OCR GCSE English Language specification (J351)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE English Language exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE English Language specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE English Language (J351) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE English Language qualification enables students to explore communication, creativity, and cultural understanding through a diverse range of texts. It supports the development of independent and critical thinking, and the confident use of spoken and written Standard English. Learners read unseen texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and are encouraged to write imaginatively and accurately for different audiences and purposes. The course also builds listening and presentation skills through a compulsory Spoken Language Endorsement. It provides a solid foundation for progression to further education or employment by developing analytical, evaluative, and expressive skills in a variety of contexts.
Subject content breakdown
2b Content of GCSE English Language
- Read unseen 19th, 20th, and 21st century texts from a variety of non-fiction and fiction genres.
- Write for different purposes using accurate grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Speak clearly and respond in formal settings using spoken Standard English.
2c Component 01: Communicating information and ideas
- Read 19th and either 20th or 21st century unseen non-fiction texts.
- Analyse audience, purpose, tone, bias, linguistic and structural features.
- Write non-fiction texts (e.g. articles, speeches, letters) for various purposes using persuasive and rhetorical techniques.
2c Component 02: Exploring effects and impact
- Read and analyse unseen 20th/21st century prose fiction or literary non-fiction.
- Interpret writer’s language, structure, and viewpoint.
- Write original creative pieces using narrative techniques and varied sentence structures.
2d Spoken Language (Component 03 or 04)
- Prepare and deliver a spoken presentation in formal settings.
- Respond to audience questions and use spoken Standard English.
- Assessments are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified based on fluency, organisation, vocabulary, and engagement.
Assessment structure
Communicating information and ideas (Component 01)
- 2-hour exam, 80 marks, 50% of total GCSE.
- Section A: 4 questions on two unseen non-fiction texts (one 19th century, one modern).
- Section B: 1 extended non-fiction writing task linked to Section A themes.
- Assesses reading (AO1–AO4), writing (AO5–AO6). AO6 accounts for 10%.
Exploring effects and impact (Component 02)
- 2-hour exam, 80 marks, 50% of total GCSE.
- Section A: 4 questions on two unseen fiction or literary non-fiction texts from 20th/21st centuries.
- Section B: 1 extended imaginative writing task linked thematically to Section A.
- Assesses reading (AO1–AO4), writing (AO5–AO6). AO6 accounts for 10%.
Spoken Language Endorsement (Component 03 or 04)
- Internally assessed, externally monitored.
- Graded separately: Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified.
- One formal spoken presentation followed by Q&A.
- Does not contribute to final GCSE grade but appears on certificate.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE English Language isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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