WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Language specification (C700)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas GCSE English Language (C700) 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 Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in English Language equips learners with the ability to read fluently and write effectively for different audiences and purposes. The course fosters accurate grammar, punctuation and vocabulary use, while promoting critical reading and confident writing. Students analyse a variety of high-quality, unseen texts from the 19th to 21st centuries, developing creative, persuasive and transactional writing skills. Spoken language is also assessed and reported separately, allowing learners to build effective communication and presentation abilities:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: 20th Century Literature Reading and Creative Prose Writing
- Read and respond to one unseen 20th century prose extract (60–100 lines)
- Analyse language, structure, and evaluate ideas
- Write one creative prose task from a choice of four titles
- Skills: narrative writing, use of figurative language, coherence and style
Component 2: 19th and 21st Century Non-Fiction Reading and Transactional/Persuasive Writing
- Read and compare two unseen non-fiction texts (19th and 21st century, 900–1200 words total)
- Tasks assess comprehension, synthesis, evaluation, language analysis
- Write two compulsory transactional/persuasive pieces for different real-life contexts
Component 3: Spoken Language (non-exam assessment)
- Deliver one formal presentation or speech with audience interaction
- Assess use of Standard English, organisation, clarity, and responsiveness
- Reported separately as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Not Classified
Assessment structure
Component 1 – 20th Century Literature Reading and Creative Prose Writing
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Section A: Reading (20%) – structured questions on a prose extract
- Section B: Writing (20%) – one creative writing task
- 40% of qualification
Component 2 – 19th and 21st Century Non-Fiction Reading and Transactional/Persuasive Writing
- 2 hours
- Section A: Reading (30%) – questions on two unseen texts
- Section B: Writing (30%) – two compulsory transactional/persuasive writing tasks
- 60% of qualification
Component 3 – Spoken Language
- Non-exam assessment
- One formal presentation with questions and feedback
Unweighted, reported separately
- All assessments are untiered and taken at the end of the course
- Linear qualification with resits in November series for age 16+ candidates:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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