Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE (9–1) English Language
J351/01 Communicating information and ideas
Time allowed: 2 hours
You must have:
• the Insert (inside this document)
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined page at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions in Section A and one question in Section B.
• Use the Insert to answer the questions in Section A.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 16 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
• Read the Insert carefully before you start your answers to Section A.
OCR English Language Communicating information and
ideas (J351/01) Question Paper and Mark Scheme 2026
, 2
Section A
Reading information and ideas
You should spend about 1 hour on this section.
Question 1 is about Text 1, Narrative of the Life of An American Slave by Frederick Douglass.
1 Look at lines 1–9.
(a) Give two phrases that describe what Mrs. Auld taught Frederick Douglass.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
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2 .......................................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(b) Give one phrase which describes what Mr. Auld did when he found out.
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. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) Explain one way Mr. Auld thinks learning to read would harm Frederick Douglass.
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. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
Question 2 is about Text 1, Narrative of the Life of An American Slave by Frederick Douglass and
Text 2, Ex Libris by Michiko Kakutani.
2 Both writers describe their thoughts and feelings about reading.
What are the similarities between their thoughts and feelings?
Draw on evidence from both texts to support your answer. [6]
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© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
Question 3 is about Text 2, Ex Libris by Michiko Kakutani.
3 Look at lines 12–27.
Explore how Michiko Kakutani uses language and structure to describe the ways books affect
people.
Support your ideas by using relevant subject terminology. [12]
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© OCR 2025
GCSE (9–1) English Language
J351/01 Communicating information and ideas
Time allowed: 2 hours
You must have:
• the Insert (inside this document)
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined page at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions in Section A and one question in Section B.
• Use the Insert to answer the questions in Section A.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 16 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
• Read the Insert carefully before you start your answers to Section A.
OCR English Language Communicating information and
ideas (J351/01) Question Paper and Mark Scheme 2026
, 2
Section A
Reading information and ideas
You should spend about 1 hour on this section.
Question 1 is about Text 1, Narrative of the Life of An American Slave by Frederick Douglass.
1 Look at lines 1–9.
(a) Give two phrases that describe what Mrs. Auld taught Frederick Douglass.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Give one phrase which describes what Mr. Auld did when he found out.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) Explain one way Mr. Auld thinks learning to read would harm Frederick Douglass.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
Question 2 is about Text 1, Narrative of the Life of An American Slave by Frederick Douglass and
Text 2, Ex Libris by Michiko Kakutani.
2 Both writers describe their thoughts and feelings about reading.
What are the similarities between their thoughts and feelings?
Draw on evidence from both texts to support your answer. [6]
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© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
Question 3 is about Text 2, Ex Libris by Michiko Kakutani.
3 Look at lines 12–27.
Explore how Michiko Kakutani uses language and structure to describe the ways books affect
people.
Support your ideas by using relevant subject terminology. [12]
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© OCR 2025
