WJEC Eduqas A Level English Literature specification (A720)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas 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 Eduqas A Level English Literature (A720) 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 Literature qualification from Eduqas promotes wide, critical reading and personal engagement with poetry, drama and prose. It encourages learners to develop informed, independent responses to a diverse range of texts and to appreciate the significance of literary traditions, cultural context and critical interpretation. Through the study of key literary genres and unseen texts, students enhance their analytical, comparative and evaluative skills, fostering literary enjoyment and preparation for further academic study or careers in writing, teaching and media:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Poetry
- Section A: Poetry pre-1900 – one two-part question on a prescribed text (e.g. Donne, Blake, Rossetti, Chaucer, Milton)
- Section B: Poetry post-1900 – one question from a choice of two on a pair of texts (e.g. Heaney & Sheers, Larkin & Duffy, Plath & Hughes)
- Assessment focus: analysis, historical context, connections across texts, multiple readings
Component 2: Drama
- Section A: Shakespeare – extract-based and thematic questions on one play (e.g. Hamlet, Lear, Tempest)
- Section B: Drama comparison – one question on a pair of plays (one pre- and one post-1900) (e.g. Duchess of Malfi & Streetcar, Faustus & Enron)
- Closed book; analysis of form, structure, context, and dramatic methods
Component 3: Unseen Texts
- Section A: Unseen prose – analysis of unseen prose from 1880–1910 or 1918–1939, with contextual and critical prompts
- Section B: Unseen poetry – analysis of an unseen poem or poetry extract from any period
- Skills: critical interpretation, shaping of meaning, historical and literary awareness
Component 4: Prose Study (non-exam assessment)
- One 2500–3500 word assignment comparing two prose texts (one pre-2000, one post-2000)
- Focus: connections, genre, tradition, context, critical interpretation
- Texts nominated by the centre and approved by Eduqas:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Poetry
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 30% of qualification
- Open-book (clean copies only)
Component 2: Drama
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 120 marks; 30% of qualification
- Closed-book
Component 3: Unseen Texts
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks; 20% of qualification
- Section A: prose (1880–1910 or 1918–1939)
- Section B: poetry (any period)
Component 4: Prose Study
- Non-exam assessment: 2500–3500 words
- 80 marks; 20% of qualification
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Based on two prose texts nominated by the centre:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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