Edexcel AS English Literature specification (8ET0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel AS 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 Edexcel AS 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 Edexcel AS English Literature (8ET0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel AS Level in English Literature enables students to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of literary texts. The course develops learners' ability to read independently, analyse texts in depth, and explore connections across literature through the study of poetry, prose and drama. Students gain insight into the historical and cultural contexts of texts and are encouraged to consider multiple interpretations. The qualification promotes effective communication and the application of literary concepts, supporting progression from GCSE and forming a foundation for further study in English or related subjects.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Poetry and Drama
- Study of modern poetry from Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011
- Study of one drama text from a prescribed list, either tragedy or comedy
- Focus on poetic form, meaning, language, style and conventions
- Understanding of dramatic form, literary devices, and contextual influences
- Analysis of alternative interpretations of the drama text
Drama texts (select one):
- Les Blancs – Lorraine Hansberry
- Doctor Faustus – Christopher Marlowe
- The Duchess of Malfi – John Webster
- The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde
- The Rover – Aphra Behn
- A Streetcar Named Desire – Tennessee Williams
- Sweat – Lynn Nottage
- Waiting for Godot – Samuel Beckett
Component 2: Prose
- Study of two thematically linked prose texts, including at least one pre-1900
- Exploration of genre conventions, language, form and structure
- Emphasis on relationships between texts and their contexts
Themes and example texts:
- Childhood: Hard Times, What Maisie Knew, Atonement, The Color Purple
- Colonisation and its Aftermath: Huckleberry Finn, Heart of Darkness, Home Fire, The Lonely Londoners
- Crime and Detection: Lady Audley’s Secret, The Moonstone, The Cutting Season, In Cold Blood
- Science and Society: Frankenstein, The War of the Worlds, The Handmaid’s Tale, Never Let Me Go
- The Supernatural: Dracula, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Beloved, The Little Stranger
- Women and Society: Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Wuthering Heights, Mrs Dalloway, A Thousand Splendid Suns
Assessment structure
Component 1: Poetry and Drama
- 2 hours, 72 marks
- Open book (clean copies only)
- Section A: One comparative essay question on modern poetry (24 marks)
- Section B: One essay question on the studied drama text (48 marks)
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, AO5
- Worth 60% of the AS Level
Component 2: Prose
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 44 marks
- Open book (clean copies only)
- One comparative essay question on two thematically linked prose texts from a choice of two
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4
- Worth 40% of the AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel AS 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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