Overview

This 6-lesson unit prepares Year 10 and 11 students for the new-format AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 (8700/2). Each lesson runs for 140 minutes and is designed for a class of 30 students. It builds skills sequentially, emphasising analysis of non-fiction and literary non-fiction texts, summarisation, synthesis, and writing skills according to the AQA specification and the National Curriculum for England.

---

Lesson 1: Understanding the Paper 2 Structure

Learning Objectives

• Identify the format and requirements of AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2.
• Understand the types of texts and questions in each section.
• Introduce key terminology and skills required.

National Curriculum Links

• Reading: Develops comprehension via analysis of non-fiction texts (NATCURR 1a).
• Writing: Begin planning purpose-driven texts (NATCURR 2a).

Success Criteria

• Accurately describe the paper structure and timing.
• Define and explain key vocabulary.
• Demonstrate awareness of AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, and AO5 assessment objectives.

Key Vocabulary

• Source, Inference, Language Features, Structure, Tone, Synthesise, Summary, Purpose, Audience.

Activities

1. Introduction (20 mins)
   Teacher-led explanation of Paper 2 format and assessment objectives with annotated PowerPoint slides.
2. Matching Activity (20 mins)
   Students match AO terms to their descriptions and example questions using provided cards to deepen understanding.
3. Group Discussion (25 mins)
   In groups of 5, analyse example Paper 2 questions from previous specification, predicting skills needed.
4. Text Exploration (30 mins)
   Teacher models close reading with a short nonfiction text, highlighting language and structure features.
5. Exit Ticket (10 mins)
   Each student writes down one key takeaway and one question about the paper format.

Formative Assessment

• Observation of group discussions.
• Marked exit tickets to gauge initial understanding.

Resources

• PowerPoint slides explaining paper format and AOs.
• AO matching cards.
• Sample nonfiction texts and question extracts.
• Exit ticket slips.

---

Lesson 2: Exploring Language Analysis

Learning Objectives

• Analyse language features and their effects in nonfiction texts.
• Use precise subject terminology in explanations.

National Curriculum Links

• Reading: Analyse implicit and explicit meanings and language (NATCURR 1a).
• Spoken English: Use language specific to literary and nonfiction analysis (NATCURR 3).

Success Criteria

• Identify a range of language techniques (simile, metaphor, rhetorical question, etc.) in a text.
• Explain how these techniques influence meaning and tone.
• Use technical vocabulary accurately in written responses.

Key Vocabulary

• Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Rhetorical Question, Emotive Language, Repetition, Alliteration, Tone.

Activities

1. Recap (10 mins)
   Quick quiz on last lesson’s AO terminology using interactive PowerPoint.
2. Textual Analysis (40 mins)
   Whole class close read of an AQA-style nonfiction extract for language features.
3. Paired Annotations (35 mins)
   In pairs, students annotate different paragraphs for language features and effect, using scaffolded worksheets.
4. Model Paragraph (20 mins)
   Teacher deconstructs a high-level language analysis paragraph, highlighting link to question and evidence.
5. Independent Writing (25 mins)
   Students draft a paragraph answer focusing on language analysis of a new text.

Formative Assessment

• Peer assessment of annotations.
• Teacher feedback on independent paragraphs.

Resources

• Annotated PowerPoint with language feature examples.
• Scaffolded annotation sheets.
• Model paragraph handouts.
• New short texts for writing.

---

Lesson 3: Structure & Form Focus

Learning Objectives

• Understand how writers organise texts structurally to create effects.
• Analyse form elements and their influence on meaning and audience.

National Curriculum Links

• Reading: Analyse structure and form in nonfiction (NATCURR 1a).
• Writing: Recognise how structure supports writer’s purpose (NATCURR 2a).

Success Criteria

• Identify key structural devices (e.g., flashback, chronological order, contrast).
• Explain how structure shapes meaning and guides readers.
• Use subject terminology in context.

Key Vocabulary

• Structure, Paragraphing, Chronology, Flashback, Foreshadowing, Repetition, Contrast, Form, Heading, Anecdote.

Activities

1. Starter Quiz (15 mins)
   Identify structural techniques from short text excerpts via Kahoot-style quiz.
2. Guided Reading (30 mins)
   Explore a long nonfiction extract; highlight structural features using highlighters and graphic organiser.
3. Group Task (35 mins)
   Each group analyses how structure develops writer’s purpose/audience impact in a provided text. Present findings.
4. Compare & Contrast (25 mins)
   Compare two nonfiction extracts with different forms; discuss implications via a Venn diagram.
5. Exit Reflection (15 mins)
   Write a paragraph explaining structural effect in one explored text, referencing form.

