Practice questions for the OCR GCSE English Language (J351) 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 (OCR) 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 OCR. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Free practice questions
Try 3 real GCSE English Language (OCR) questions
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Q1. Read the following passage:
The old park, established in 1902, was a haven of tranquillity. A wrought-iron fence, painted a deep forest green, enclosed its perimeter. At its heart lay a small, circular pond, often visited by a solitary heron that would stand motionless for hours. Children’s laughter from the distant playground rarely disturbed the quiet atmosphere near the water's edge, where ancient oak trees provided ample shade for visitors seeking respite from the summer sun.
According to the text, what surrounded the park?
A. A tall stone wall
B. A thick, overgrown hedge
C. A wooden picket fence
D. A wrought-iron fence
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: D. A wrought-iron fence
The text explicitly states, 'A wrought-iron fence, painted a deep forest green, enclosed its perimeter.' This is a direct retrieval of information.
Q2. Read the passage below.
The politician's speech was filled with vacuous promises. He spoke of prosperity and unity, but his words lacked any real substance or concrete plans, leaving the more discerning members of the audience feeling profoundly unimpressed and worried for the future.
A. Complicated and detailed
B. Inspiring and hopeful
C. Long and repetitive
D. Empty and lacking intelligence
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: D. Empty and lacking intelligence
The context clue 'lacked any real substance' directly points to the meaning of 'vacuous' as empty or mindless.
Q3. He glanced at the clock for the tenth time in as many minutes, his leg jiggling a frantic rhythm against the floorboards. The unopened letter sat on the table, its crisp white edges seeming to mock him. He exhaled slowly, wiping a sweaty palm on his trousers before finally reaching for it. Whatever news it held, it was time to face it. He tore the envelope. His world stopped.
A. It makes the description more vivid and exciting.
B. It suggests the character is calm and in control of the situation.
C. It implies the character is about to fall asleep from boredom.
D. It creates tension and marks a dramatic turning point in the moment.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: D. It creates tension and marks a dramatic turning point in the moment.
The short, simple sentence 'His world stopped.' abruptly halts the pace after a build-up of tension, emphasising the massive impact of the letter's contents.
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Who has to sit the GCSE English Language (OCR)
Who needs a GCSE English Language (OCR)?
Compulsory for students on a 16-19 study programme without a Grade 4+. Required for A-Levels, university, and many employers.
The real GCSE English Language (OCR): format
How many questions are in the GCSE English Language (OCR)?
The real GCSE English Language (OCR) has 2 questions and lasts 240 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the GCSE English Language (OCR) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: Grade 4 is a standard pass. Raw mark boundaries shift annually. In June 2026, Grade 4 was 75/160 (47%); in Nov 2025, it was 74/160 (46.3%). 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 (OCR) cost?
Rebooking after a fail: Available in November and the following summer series. No limit on the number of resits.
How hard is it
How hard is the GCSE English Language (OCR)?
Difficulty: Challenging due to unseen texts and varied skills assessed. 100% exam-assessed, untiered. Requires strong analysis and creative writing skills.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE English Language (OCR)?
Misinterpretation of questions and confusion between texts.
Lack of depth in creative writing; too many events, insufficient description.
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 (OCR): common questions
Frequently asked
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
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 OCR.