OCR A Level English Language specification (H470)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR 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 OCR 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 OCR A Level English Language (H470) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level English Language qualification from OCR enables learners to explore how language works in real-world contexts and varied modes of communication. Through the study of linguistic concepts, terminology, and analysis methods, students develop the ability to critically interpret texts and produce original writing. The course encourages independent investigation, engaging with topical debates, language diversity, child acquisition, media discourse, and historical change. It is designed to prepare students for further academic study and supports the development of transferable analytical, research and communication skills:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Exploring language (Component 01)
- Linguistic analysis of authentic texts using language levels: lexis, grammar, pragmatics, discourse
- Section A: Language under the microscope – close analysis of short written texts
- Section B: Writing about a topical language issue – original writing on a real-world language topic
- Section C: Comparing and contrasting texts – exploring spoken, written and multimodal texts, including regional dialects
Dimensions of linguistic variation (Component 02)
- Section A: Child language acquisition (ages 0–7) – analysis of transcribed speech using IPA and linguistic frameworks
- Section B: Language in the media – multimodal text analysis; engage with theories on language and gender, power, technology
- Section C: Language change – comparative analysis of historical texts from 1600 to the present
Independent language research (Component 03)
- Section A: Independent investigation (2000–2500 words) – data collection, methodology, analysis, conclusions
- Section B: Academic poster (750–1000 words) – visually structured research summary for a general academic audience
- Investigations may explore any topic of interest; creativity and contextual awareness are encouraged
Assessment structure
Exploring language (H470/01)
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 80 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: short written text analysis (20 marks)
- Section B: original writing on topical issue (24 marks)
- Section C: comparison of texts from different modes (36 marks)
Dimensions of linguistic variation (H470/02)
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 80 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: child language (20 marks)
- Section B: media discourse (24 marks)
- Section C: historical language change comparison (36 marks)
Independent language research (H470/03)
- Non-exam assessment (internally assessed, externally moderated)
- 40 marks; 20% of A Level
- Section A: investigation report (30 marks)
- Section B: academic poster (10 marks)
Minimum 20% of marks assess quantitative data analysis across the course:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR 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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