WJEC GCSE English Literature specification (3720)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC GCSE English Literature (3720) 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 specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE English Literature qualification promotes personal engagement and critical understanding of literature through prose, poetry and drama. It encourages learners to explore diverse cultures, periods and perspectives, with an emphasis on Welsh literary heritage. Students are assessed through both written examinations and non-examination assessments, fostering skills in close reading, comparative analysis, and contextual interpretation. The specification is designed to be inclusive, flexible in text selection, and supportive of learners’ development as reflective, articulate readers and writers, preparing them for further study and lifelong literary appreciation:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Prose (different cultures) and poetry (contemporary)
- Study one prose text from a different culture (e.g. Of Mice and Men, Anita and Me, To Kill a Mockingbird)
- Analyse extracts and respond to whole-text questions
- Compare two unseen contemporary poems
Unit 2a: Literary heritage drama and contemporary prose
- Study one heritage drama (e.g. An Inspector Calls, Hobson’s Choice) and one modern prose (e.g. Heroes, Never Let Me Go)
- Close reading of extracts and thematic response
Unit 2b: Contemporary drama and literary heritage prose
- Study one modern drama (e.g. Blood Brothers, A View from the Bridge) and one prose from the literary heritage (e.g. Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Flies)
Unit 3: Shakespeare and Welsh Writing in English
- Thematic essay on a full Shakespeare play (e.g. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet)
- Comparative essay on 15 thematically linked poems from Poetry 1900–2000: One Hundred Poets from Wales
- Topics may include themes like identity, Wales, childhood, nature, relationships
Skills developed
- Critical personal response with textual evidence
- Comparative evaluation of texts and themes
- Analysis of language, structure, and form
- Exploration of social, historical, and cultural context
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Prose and poetry
- 2 hours, 35% of GCSE
- Section A: Extract and whole-text questions on a prose text from a different culture
- Section B: Comparative response to two unseen contemporary poems
Unit 2a or 2b: Drama and prose
- 2 hours, 40% of GCSE
- Study either heritage drama + modern prose (Unit 2a) or modern drama + heritage prose (Unit 2b)
- Two questions per text: extract analysis and extended response
Unit 3: Shakespeare and Welsh poetry (Non-exam assessment)
- 25% of GCSE
- Section A: Shakespeare essay on a published theme (e.g. love, conflict)
- Section B: Essay comparing at least two of 15 prescribed Welsh poems
- Up to 2 hours per assignment, marked out of 24 per task
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Critical personal response (37%)
- AO2: Language, form and structure analysis (32%)
- AO3: Comparisons and links (12%)
- AO4: Contextual understanding (19%)
Tiers
- Foundation (C–G) and Higher (A*–D) for Units 1 & 2
- NEA caters for full range of ability
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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