WJEC A Level English Literature specification (1720)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC A Level English Literature (1720) 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 specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level English Literature qualification from WJEC encourages learners to develop their appreciation of literature through critical engagement, independent study, and a wide range of reading. It builds analytical and comparative skills across poetry, prose and drama, including texts from different periods and genres. The course supports students in exploring cultural, historical and literary contexts, while also fostering personal response and enjoyment of literature. The specification aims to nurture life-long readers and equip learners for further academic and career progression in the humanities:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
AS Unit 1: Prose and Drama (closed-book)
- Section A: Prose fiction pre-1900 – extract-based and whole-text question on one prescribed prose text (e.g. Jane Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, David Copperfield)
- Section B: Drama – essay response on one set text from a list including A Streetcar Named Desire, Top Girls, Translations
AS Unit 2: Poetry Post-1900 (open-book, clean copy)
- Section A: Critical analysis – analysis of a single poem from one of two paired post-1900 poetry collections
- Section B: Poetry comparison – comparison of both studied collections (e.g. Edward Thomas & Alun Lewis, Larkin & Duffy, Hughes & Plath)
A2 Unit 3: Poetry Pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry (open-book, clean copy)
- Section A: Two-part question on a set pre-1900 poetry text (e.g. Donne, Rossetti, Milton, Keats, Blake)
- Section B: Comparative analysis of two unseen poems
A2 Unit 4: Shakespeare (closed-book)
- Section A: Extract-based question on one Shakespeare play
- Section B: Whole-play essay on same text (e.g. King Lear, Hamlet, The Tempest)
A2 Unit 5: Prose Study (non-exam assessment)
- 2500–3500 word comparative assignment on two prose texts (one pre-2000, one post-2000), selected by centre
- Focus on context, literary tradition, movement or genre:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
AS Unit 1: Prose and Drama
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 20% of A Level
- Closed-book
AS Unit 2: Poetry Post-1900
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 20% of A Level
- Open-book (clean copy)
A2 Unit 3: Poetry Pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 20% of A Level
- Open-book (clean copy)
A2 Unit 4: Shakespeare
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 20% of A Level
- Closed-book
A2 Unit 5: Prose Study
- Non-exam assessment
- 120 marks; 20% of A Level
- One 2500–3500 word assignment on two prose texts:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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