AQA AS English Literature B specification (7716)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA AS English Literature B 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 AQA AS English Literature B 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 AQA AS English Literature B (7716) 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 AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA AS Level in English Literature B focuses on genre-based literary study, fostering skills in literary criticism, analysis, and interpretation. It centres on how meanings are shaped in texts and how genre conventions are used and challenged. Students develop independent reading skills and critical engagement through studying narrative theory and dramatic genre. The approach is conceptual, encouraging coherent, theory-informed responses. The specification supports progression from GCSE and lays a strong foundation for further study by focusing on the detailed analysis of literary forms and their effects.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Literary genres
- Study of one prose text and one poetry text within the crime or tragedy genre
- Emphasis on genre conventions and how texts conform to or challenge them
- Encourages independent reading and critical thinking
Set texts: Crime writing
- Poetry: The Oxford Book of English Detective Stories
- Prose: Atonement – Ian McEwan, Brighton Rock – Graham Greene, When Will There Be Good News? – Kate Atkinson, In Cold Blood – Truman Capote, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie, or one other from the set list
Set texts: Tragedy
- Poetry: John Keats – Selected Poems (Penguin Classics)
- Prose: Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy, The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald, or one other from the set list
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Literary genres
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks
- Closed book
- Section A: One passage-based question on a set text (25 marks)
- Section B: One essay on a second set text (25 marks)
- Focused on either the tragedy or crime writing genre
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Paper 2: Prose
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks
- Open book
- Section A: One compulsory question on an unseen prose extract (25 marks)
- Section B: One comparative essay on two prose texts (25 marks)
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA AS English Literature B 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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