AQA GCSE English Literature Past Papers 2020–2025 (8702) – Paper 1 & Paper 2 with Mark Schemes and Examiner Resources
- Hannah Moore
- Feb 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 26
This page provides the latest AQA GCSE English Literature past papers (8702) from 2020 to 2025, including Paper 1 and Paper 2 question papers, mark schemes, and key examiner resources to help you prepare effectively for your GCSE English Literature papers in 2026 and 2027.
Before attempting these past papers, we strongly recommend that you click here or scroll to the bottom of this article to read the examiner advice and common mistakes identified in these past scripts. This will help you to maximise your marks.
AQA GCSE English Literature 2025 Past Papers (8702) – Free Download Paper 1 Shakespeare & Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry
2025 AQA GCSE English Literature | Downloads | |
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 June 2025 (8702/1) – Shakespeare & 19th-Century Novel | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 June 2025 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 May 2025 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature 2024 Past Papers (8702) – Free Download Paper 1 Shakespeare & Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry
2024 AQA GCSE English Literature | Downloads | |
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 June 2024 (8702/1) – Shakespeare & 19th-Century Novel | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 June 2024 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature 2023 Past Papers (8702) – Free Download Paper 1 Shakespeare & Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry
2023 AQA GCSE English Literature | Downloads | |
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 June 2023 (8702/1) – Shakespeare & 19th-Century Novel | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 June 2023 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature 2022 Past Papers (8702) – Free Download Paper 1 Shakespeare & Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry
2022 AQA GCSE English Literature | Downloads | |
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1M June 2022 (8702/1) – Modern Prose/Drama | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1N June 2022 (8702/1) – Novel | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1P June 2022 (8702/1) – Poetry Anthology | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 June 2022 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature 2021 Past Papers (8702) – Free Download Paper 1 Shakespeare & Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry
2021 AQA GCSE English Literature | Downloads | |
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1M June 2021 (8702/1) – Modern Prose/Drama | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1N June 2021 (8702/1) – Novel | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1P June 2021 (8702/1) – Poetry Anthology | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 June 2021 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature 2020 Past Papers (8702) – Free Download Paper 1 Shakespeare & Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry
2020 AQA GCSE English Literature | Downloads | |
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 June 2020 (8702/1) – Shakespeare & 19th-Century Novel | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 June 2020 (8702/2R) – Modern Texts & Poetry | ||
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Official Examiner Advice & Common Mistakes (Read Before Attempting Past Papers)
The following guidance is from AQA examiners and our experienced English Literature teachers. We strongly recommend that you read this advice
Our Advice Number 1: Avoid Irrelevant Historical or Contextual Detail
AQA Examiners repeatedly highlight that many students include lengthy background information that is not directly linked to the question. For example, detailed discussion of the Gunpowder Plot, Darwin, Malthus, or Victorian society is often added without developing analysis.
Remember that context only gains marks when it supports interpretation of the text. Always link contextual ideas directly to the character, theme, or moment in the question.
Our Advice Number 2: Do Not Use Memorised or Generic Introductions
Examiners report that some students begin with pre-prepared phrases such as “the eponymous hero” or overly formal openings. These do not address the specific focus of the question and can weaken the response. Strong answers respond immediately and directly to the task.
Every sentence should clearly reflect the wording and focus of the question.
Our Advice Number 3: Link the Extract to the Whole Text
A common weakness is treating the extract in isolation. High-level responses place the extract within the wider play or novel. Students should show how characters develop, how themes change, and how the moment connects to earlier and later events in the text.
Our Advice Number 4: Use Advanced Terminology Carefully and Accurately
AQA Examiners have noticed a growing trend of students using sophisticated or social-media terms such as “proto-feminist” or “femme fatale” without demonstrating real understanding. These ideas only gain credit when supported with clear explanation and detailed textual evidence.
Our Advice Number 5: Focus on the Effect, Not Just Naming Techniques
The Examiners frequently report that some students focus too heavily on identifying word classes (such as verbs, nouns, or adjectives) or using obscure rhetorical terminology. In many cases, this becomes “technique-spotting” rather than real analysis.Simply naming a device does not gain high marks. What matters is explaining the effect of the writer’s choices and how they shape meaning. In fact, examiners often state that referring clearly to “the word” or “the image” and analysing its impact is far more effective than incorrect or overcomplicated labelling.
Students should always prioritise how and why the writer’s language influences the reader, rather than trying to include technical terms for their own sake.
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Official Examiner Advice & Common Mistakes (Read Before Attempting Past Papers)
Our Advice Number 1: Manage Your Time Carefully in Unseen Poetry
Examiners repeatedly note that many students spend too long on the 8-mark comparison question in Section C. This often leaves them rushed for the 24-mark analysis question, which carries far greater weighting. Students should prioritise the longer response and ensure they leave enough time to develop a detailed and structured analysis.
Our Advice Number 2: Avoid Fundamental Misinterpretation of Poems
A significant minority of students misunderstand the core meaning of taught poems. For example, examiners report that some candidates believe the Duke in My Last Duchess is grieving, or that the mother in Before You Were Mine is dead.Before analysing language and structure, students must ensure they have a secure and accurate understanding of the speaker, tone, and central message.
Examiner Advice Number 3: Do Not Force an Overly Complex Integrated Comparison
In Section B (Taught Poetry), many students attempt a fully integrated comparison but struggle to sustain it. Examiners suggest that a clearer approach is often to establish a strong connection in the introduction and then discuss each poem in turn while making explicit comparisons.Clarity and control are more important than forcing a complicated structure.
Our Advice Number 4: Avoid Retelling the Story Instead of Analysing
With modern texts such as An Inspector Calls and A Christmas Carol, the AQA examiners frequently see responses that summarise the plot rather than analyse the writer’s methods. High-level answers focus on how and why characters are constructed, and how they are used to explore key themes and messages, rather than simply describing what happens.
Our Advice Advice Number 5: Start Unseen Poetry with a Clear Overview
AQA Examiners highlight that many students take a purely chronological or descriptive approach when analysing unseen poems. The most successful responses begin with a short, focused introduction that captures the central idea, theme, or metaphorical meaning of the poem. This creates a clear line of argument and helps maintain analytical focus throughout the response.
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