OCR AS English Language specification (H070)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR AS 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 OCR AS 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 OCR AS English Language (H070) 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
The OCR AS Level in English Language aims to develop learners’ critical engagement with English by building on concepts introduced at GCSE. It supports a secure understanding of the language system and encourages the application of linguistic methods to real-world texts. Students explore the construction of meaning, study a range of written and spoken data, and develop their skills in language analysis, interpretation and original writing. The course fosters independence, critical thinking, and creativity while enabling learners to engage with topical issues in language use. It is co-teachable with the first year of the full A Level.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Content of AS Level in English Language (H070)
- Analyse a wide range of spoken, written, electronic and multi-modal English forms
- Understand phonetics, phonology and prosodics; lexis and semantics; grammar and morphology; pragmatics; discourse
- Apply language levels to contextualised data
- Use appropriate terminology and analytical methods systematically
- Explore unseen texts in different genres and modes
3.2 Component 01: Exploring language
- Section A: Understanding language features in context
- Analyse short written texts focusing on lexis, grammar, pragmatics, and discourse
- Consider contextual influences and effects of linguistic choices
- Section B: Comparing and contrasting texts
- Compare texts of different modes (written/spoken)
- Explore connections using language levels including phonology
- Use theoretical frameworks such as gender or power when appropriate
3.3 Component 02: Exploring contexts
- Section A: Writing about a topical language issue
- Produce original writing on language issues
- Demonstrate critical awareness of attitudes, form, audience and purpose
- Section B: Exploring language in context
- Respond to unseen texts focused on gender or power
- Apply analysis to multi-modal texts using language levels and graphology
- Evaluate how meaning is constructed through context and linguistic features
Assessment structure
Exploring language (01)
- Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks
- Section A: Analyse a short unseen written text
- Section B: Compare two unseen texts of different modes (e.g., written and spoken)
- Assesses AO1, AO3, AO4
- Worth 50% of total AS Level
Exploring contexts (02)
- Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks
- Section A: Produce original writing on a topical language issue
- Section B: Analyse unseen text in relation to gender or power
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO5
- Worth 50% of total AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR AS 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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