AQA GCSE English Literature specification (8702)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE 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 AQA GCSE 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 AQA GCSE English Literature (8702) 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
This GCSE English Literature qualification is designed to inspire and challenge students of all abilities through the study of a wide range of texts. It emphasises a skills-based approach to literature, developing critical reading, comprehension, and analytical abilities. The course includes a diverse selection of texts to promote choice and engagement, preparing students for further study and lifelong appreciation of literature. It also complements GCSE English Language by fostering transferable skills. Assessments are designed to fairly represent student attainment through extract-based and extended response questions in an untiered, closed-book format.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
- Study one full Shakespeare play from: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, or Julius Caesar.
- Study one full 19th-century novel from: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, or The Sign of Four.
3.2 Modern texts and poetry
- Choose one full modern text (prose or drama) from: An Inspector Calls, Blood Brothers, The History Boys, DNA, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Taste of Honey, Princess & The Hustler, Leave Taking, Lord of the Flies, Telling Tales, Animal Farm, Never Let Me Go, Anita and Me, Pigeon English, or My Name is Leon.
- Study one poetry cluster from the AQA anthology (15 poems): Love and Relationships, Power and Conflict, or Worlds and Lives.
- Prepare for unseen poetry analysis, focusing on comparison, language, structure, and theme.
3.3 Skills
- Develop literal and inferential comprehension, thematic analysis, and contextual understanding.
- Evaluate writers’ use of language, form, and structure using literary terminology.
- Write critically and coherently using appropriate vocabulary and Standard English.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 64 marks, 40% of GCSE.
- Section A: One extract-based question plus whole-text response on chosen Shakespeare play.
- Section B: One extract-based question plus whole-text response on chosen 19th-century novel.
Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 96 marks, 60% of GCSE.
- Section A: One essay question on chosen modern text.
- Section B: One comparative question on one printed poem and one other from studied anthology.
- Section C: One analysis and one comparison of two unseen poems.
Assessment objectives
- AO1: Critical style, personal response, use of textual evidence.
- AO2: Analysis of language, form, and structure.
- AO3: Understanding of literary context.
- AO4: Accuracy in vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE 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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