WJEC GCSE English Language specification (3700)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC 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 WJEC GCSE English Language (3700) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE English Language qualification promotes essential skills in oracy, reading and writing for real-life contexts. It is designed for use in Wales and supports learners in becoming confident communicators, analytical readers, and accurate writers. The qualification strengthens literacy by emphasising core skills such as grammar, punctuation and spelling, and includes two external examinations and a non-examination oracy unit. It enables learners to interact effectively, make informed choices, and access higher education or employment. The course is linear and untiered, ensuring accessibility and challenge across all ability levels.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Oracy (Non-exam assessment)
- Task 1: Individual researched presentation based on WJEC set themes (Wales, Leisure, Work, Science/Technology, Citizenship).
- Task 2: Group discussion in response to WJEC-provided stimuli.
- Assesses register, grammar, structure, content, and verbal reasoning.
Unit 2: Reading and Writing – Description, Narration, Exposition
- Section A: Unseen continuous and non-continuous texts (e.g. autobiography, diaries, speeches, travel writing).
- Section B: One writing task from a choice of two (description, narration, exposition).
- Includes editing and proofreading for grammar and structure.
Unit 3: Reading and Writing – Argumentation, Persuasion, Instructional
- Section A: Unseen texts (e.g. letters, leaflets, reports, guides, digital/multi-modal sources).
- Section B: One compulsory argumentation and one persuasion writing task.
- Assesses awareness of audience, purpose, style, and real-life application.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Oracy): Present, listen, respond, interact, use accurate grammar and register.
- AO2 (Reading): Inference, deduction, synthesis, evaluation, identifying bias.
- AO3 (Writing): Purposeful communication, structure, proofreading, grammar and spelling.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Oracy
- 20% of qualification, internally assessed and externally moderated.
- Task 1: Individual presentation (5–7 mins including Q&A).
- Task 2: Group discussion (approx. 10 mins).
- Both tasks recorded; assessed on content, organisation, grammar, and register.
Unit 2: Reading and Writing – Description, Narration, Exposition
- 2 hours, 40% of qualification.
- Section A: Reading unseen texts with structured questions and an editing task (2.5%).
- Section B: One extended writing task (from two options) and one proofreading task (2.5%).
- Marks equally split between communication/organisation and accuracy.
Unit 3: Reading and Writing – Argumentation, Persuasion, Instructional
- 2 hours, 40% of qualification.
- Section A: Reading unseen texts with structured questions.
- Section B: Two compulsory writing tasks (argumentation and persuasion).
- Equal marks for content/structure and technical accuracy.
Assessment Conditions
- Untiered; available in June and November.
- All components must be taken at the end of the course.
- NEA marks can be carried forward across assessment series.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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.
Share this article