How Many A Level English Language Papers Are There?

Thinking about taking A Level English Language but you’re not sure how many exam papers there are and what they’re all about? The exact details depend on your exam board, but not to worry - here, we’ll give you all the information you’ll need to know about A Level English Language exams and how the course is delivered.

Key Takeaways

• A Level English Language specifications and exact grade weightings vary across exam board

• Most exam boards assess with written exam papers, plus coursework, typically worth 80% and 20% respectively

• Assessment is based on a combination of data analysis and essay writing, and original writing

• AQA offers 2 exam papers covering language and society, diversity, and change, and creative writing, plus an independent language investigation for coursework

• Edexcel provides 3 written exam papers focusing on language variation, child language acquisition, and language investigation, plus coursework

Overview of A Level English Language

A Level English Language explores how language works in real-world contexts. Unlike English Literature, which focuses on literary texts, in English Language you’ll examine everything from dialect and sociolect to child language development, political speeches, and digital communication.

The course is ideal for students interested in linguistics, psychology, journalism, teaching, or any career involving communication. 

Assessment combines written examinations with independently researched coursework, allowing students to develop both analytical and investigative skills.

Most specifications include coursework (Non-Exam Assessment or NEA), which gives you the chance to conduct your own research on a topic you’re interested in. 

AQA A Level English Language: Paper Breakdown

AQA (opens in a new tab) is one of the most popular exam boards for A Level English Language in England and Wales. The course includes two written examination papers and one NEA component.

Let’s break it down. 

The two exam papers assess:

• AO1: analysis of language using subject terminology + coherent written expression

• AO2: critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use

• AO3: analysis and evaluation of contextual factors and language for meaning

• AO4: exploration of connections across texts, applying linguistic concepts and methods

• AO5: demonstration of expertise and creativity by communicating in different ways

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)

The AQA NEA has two assignments: 

• Assignment 1: A language investigation (2,000 words excluding data)

• Assignment 2: A piece of original writing and commentary (1,500 words total)

Popular topics of investigation include:

• language use on social media

• gendered language in advertising

• regional dialect features

• language development in specific contexts

One of my students investigated the language of sports commentators across time. 

For the original writing task, students choose to write in a particular style, using a specific form, such as a newspaper article. A student of mine wrote an opinion article in the style of Jeremy Clarkson, for example.  

Worth 100 marks, the NEA assesses A01, AO2, AO3, AO4, and AO5.  

It’s marked by teachers and moderated by AQA. You’ll typically begin your coursework early in Year 13, as data collection and analysis takes time.

Edexcel A Level English Language: Paper Breakdown

Edexcel (Pearson) (opens in a new tab) offers three written examination papers plus coursework.

The 3 exam papers assess: 

• AO1:Critical application of methods of language analysis + sophisticated structure and expression using subject terminology

• AO2: Evaluative application of concepts and issues, using data

• AO3: Critical examination and evaluation of links to contextual factors and language features

• AO4: Evaluation of connections across data + critical application of theories, concepts and methods

Coursework / NEA

Edexcel's coursework component is an independent language investigation. Students design their own research project, focusing on an area of personal interest within English linguistics. 

This assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, and AO4. It’s worth 50 marks. 

The investigation must include primary data collection, analysis, and engagement with theory.

• Assignment 1: Two pieces of original writing differentiated by function and/or audience - 1500–2000 words

• Assignment 2: One commentary, reflecting on the two pieces of original writing produced and making connections with research undertaken - 1000 words

It’s marked by teachers and moderated by Edexcel. 

How Do the Exam Boards Compare?

While both AQA and Edexcel cover similar content and assess similarly, the structure of their courses differ significantly:

AQA consolidates content into two comprehensive papers, including an original writing task.  

Edexcel has three papers, including an investigation. 

Both specifications emphasise linguistic terminology, theoretical frameworks, and contextual analysis. 

Tips for Preparing for Each Paper

For AQA Paper 1 (Language, the Individual and Society):

• Practice comparing texts from different genres, time periods, or contexts.

• Create flash cards for child language theorists.

