AQA A Level English Language specification (7702)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level English Language 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 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 (7702) 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 qualification from AQA offers students the opportunity to engage critically and creatively with language use in real-world and academic contexts. It introduces a wide range of written, spoken and multimodal texts, encouraging students to explore how language is shaped by audience, purpose, genre and context. The course fosters analytical, discursive and original writing skills through data-based inquiry and linguistic investigation. It supports independent thinking and research, offering flexibility and depth for progression to higher education and language-related fields:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
4.1 Language, the individual and society
- Textual variations and representations: analysis of contemporary and historical texts; representation of identity and relationships; context and mode
- Children’s language development: acquisition and progression in speech and writing; developmental stages; research and theories
4.2 Language diversity and change
- Diversity: sociolects, dialects (regional, national, international), ethnicity, gender, occupation
- Change: historical and contemporary changes (1600–present); global English; causes and consequences
- Discourses: media and non-specialist texts on language attitudes and issues; representation and positioning of readers
- Writing skills: academic and discursive essay writing; analytical and creative writing for non-specialist audiences
4.3 Language in action
- Language Investigation: independent enquiry into a chosen topic (e.g. gendered talk, online discourse, occupational language, regional dialect)
- Original Writing: one creative piece informed by a selected genre (e.g. persuasion, storytelling, information)
- Commentary: reflective analysis of choices and effectiveness
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 100 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: analysis and comparison of two linked texts
- Section B: discursive essay on children’s language development (choice of two)
Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 100 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: evaluative essay on language diversity or change
- Section B: analysis of two texts and directed writing task based on language discourses
Non-exam assessment: Language in Action
- 3,500 words total; 100 marks; 20% of A Level
- Two parts: language investigation (2,000 words excluding data) and original writing with commentary (1,500 words)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level English Language 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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