Formative Assessment

• Group presentations assessed via success criteria checklist.
• Exit reflections marked for structure understanding.

Resources

• Long nonfiction text extracts.
• Highlighting sets and graphic organisers.
• Kahoot quiz prepared by teacher.
• Venn diagram templates.

---

Lesson 4: Summarising and Synthesising Skills

Learning Objectives

• Summarise key information from multiple nonfiction texts.
• Synthesise information cohesively for comparison questions.

National Curriculum Links

• Reading: Retrieve and record information effectively and summarise (NATCURR 1b).
• Writing: Produce coherent texts that synthesise ideas from multiple sources (NATCURR 2c).

Success Criteria

• Extract relevant information accurately.
• Combine information from two texts logically.
• Maintain own voice when synthesising information.

Key Vocabulary

• Summary, Synthesis, Paraphrase, Compare, Similarities, Differences, Overview.

Activities

1. Introduction & Examples (20 mins)
   Teacher models summarising paragraphs from two short texts, highlighting key points.
2. Paired Practice (40 mins)
   Students summarise given paragraphs independently, then compare and merge summaries in pairs.
3. Synthesis Challenge (30 mins)
   Students write a paragraph synthesising ideas from two nonfiction extracts on a related theme.
4. Peer Review (30 mins)
   Swap paragraphs for peer feedback focused on clarity, accuracy, and synthesis quality.
5. Whole Class Feedback (15 mins)
   Discuss common strengths and weaknesses, model improvements.

Formative Assessment

• Peer and teacher feedback on synthesis paragraphs.
• Observation notes on participation.

Resources

• Paired texts with related themes.
• Summary scaffolds.
• Feedback checklists.

---

Lesson 5: Writing to Explain and Analyse

Learning Objectives

• Plan and write a clear, coherent explanation or analysis responding to Paper 2 Section B prompts.
• Use appropriate tone, style, and structure for audience and purpose.

National Curriculum Links

• Writing: Develop coherent, structured writing for different audiences and purposes (NATCURR 2a, 2b).

Success Criteria

• Address the prompt clearly and fully.
• Use paragraphs to organise ideas logically.
• Employ varied sentence structures and precise vocabulary.
• Use a formal, persuasive or explanatory tone as appropriate.

Key Vocabulary

• Explanation, Analysis, Formal tone, Purpose, Audience, Paragraphing, Cohesion, Emphasis.

Activities

1. Planning Workshop (30 mins)
   Analyse sample Section B questions; brainstorm audience, purpose, tone, and plan text structure.
2. Writing Task (70 mins)
   Students write a full response to a Section B question under timed conditions but with access to plans.
3. Peer Assessment (20 mins)
   Exchange and annotate partners’ drafts focusing on success criteria.
4. Teacher Feedback & Mini-lesson (20 mins)
   Address common writing issues and strategies for improvement such as varying sentence openers or avoiding repetition.

Formative Assessment

• Marked student writing using Section B marking grid.
• Peer-assessed feedback sheets.

Resources

• Planning templates.
• Section B example questions.
• Mark schemes.
• Peer assessment checklists.

---

Lesson 6: Full Paper 2 Practice and Review

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate understanding and application of Paper 2 skills under timed conditions.
• Reflect on strengths and areas for development based on performance.

National Curriculum Links

• Reading & Writing: Apply a range of reading and writing skills in examination context (NATCURR 1, 2).

Success Criteria

• Complete a full Paper 2 mock exam paper within allocated time.
• Self-assess and set specific SMART targets for improvement.

Key Vocabulary

• Timed assessment, Reflection, Mark scheme, Target, Improvement.

Activities

1. Mock Exam (120 mins)
   Administer full Paper 2 paper: Section A (Reading) and Section B (Writing). Strict timed conditions.
2. Self-Assessment & Reflection (15 mins)
   Guided reflection using a structured form to evaluate performance and set targets.
3. Group Feedback & Q&A (15 mins)
   Groups share reflections and teacher clarifies common difficulties and strategies ahead of real exams.

Formative Assessment

• Formal mock paper marked and returned with detailed feedback.
• Reflection forms inform next steps.

Resources

• Full Paper 2 mock papers customised to current AQA specification.
• Mark schemes.
• Self-assessment and reflection sheets.

---

Final Notes

• Each PowerPoint is designed with interactive elements, including embedded quizzes, high-quality text extracts, and scaffolded activities to engage diverse learners.
• Lessons include challenge tasks for higher-attaining students and scaffolding for those needing extra support.
• The unit equips teachers with a clear roadmap to deliver confident, engaging GCSE English Language Paper 2 teaching fully aligned with national standards.

This approach will inspire both teachers and students to excel in the demanding skills of non-fiction reading and writing that GCSE Paper 2 requires.