OCR A Level English Literature specification (H472)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR 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 OCR 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 OCR A Level English Literature (H472) 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 Literature qualification from OCR promotes wide, independent reading and critical engagement across the major literary genres: drama, prose, and poetry. It develops learners’ ability to explore texts in depth, consider context and literary tradition, and express original and well-supported interpretations. With flexible thematic choices and a substantial non-exam component, the course encourages analytical and creative responses while preparing students for further study in literature and related fields:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Drama and poetry pre-1900
- One Shakespeare play (e.g. Hamlet, Othello, The Tempest) examined through passage-based and thematic questions
- One pre-1900 drama (e.g. Edward II, A Doll’s House, An Ideal Husband)
- One pre-1900 poetry collection (e.g. Chaucer, Coleridge, Rossetti, Tennyson)
- Comparative analysis of drama and poetry texts with focus on literary tradition, genre, and context
Component 02: Comparative and contextual study
- Choose one topic from:
- American Literature 1880–1940
- The Gothic
- Dystopia
- Women in Literature
- The Immigrant Experience
- Study of two texts (at least one core text, one optional/suggested)
- Close reading of unseen extract and comparative essay on set texts
- Thematic and contextual analysis, including reader interpretations over time
Component 03: Literature post-1900 (non-exam assessment)
- Task 1: Close reading or re-creative writing with commentary on one post-1900 text
- Task 2: Comparative essay on two post-1900 texts (one must be post-2000)
- One text each from poetry, prose and drama required across both tasks
- Independent study with teacher-approved texts and tasks:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Drama and poetry pre-1900 (H472/01)
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 60 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section 1: Shakespeare – extract analysis and essay
- Section 2: Comparative essay on one drama and one poetry text
- Closed text
Comparative and contextual study (H472/02)
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 60 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: Close reading of unseen prose extract (topic-specific)
- Section B: Comparative essay on two texts from chosen topic
- Closed text
Literature post-1900 (H472/03)
- Non-exam assessment
- 40 marks; 20% of A Level
- Task 1: Close reading or re-creative writing with commentary (based on one text)
- Task 2: Comparative essay (two texts)
- Word limit: approx. 3000 words combined
- Assessed by teacher, externally moderated:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR 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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