essay writing gcse english language

• International
• Schools directory
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

GCSE Literature Plan & Write Essay Guide

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

19 May 2018

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

A pupil friendly, step by step, English Literature essay planning and writing guide.

These resources provide a framework to enable learners to write comprehensive and well structured essays.

There are two resources:

Document Explains how to plan and write a literature essay from scratch.

There are also images of how students should think about their planning.

There is a small explanation of what is expected at each particular part. This is supplemented with a model at each stage,

The model is broken down into: Point Evidence Technique Analysis Link (PETAL).

There is a revision activity at the end.

Power Point A supplementary powerpoint that can be used as a lesson or as planning templates to print.

There is also a colour coded model paragraph included.

Guidance on how to write an overarching statement (introduction).

There is also a slide with a nominalisation activity to enhance academic writing.

Hope this is useful!

Creative Commons "NoDerivatives"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Detailed and helpful. Thank you!

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

rosiewebster

Really helpful. Many thanks

A systematic approach to analytical essay writing which students would find helpful. Thanks!

Great. Thanks

wrongtrousers

Really helpful! Thanks for sharing.

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

Resources you can trust

Writing non-fiction texts

With so many non-fiction text types to cover and so little time, English Language teachers need engaging classroom resources that get the job done, while also building students' writing skills under timed conditions. Here's our selection of hard-working resources that you'll also enjoy teaching with.  

When teaching students how to write non-fiction texts, you need to cover the precise conventions of the form as well as helping them to understand purpose and audience. You'll find step-by-step resources to introduce KS3 students to the fundamentals of writing feature articles, information leaflets, persuasive speeches, essays or letters, as well as targeted exam practice resources for year 11s.   

Exam practice and support for year 11s with writing non-fiction texts  

Revising non-fiction text types  is perfect for current year 11s, and covers the basics of all five text types for AQA GCSE English Language, and  AQA English Language Paper 2 language tasks  combines a speech and newspaper or magazine article task on a theme close to students' hearts – whether music helps when studying. Similarly,  Transactional writing exam practice  covers the text types in the Edexcel GCSE English Language specification, with a helpful paragraph planning structure students could use again and again.  Non-fiction dice game  is also useful for revision and helps students to consider their intended audience. All these resources include exam-style tasks which could easily be adapted for any exam spec, and are perfect for revision lesson planning.

Writing a letter 

Recipe for a formal letter  gives a useful outline of all the key elements in a letter, while  A formal letter of complaint  helps English students to think about the most appropriate language choices.   Should we use slang?  is a discussion activity with a formal letter writing task – a complete oracy lesson with targeted exam practice, and provides a useful opportunity to discuss appropriate register and vocabulary choices with students. Rat 'o burger  is a fun letter writing task based on a 'There's a rat in my burger!' complaint. Students read and annotate a model letter of complaint, and then plan and write a placatory, persuasive response from the restaurant. Perfect for younger students or as a cover lesson.

Writing a speech

With KS3 students, you might like to try a new worksheet,  Speech analysis practice: Greta Thunberg , which uses a helpful acronym to guide students through the key persuasive and rhetorical features of the text.  Comparing persuasive speeches  explores the persuasive devices in speeches by former President Barack Obama and Smithy from  Gavin and Stacey , with surprising similarities between the two speakers!   How to write and deliver a speech , does exactly what it says it will, with detailed advice and a checklist for students.

Writing an article, leaflet or essay

Writing a feature article  is a popular planning resource for newspaper articles, while  Writing tasks: letters and leaflets AQA GCSE Paper 2 revision  is useful for exam preparation. For KS3,  Producing an information leaflet  walks learners through the key steps for their own writing. How to build an essay  is useful introduction to planning a formal essay and the writing process, focused on AQA English Language GCSE English Language Paper 2, question 5, and uses a sample essay question on gender and equality. And if you are looking for more resources, try our  Writing non-fiction collection  for hundreds of classroom-ready resources and lesson ideas. For fiction writing and creative writing skills, try our  Writing fiction collection .

