WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature specification (C720)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas 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 Eduqas GCSE English Literature (C720) 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 Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in English Literature encourages learners to become confident, independent readers through the study of classic and modern texts in prose, poetry, and drama. It aims to develop reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, while fostering an appreciation of literature’s richness and influence. This specification supports breadth and depth through whole-text study, comparative and unseen analysis, and encourages exploration of language, structure, context and meaning. The course builds a strong foundation for further literary study and uses accessible and inclusive assessment design:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry
- Study one full play from: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V (replaced by Twelfth Night from 2025), or The Merchant of Venice.
- Study all poems from the WJEC Eduqas Poetry Anthology (replaced in 2027).
- Develop skills in close reading, dramatic and poetic analysis, and understanding of context and literary techniques.
Component 2: Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose, and Unseen Poetry
- Study one modern text from: Lord of the Flies, Anita and Me, Never Let Me Go (replaced by Boys Don’t Cry from 2025), The Woman in Black, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Taste of Honey (replaced by Leave Taking from 2025), An Inspector Calls, The History Boys, Blood Brothers.
- Study one 19th-century novel from: A Christmas Carol, Silas Marner, War of the Worlds, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
- Practise analysis of two unseen 20th/21st-century poems for comparison and thematic response.
Skills Developed
- Literal and inferential comprehension
- Critical and comparative reading
- Evaluation of language, form, and structure
- Exploration of social, historical and cultural contexts
- Writing with accuracy and coherence using Standard English
Assessment structure
Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry
- 2 hours, 40% of GCSE
- Section A: One extract question and one whole-text essay on a studied Shakespeare play
- Section B: Two poetry questions – one on a named poem, one comparative question on another anthology poem
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4; 5% of marks awarded for SPaG
Component 2: Prose/Drama, 19th-century Novel, and Unseen Poetry
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 60% of GCSE
- Section A: One source-based question on a modern post-1914 text
- Section B: One source-based question on a 19th-century prose novel
- Section C: Two unseen poetry questions – individual analysis and comparison
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4; 5% of marks awarded for SPaG
Assessment Objective Weighting
- AO1: 40%, AO2: 40%, AO3: 15%, AO4: 5%
- Assessment is linear, untiered, and takes place in the summer only
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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