SQA National 5 English specification (X824 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 English 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 SQA National 5 English 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 SQA National 5 English (X824 75) 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 SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The National 5 English course aims to develop learners' skills in reading, writing, talking and listening for understanding, analysis, evaluation and creation. It helps candidates to interpret, critically reflect on and respond to a wide range of literature, media and language texts. The course also focuses on enhancing communication and language skills for life, learning and work, encouraging personal, social and cultural understanding through engagement with texts from different genres and perspectives.
Subject content breakdown
Reading
- Understanding, analysing and evaluating literature and non-fiction
- Engaging with a range of texts including prose, poetry, drama and media
- Exploring theme, characterisation, setting, structure, tone and style
- Developing inferential reading and use of textual evidence
Writing
- Producing broadly discursive and creative written texts
- Organising ideas with coherence and technical accuracy
- Adapting tone, structure and register to purpose and audience
Listening and talking
- Understanding and evaluating spoken language
- Taking part in spoken interactions with confidence and clarity
- Responding appropriately and reflecting on spoken communication
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
- 1 hour
- 30 marks
- One non-fiction passage with related questions
- Assesses close reading, analysis and evaluation of writer’s techniques
Question Paper 2: Critical Reading
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40 marks
- Section 1: Scottish text (20 marks) – critical analysis of a studied text
- Section 2: Critical essay (20 marks) – response to one of two questions on a chosen genre
Writing Portfolio
- Two pieces: one broadly creative, one broadly discursive
- 30 marks total (15 per piece)
- Internally marked, externally verified
Performance – Spoken Language
- One spoken interaction or individual presentation
Internally assessed on skills in talking and listening
- Total course assessment: 100 marks
- Final grade based on scaled total from all components (A–D or ‘No Award’)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 English 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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