English Language Paper 1 is typically 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Context and common formats
- Most GCSE boards (including Edexcel, AQA, OCR, Eduqas, and Pearson configurations) set Paper 1 as a two-part exam: Section A (Reading) and Section B (Writing). The total duration is generally 1 hour 45 minutes, with Section A containing multiple reading questions and Section B requiring a piece of creative or argumentative writing. This aligns with the standard timing across major specifications.
Notes on timing breakdown
- Reading (Section A) is typically allocated about 60–75 minutes, depending on the specific board, with the remaining time for the writing task (Section B). Some revision notes suggest aiming for around 15 minutes of initial reading time before tackling questions, then distributing time across questions to match their marks.
- A common guideline is to pace roughly 1 minute per mark for the reading questions and use the remaining time for planning and writing the chosen creative/functional piece. For an 80-mark paper (40 reading, 40 writing), this translates to careful time management across both sections.
What to check for your specific exam
- Always verify with your syllabus or teacher which board you are sitting (e.g., AQA 8700, Edexcel 9-1, OCR, Pearson). While the overall duration tends to be 1 hour 45 minutes, some specifications might have minor variations or additional access arrangements.
If you’d like, share your specific exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, or Pearson) and I can tailor the timing guidance and suggest a precise 1h45m plan for Section A and Section B based on that board’s typical question distribution.
