Edexcel A Level English Literature specification (9ET0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level English 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 Edexcel A Level English 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 Edexcel A Level English Literature (9ET0) 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 Literature qualification from Pearson Edexcel develops learners’ critical engagement with texts across genres and time periods. It encourages wide, independent reading and comparative analysis while fostering creativity, contextual awareness, and literary interpretation. The course supports analytical writing and independent study, preparing students for university-level English and related disciplines. It equips students to explore evolving literary traditions and meanings across texts through drama, prose, poetry, and personal research tasks:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Drama
- Study of one Shakespeare play and one other drama from either tragedy or comedy
- Includes critical essays from Shakespeare: A Critical Anthology (Tragedy or Comedy)
- Explore dramatic form, literary and theatrical techniques, audience response, and contextual interpretation
Component 2: Prose
- Study of two thematically linked prose texts (e.g. Childhood, Colonisation, Crime, Science, Supernatural, Women and Society)
- At least one text must be pre-1900
- Examine genre conventions, contextual influences, and connections across texts
Component 3: Poetry
- Study of post-2000 poetry from the Poems of the Decade anthology
- Plus one other selection from either a named poet or a literary period (e.g. Chaucer, Keats, Rossetti, Eliot, Larkin)
- Explore poetic form, meaning, and comparison with unseen poetry
Non-exam assessment
- One extended comparative essay (2500–3000 words)
- Free choice of two different texts not studied elsewhere
- Texts may be linked by theme, author, period or genre
- Includes engagement with interpretations, context, and critical theory:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Drama (9ET0/01)
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 60 marks; 30% of A Level
- Section A: Shakespeare – essay incorporating critical interpretation
- Section B: Other drama – essay on second play
- Open book (clean copies only; no anthologies allowed)
Component 2: Prose (9ET0/02)
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 40 marks; 20% of A Level
- One comparative essay question on two linked prose texts
- Open book
Component 3: Poetry (9ET0/03)
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 60 marks; 30% of A Level
- Section A: comparative analysis of an unseen and a studied post-2000 poem
- Section B: essay on a poet or movement (pre- or post-1900)
- Open book
Non-exam assessment (9ET0/04)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- 60 marks; 20% of A Level
- One extended essay on two texts (not used elsewhere)
- Advisory word count: 2500–3000 words:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level English 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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