AQA A Level English Language & Literature specification (7707)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level English Language & Literature exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level English Language & Literature specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level English Language & Literature (7707) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level English Language & Literature qualification from AQA encourages integrated study of literary and linguistic approaches. It equips students to analyse how meanings are constructed across a wide range of literary and non-literary texts while also developing their own writing. The course builds on stylistic methods to support critical and creative engagement with narrative, voice, and conflict. Through diverse reading and independent investigation, learners develop transferable analytical, evaluative and communication skills for higher education and employment:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Telling stories
- Remembered places: analysis of the AQA Anthology: Paris – representation, genre, viewpoint
- Imagined worlds: one prose text from Shelley, Stoker, Atwood or Sebold – study of narrative, perspective, time/place
- Poetic voices: poems by Donne, Browning, Duffy or Heaney – voice, character, time, place, perspective, narrative frames
3.2 Exploring conflict
- Writing about society: re-creative writing based on texts by Krakauer, Summerscale, Fitzgerald or Hosseini – perspective, narration, time/place, societal conflict
- Critical commentary: evaluation of writing choices and adaptation of the original text
- Dramatic encounters: one play from Shakespeare, Miller, Williams or Kinnear – dramatic speech, power dynamics, themes of conflict
3.3 Making connections
- Independent investigation comparing a literary and a non-literary text through a chosen theme or linguistic feature
- Focus on data-driven enquiry, with analysis of stylistic and contextual factors
- 2500–3000 word report including introduction, literature review, analysis, and conclusions:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Telling Stories
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 100 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: compulsory question on Paris Anthology (closed book)
- Section B: one question on set prose (open book)
- Section C: one question on set poetry (open book)
Paper 2: Exploring Conflict
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 100 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: re-creative writing and commentary (open book)
- Section B: one question on set drama text (open book)
Non-exam assessment: Making Connections
- Independent investigation (2500–3000 words)
- 50 marks; 20% of A Level
- Compares one literary and one non-literary text through linguistic/literary methods
- Assessed by teachers, moderated by AQA:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level English Language & Literature isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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