Preparing for the GCSE English Language exam can be an exciting yet challenging time and, as parents, you want to provide your children with the best resources to help them to achieve their full potential.
Online resources can be a valuable source of information but many students also find printed textbooks, workbooks and revision guides useful and I have often been asked by teenagers and parents which ones I use and can recommend.
The following list of top textbooks for AQA GCSE English Language revision (in no particular order) are highly regarded for their comprehensive content, exam-focused approach and accessibility and are recommended by both myself and several of my students. They can be very helpful when revising and practising the key topics of the AQA GCSE English Language exams... but only when used regularly and not left forgotten in a bag or on a shelf.
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This comprehensive textbook covers all the key areas of the AQA GCSE English Language syllabus and includes detailed study notes, explanations, questions and practice exercises to reinforce concepts.
Additionally, it offers sample exam questions and graded answers which demonstrate how to achieve marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2, a full set of practice exams to test students' knowledge and a wealth of handy exam tips and strategies.
My own students found the Knowledge Organiser pages and online videos particularly helpful in explaining how to answer each exam question and, by entering a code printed inside the book's cover, you can also access the free online edition of this book from a PC, Mac or tablet.
This workbook provides targeted practice for students, helping them to consolidate their knowledge and develop essential exam skills.
Including details about the assessment criteria, guided exam-style questions, sample answers and mark schemes, it enables students to become familiar with the requirements of the GCSE English Language exam papers and improve their performance.
Finally, there are plenty of hints and tips to help students avoid common mistakes and a full set of practice papers to help them practise their exam technique and timings.
For best results, I would recommend using this workbook in conjunction with one or more of the other products in the range. For example, there is also a revision guide which is designed to accompany this workbook and the pages are organised in such a way that students can easily find the relevant information and practice they need.
In addition, Pearson also offer revision cards, practice papers, a model answers workbook, a guided revision workbook and a free, online learning portal.
This student book, aimed at students wishing to achieve Grades 1-5 in GCSE English Language, is tailored specifically for the AQA GCSE English Language specification, providing in-depth coverage of key topics.
It features a range of 19th, 20th and 21st century texts, as well as model answers, examiner tips and engaging activities to promote critical thinking and analytical skills.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar support is consistently integrated throughout the book and it also includes assessments and two practice papers.
For higher ability students who are aiming for Grades 5 and above, you might find the "GCSE English Language for AQA Progress Plus" edition more appropriate.
Designed for the latest GCSE English Language AQA specification, this revision guide offers concise summaries of each topic which are accompanied by clear explanations, exam-style questions and fully worked answers.
With an accessible format and valuable advice, this guide is an invaluable tool for students aiming for top grades as it
explains how to approach different question types and provides
sample answers to demonstrate what students have to do to achieve each grade boundary.
The Knowledge Organiser pages are a useful revision resource and, for extra help, students can access online videos which clearly explain a variety of strategies for maximising marks in the exam.
For extra practice, students might like the Exam Practice Workbook from the same range.
This book combines a comprehensive revision guide, a practical workbook and a practice paper all in one book, making it a complete package for exam preparation.
One of the main features of this revision guide is its emphasis on repeated practice throughout and this book includes quick tests, end-of-topic practice questions, topic review questions, mixed practice questions, and a complete exam-style paper. By scanning the QR codes, you can access online, quick recall quizzes which provide instant feedback on your progress and there are also free Q&A flashcards and videos available with step-by-step solutions for every topic.
It is a good all-rounder but it's worth noting that, as it also covers GCSE English Literature, it's not as detailed and comprehensive a guide to GCSE English Language as some of the other books mentioned.
Equipping your teenager with the right resources is key to their success in GCSE English Language and by incorporating these textbooks, workbooks and guides into your child's revision schedule, you'll be giving them every opportunity to learn and practise the knowledge and skills they need in order to achieve the grades they desire and deserve.
About the Author
I’m a private tutor, a former qualified and experienced secondary school English Teacher and the founder of English Home Studies. In addition to offering 1:1 tuition sessions for students from 9 - 16 years old (Year 5 - Year 11), I create digital and printable revision guides and activity packs.
I often post advice and links to free and affordable English resources on the English Home Studies Facebook and Instagram pages but, if you have a child in KS3 or KS4, you might like to join one of my Facebook groups:
If you would like to find out more about my qualifications and experience, read some of the lovely reviews I've received from previous clients or have any questions, please have a look around my website or send me a message. Many thanks.
