Practice questions for the AQA GCSE English Language (8700) specification, for teaching in England. Every answer is explained, so you can see why the right option is right. It covers the knowledge and reading skills that suit multiple choice; extended writing is not assessed here.
About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE English Language (AQA) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
Start with a free topic drill, see where you stand, then unlock the full mock.
Free practice questions
Try 3 real GCSE English Language (AQA) questions
Have a go, then reveal the worked explanation. A taster from a bank of 208 original questions. Unlock for unlimited drills and full timed mocks.
Q1. Read the following passage.
The wind howled with a furious, deep-throated roar, tearing at the ancient oak tree that stood sentinel on the hill. Rain, as sharp and cold as needles, lashed against the windowpanes. Inside, a small fire crackled in the hearth, its gentle light a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding outside. The old grandfather clock in the hall chimed ten, its solemn tones barely audible over the storm's relentless assault.
According to the text, what time was it when the clock chimed?
A. Nine o'clock
B. Ten o'clock
C. Midnight
D. Just after ten
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Ten o'clock
The text explicitly states, 'The old grandfather clock in the hall chimed ten'. This is a direct retrieval of information.
Q2. The courtroom was a crucible of tension. Every eye was fixed on the witness, whose testimony could change everything. The lawyer’s questions were relentless, each one designed to probe for weaknesses in the story. She remained poised, her answers concise and unwavering, but a faint tremor in her hand betrayed the immense pressure she was under. The silence in the room was almost palpable, thick with unspoken anxieties and expectations.
A. Quiet and peaceful.
B. Difficult to understand.
C. So intense as to seem almost tangible.
D. Likely to change at any moment.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. So intense as to seem almost tangible.
The word 'palpable' means something can be touched or felt. Here, it is used metaphorically to show the intensity of the silence.
Q3. Read the passage below.
The forest floor was a tapestry of dappled sunlight and deep, velvety shadow. Ancient oaks, gnarled and wise, stood as silent sentinels. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. Everything was calm. Everything was peaceful. Then came the sound.
What is the main effect of the short, simple sentence 'Then came the sound.' at the end of the paragraph?
A. It reinforces the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.
B. It provides a detailed description of the sound.
C. It creates a sudden shift in tone and builds tension.
D. It suggests the writer is running out of ideas.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. It creates a sudden shift in tone and builds tension.
The short sentence contrasts sharply with the longer, descriptive sentences before it. This structural shift interrupts the calm and creates suspense, making the reader wonder what the sound is.
Exam mode
Full mock exam
40 random questions, real timing, marked against the official pass mark. Different every time.
The first 8 of 40 questions are free, with your score on them. Finishing the paper, your result against the pass mark and every answer explained come with the paid version.
Try it free
Topic drills
Ten quick questions on one topic, marked instantly with explanations.
1 free drill left.
Who has to sit the GCSE English Language (AQA)
Who needs a GCSE English Language (AQA)?
Students aged 16-18 without Grade 4 in English Language, if not passed in Literature.
The real GCSE English Language (AQA): format
How long is the GCSE English Language (AQA)?
The real GCSE English Language (AQA) lasts 210 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the GCSE English Language (AQA) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: Grade 4 (standard pass). Our mock marks you at 24 out of 40, the threshold we mark against.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE English Language (AQA) cost?
Rebooking after a fail: November or following summer series; no limit on resits.
How hard is it
What is the GCSE English Language (AQA) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: 59.5% (grade 4+) in 2026 for all ages. Difficulty: Moderate, requiring analytical & writing skills across 19th-21st century texts.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE English Language (AQA)?
Poor time management; incomplete answers.
Not addressing the full question or going off-topic.
Weak writing: grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE English Language (AQA): common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE English Language (AQA)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with AQA.