WJEC Eduqas A Level English Language specification (A700)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas A Level English Language (A700) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level English Language qualification from WJEC Eduqas encourages learners to critically explore language in real-world and historical contexts, and to develop as analytical readers and confident producers of varied texts. It fosters independent investigation, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how language constructs identity, reflects society, and evolves over time. Learners study both spoken and written forms, engage with creative and discursive writing, and produce original research on language and identity. The course supports progression to higher education and careers involving linguistics, communication and cultural studies:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Language Concepts and Issues
- Section A: Analysis of Spoken Language – extended response on at least two transcripts; focus on genre, context and key language features
- Section B: Language Issues – essay from a choice of three on topics including Standard/Non-Standard English, language and power, language and situation, language acquisition
Component 2: Language Change Over Time
- Section A: Comparative analysis of three unseen texts (post-1500) across time; lexical, grammatical, orthographic changes
- Section B: English in the Twenty-First Century – extended response on contemporary language influenced by technology and culture
Component 3: Creative and Critical Use of Language
- Respond to one of two prompts using two original writing tasks (any genre) and a commentary on one piece
- Commentary explores audience, purpose, form, language choices and context
Component 4: Language and Identity (Non-exam assessment)
- Independent 2500–3500 word language investigation from one of four areas:
- Language and self-representation
- Language and gender
- Language and culture
- Language diversity
- Investigation includes data collection, analysis and contextual reflection
Assessment structure
Component 1: Language Concepts and Issues
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 30% of A Level
- Section A: spoken language analysis
- Section B: essay on one of three topical issues
Component 2: Language Change Over Time
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 120 marks; 30% of A Level
- Section A: multi-part question and comparative essay on historical texts
- Section B: essay on contemporary English
Component 3: Creative and Critical Use of Language
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks; 20% of A Level
- Includes two original writing tasks and one commentary
Component 4: Language and Identity
- Non-exam assessment: 2500–3500 word investigation
- 80 marks; 20% of A Level
- Based on one of four identity-related themes
- Internally assessed, externally moderated:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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