instructions and timings laid out in the same style as AQA exam papers

Teacher guidance & indicative content for each question

Example answers written at Grade 5 and Grade 7–9 levels to support differentiation

Additional comprehension-style scaffold questions to support lower- and mid-ability students when preparing for Q2–Q4

Why this resource?

✔ Ready-to-use mock exam paper — perfect for lessons, homework, or revision practice
✔ Updated for the 2026 exam changes (multiple choice Question 1)
✔ Supports mixed-ability teaching with differentiated model answers (Grade 5 and Grade 9 examples)
✔ Includes teacher notes with indicative marking guidance

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