This article was first published as an Editor's pick newsletter in March 2022.

Share article link

• Share via Facebook
• Share via Twitter
• Share via Pinterest
• Share via Email

Senior Content Lead at Teachit, and a former head of English and performing arts. 

< Previous Article

Spelling, punctuation and grammar – resources for the classroom, next article >, teaching world war 1 poetry, sign up for free.

Sign up to Teachit for access to thousands of free resources

Narrative Writing

Writing to narrate.

Story telling is an art! A plot contains a series of events that are presented from a particular perspective. Take the reader on a journey of exploration in a logical manner. They should gain knowledge and insight of your world and its characters.

Stories can be real or imagined, just as long as they are believable and captivate your audience. Your piece should aim to entertain and motivate readers to do something, after reading. High level writing, intends to educate by presenting challenging concepts and themes.

Remember, the reader cannot see and most probably has never experienced the location and events within your narrative. Therefore, you must use extensive vocabulary to pique their interest, especially vivacious verbs along.

The Question

Sometimes you are given an image to act as a stimulus:

For example, write a story set on a deserted island as suggested by this picture

Alternatively, you may be given a statement like:

For example:

• Write a story about a time you were without Wi-Fi.
• Write a story about a locked drawer.
• Write a story about an uncomfortable journey.

Planning an Effective Response

If an image is given to you, during your exam, then you are given a handy head start and you can proceed to planning.

Annotate the image; again really squeezing out that detail and again trying not to limit yourself to just the obvious details. In what section of the plot would this image be found? What else could you rationally presume would feature in this scene? Do make your events before or after this scene overly dramatic.

If you are not provided with an image, you have to work a little harder but you are now free from restrictions. What appropriate experience can you draw on for inspiration? Keep it minimal and something that can be imagined by all, otherwise, you will overwhelm your reader. You do not want them to suffer from information overload.

Things to consider, whilst planning:

• Complications

Get straight into the action! Do not waste time by over-developing the characters and setting at the detriment of moving the plot forward. You can do this as the drama unravels. Just reveal enough to make them imaginable and intriguing. You need to captivate your reader’s attention, as soon as possible. Maintain their curiosity from the beginning right the way through the piece, without losing their interest or confusing them.

Your story should reflect conscious crafting and then it is bound to enjoyable.

Writing to Argue

When you write to argue, you are trying to present both sides and come to a clear conclusion. Your job is to show the reader that you have considered both sides but have drawn one clear, strong conclusion. When writing to argue, you should:

Give both sides of the argument

• Remember that you must give both sides of the argument – planning is key here.

Give a clear topic sentence

• Give a clear topic sentence which shows which side you will be agreeing with.

Weave your ideas together

• Do not list all ideas for one side and then all ideas for the other – instead, weave your ideas together (e.g. some people think… but others think…)

Use DAFORESTER

• Use the DAFORESTER devices to help you to present a strong argument.

Use convincing evidence

• Use convincing evidence to back up your argument – it does not have to be true, but it must be believable.

Use logical connectives

• Use logical connectives which help you to build your point (e.g. because, next, as a result, consequently).

Give a clear conclusion

• You must give a clear conclusion which shows you have weighed up your argument and chosen one side to agree with more.

Writing to Argue in Texts

When you write to argue, you are trying to present both sides and come to a clear conclusion. Your job is to show the reader that you have considered both sides but have drawn one clear, strong conclusion. You will see examples of writing to argue in the following texts:

