AQA English Language are making changes from 2026!

Enhancing AQA English Language Papers: Understanding the 2026 Changes

The upcoming changes to AQA English Language papers represent thoughtful improvements designed to provide clarity and focus for students. 

Paper 1 Changes: Bringing Clarity and Focus

Question 1: Multiple Choice Format

The "list four things" question has been replaced with a multiple choice format, streamlining the initial assessment of reading comprehension.

Question 3: Focused Structure Analysis

Previously, students faced the broad prompt: "How has the writer structured the text to interest you as a reader?"

The revised question provides a specific focus (e.g., "How has the writer used structure to create a sense of 'mystery' in the text"), giving students clear direction for their analysis.

Question 4: Clearer Critical Evaluation

Two key improvements:

• Removal of the "A student said..." phrasing, making the statement focus clearer
• Revised wording of the methods bullet point, helping students better understand what "methods" actually entails.

Question 5: Enhanced Creative Writing Options

The descriptive writing task now includes:

• A clarifying prompt reminding students they can use their imagination beyond the picture stimulus.
• An option to write an "opening" for the narrative choice rather than a complete story, allowing students to craft quality beginnings without the pressure of completing an entire narrative.

Paper 2 Changes: Improving Clarity

Question 2: Refined Summary Question

The summary question has been reworded for better clarity, helping students understand exactly what's expected. 

Question 4: Explicit Methods Guidance

Similar to Paper 1, this question features improved wording regarding "methods," ensuring students have clearer guidance even if they don't recall specific terminology from class.

Why These Changes Matter

These thoughtful adjustments demonstrate AQA's responsiveness to feedback and commitment to helping students showcase their abilities. By reducing ambiguity in question wording, students can focus on demonstrating knowledge rather than deciphering instructions.

Who Will Be Affected

Current Year 10 students will be the first cohort to take these revised exams in 2026.

Learn More

For a detailed walkthrough of these changes:

1. Join my mailing list (prompt available when logging onto my website)
2. Contact me directly at info@achieve-english.co.uk

I look forward to supporting students with these new-style questions from 2026 onwards 📚☺️☺️