Edexcel A Level English Language specification (9EN0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel A Level English Language (9EN0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level English Language qualification from Pearson Edexcel fosters students’ understanding of how language functions in a range of modes and contexts. It promotes analytical, critical and creative engagement with written, spoken and multimodal texts. Students explore how language reflects identity, varies over time, and develops in children. The course strengthens investigative and research skills, and provides opportunities for original writing. It encourages independence and supports progression to higher education and careers in linguistics, publishing, media, education, and related fields:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Language Variation
- Analyse how language varies by mode, field, function, audience
- Study of identity construction and personal language choices
- Exploration of English from c1550 to the present day
- Apply linguistic frameworks: pragmatics, discourse, graphology, phonology, morphology, lexis, semantics, syntax
- Evaluate historical, geographical and social influences on English variation
Component 2: Child Language
- Study language development in children aged 0–8
- Analyse spoken and written data
- Evaluate theories of language acquisition
- Explore phonetics, morphology, lexis, semantics, syntax, pragmatics in child language
- Examine transition from speech to writing and narrative development
Component 3: Investigating Language
- Independent research on one of five topics: Global English, Gender Identity, Journalism, Power, Regional Variation
- Pre-release subtopic guides research
- Apply linguistic frameworks, synthesise knowledge, evaluate attitudes and contexts
Non-exam assessment: Crafting Language
- Produce two original texts in one genre (e.g. journalism, short stories) for different audiences/functions
- Write a reflective commentary on writing choices and research
- Demonstrate creativity, linguistic awareness, and genre control
Assessment structure
Component 1: Language Variation (9EN0/01)
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 60 marks; 35% of A Level
- Section A: compare two unseen 21st-century texts
- Section B: compare two texts from different time periods
Component 2: Child Language (9EN0/02)
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 45 marks; 20% of A Level
- One extended response on unseen data (spoken or written)
Component 3: Investigating Language (9EN0/03)
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 45 marks; 25% of A Level
- Section A: analyse unseen data based on researched subtopic
- Section B: evaluative essay using own investigation
Non-exam assessment: Crafting Language (9EN0/04)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- 50 marks; 20% of A Level
- Assignment 1: two original texts (1500–2000 words total)
- Assignment 2: commentary (1000 words)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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