1 Key Terms

1.1 Key Terms

1.1.1 Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentence Types

1.1.2 Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language

1.1.3 Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood

1.1.4 Key Terms - Other Techniques

1.1.5 End of Topic Test - Key Terms

2 Language Techniques

2.1 Language Devices

2.1.1 Metaphors

2.1.2 Similes

2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning

2.1.4 Personification

2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy

2.1.7 Oxymoron

2.1.8 Hyperbole

2.1.9 Alliteration

2.1.10 Sibilance

2.1.11 Onomatopoeia

2.1.12 Emotive Language

2.1.13 All Language Devices

2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Language Devices

2.2 Writing Structure

2.2.1 Narrators

2.2.2 Paragraphs

2.2.3 Tense

2.2.4 Present vs Past vs Future

2.2.5 Foreshadowing

2.2.6 Structure

2.2.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure

3 Paper 1: Reading

3.1 Structuring Your Answer - Section A

3.1.1 Overview - Section A

3.1.2 Answering Question 1

3.1.3 Answering Question 2

3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading

3.1.5 Answering Question 3

3.1.6 Answering Question 4

3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Section A

3.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading

4 Paper 1: Writing

4.1 Structuring Your Answer

4.1.1 Overview - Section B

4.1.2 Answering Section B

4.1.3 Answering Section B - Checklist of Techniques

4.1.4 End of Topic Test - Writing Section

4.1.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Writing

5 Paper 2: Reading

5.1 DAFORESTER

5.1.1 Direct Address

5.1.2 Alliteration

5.1.3 Facts

5.1.4 Opinions

5.1.5 Repetition

5.1.6 Exaggeration (Hyperbole)

5.1.7 Statistics

5.1.8 Triples (Rule of 3)

5.1.9 Emotive Language

5.1.10 Rhetorical Questions

5.1.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER

5.2 Structuring Your Answer

5.2.1 Overview - Section A

5.2.2 Answering Question 1

5.2.3 Answering Question 2

5.2.4 Answering Question 3

5.2.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading

5.2.6 Answering Question 4

5.2.7 End of Topic Test - Section A

5.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading

6 Paper 2: Writing

6.1 Structuring Your Answer

6.1.1 Overview - Section B

6.1.2 Answering Section B - Punctuation & Plans

6.2 Types of Writing

6.2.1 Article

6.2.2 Essay

6.2.3 Leaflet

6.2.4 Letter

6.2.5 Speech

6.2.6 Review

6.2.7 Travel Writing

6.2.8 Diaries & Journals

6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Types of Writing

6.3 Writing to...

6.3.1 Writing to Inform

6.3.2 Writing to Inform - Example

6.3.3 Writing to Explain

6.3.4 Writing to Explain - Example

6.3.5 Writing to Persuade

6.3.6 Writing to Persuade - Example

6.3.7 Writing to Argue

6.3.8 Writing to Argue - Example

6.3.9 Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue

6.3.10 Writing to Advise

6.3.11 Writing to Advise - Example

6.3.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...

6.3.13 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing

Jump to other topics

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

30+ school subjects covered

Writing to Persuade - Example

Writing to Argue - Example

AQA GCSE English Language Past Papers

This section includes recent GCSE English Language past papers (9-1) (8700) from AQA. You can download each of the AQA GCSE English Language past papers and marking schemes by clicking the links below.

November 2022 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

November 2022: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

November 2022: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert    -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

June 2022: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

June 2022: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2021 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers (Labelled as June 2021)

November 2021: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

November 2021: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2020 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers (Labelled as June 2020)

November 2020: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

November 2020: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

June 2019: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

June 2019: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2018 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

November 2018: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert   -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2018: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert     -    Download Past Paper    -  D  ownload Mark Scheme

June 2018 AQA GCSE (9-1) English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

June 2018: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert   -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

June 2018: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -     Download Past Paper     -     Download Mark Scheme

November 2017 AQA GCSE English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

November 2017: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -     Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2017: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -     Download Past Paper     -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2017 AQA GCSE English Language (8700) Past Exam Papers

June 2017: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (8700/1) Download Insert    -    Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2017: Paper 2: Writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives (8700/2) Download Insert      -     Download Past Paper     -    Download Mark Scheme

For more GCSE English Language past papers from other exam boards  click here .