• Analyse real child language, perhaps with family, friends or neighbours.

• Time yourself using past papers to build speed and stamina.

For AQA Paper 2 (Language Diversity and Change):

• Listen out for regional dialect features, accent variations, and people’s attitudes

  • You can find some examples at International Dialects of English Archive (opens in a new tab) and The Speech Accent Archive (opens in a new tab)

• Create a time-line to revise language change

• Develop your writing skills by reading lots of non-fiction 

For Edexcel Paper 1 (Language Variation):

• Make revision cards on key terms

• Analyse transcripts of spoken language

  • The BBC Learning English (opens in a new tab) has examples

  • You can also find some on BBC - Voices - Webguide (opens in a new tab)

• Study how language functions in real-world settings (at the doctor, with friends, or in your classroom)

• Practice writing analytical essays that apply linguistic frameworks

For Edexcel Paper 2 (Child Language):

• Listen to babies and children learning to speak (cooing, babbling, two-word, etc)

• Learn key features of early writing development, including letter formation, spelling strategies, and grammatical errors

  • Browse the Digitised manuscripts and archives - British Library (opens in a new tab)

• Practice doing past papers with exam timings

For Edexcel Paper 3 (Investigating Language):

• Practice designing mini-investigations on real-world examples

  • The author Irvine Welsh (opens in a new tab) writes phonetically using a Scottish dialect - why not use some of his work to practise? 

• Read our list of key theorists and expert tips on how to revise A Level English Language

For NEA/Coursework (Both Boards):

• Choose a focused, specific research question rather than a broad topic

  • Edexcel Pearson have some A Level English Language exemplar responses (opens in a new tab) you can read through

• Collect high-quality, relevant data

  • You could use online forums or whatsapp messages to investigate how turn-taking works in real life, for example

• Learn your linguistic theories

  • We’ve some info on some language theorists

• Allow time for lots of editing using teacher feedback

• Proofread carefully for subject terminology, accuracy, and academic style

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all exam boards have the same number of papers?

No, exam boards structure A Level English Language differently. AQA offers 2 written papers plus NEA coursework, while Edexcel provides 3 written papers plus coursework. Other exam boards like WJEC Eduqas and OCR have their own structures, though most follow a similar pattern of 2–3 exams plus independent investigation.

Is the NEA mandatory in A Level English Language?

Yes, the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) is mandatory for both AQA and Edexcel specifications. Your NEA demonstrates independent research skills, methodological understanding, and sustained analytical writing—all valuable for university and beyond. 

Which paper is the hardest in A Level English Language?

This depends on your personal strengths. AQA Paper 2, Section B may be tricky as you need to write analytically and creatively within time constraints. On the other hand, Edexcel has 3 exam papers, which some students find demanding. Rest assured that both exam boards essentially test the same skills and teach the same content. 

Can I take A Level English Language without Literature?

Yes, A Level English Language is entirely independent from A Level English Literature. Language focuses on how language works in society, while Literature is about literary texts and critical theory. There is the option to take a Combined English Language and Literature course, too. Universities don’t need you to do both unless a particular course asks for it. 

Final Thoughts

So, now you know how many A Level English Language papers there are. While the number and structure of papers differ between exam boards they all assess similar concepts: language variation and change, child language development, and linguistic investigation.

Still, regardless of the exam board, you’ll find that regular practice with data, plus a good knowledge of terms and theory will help you crack the course. Take the chance to explore the things you learn in class when you’re with friends and family, watching a film, or reading messages. With A Level English Language, what you learn in lessons, you’ll hear and see in the real world!

References: 

Edexcel Pearson A Level English Language Exemplars (NEA) (opens in a new tab)

Books by Irvine Welsh (Author of Trainspotting) (opens in a new tab)

International Dialects of English Archive (opens in a new tab)

The Speech Accent Archive (opens in a new tab)

BBC Learning English (opens in a new tab) 

BBC - Voices - Webguide (opens in a new tab)

Digitised manuscripts and archives - British Library (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel (Pearson) (opens in a new tab) 

AQA (opens in a new tab)