Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) English Language specification (9670)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) English Language 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) English Language 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) English Language (9670) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International A Level in English Language encourages students to analyse, explore and produce English in a wide range of contexts, deepening their understanding of how language operates socially and functionally. The qualification fosters academic and independent enquiry, helping students to investigate real-world language use and variation. Emphasis is placed on linguistic methods and terminology, developing analytical, discursive and creative skills that support progression to higher education and are valued in diverse careers. Topics span identity, social groups, language learning, global English, and original research through non-exam assessment.
Subject content breakdown
1. Language and context
- Analyse two texts with a common theme
- Explore audience, purpose, genre and mode
- Produce directed writing based on source material
2. Language and society
- Analyse how language constructs identity, relationships, power and group membership
- Focus on language used by social groups
- Write discursively about language and society issues
3. Language variation
- Study child and adolescent language learning and development
- Investigate international English, including global spread and lingua franca use
- Apply data analysis and academic argument
4. Language exploration
- Respond to unseen data sets on a shared topic
- Conduct structured linguistic analysis and report findings
- Alternatively, complete a non-exam investigation (2,500–3,000 words) on any language topic of interest using original data
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Language and context
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50 marks
- Section A: comparative text analysis
- Section B: directed writing task
- 50% of International AS / 20% of A Level
Unit 2: Language and society
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50 marks
- Section A: analysis of social group texts
- Section B: discursive essay
- 50% of International AS / 20% of A Level
Unit 3: Language variation
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50 marks
- Section A: learning language
- Section B: international English
- 30% of A Level
Unit 4a: Language exploration (exam option)
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 50 marks
- Structured research task with unseen data
- 30% of A Level
Unit 4b: Language exploration (non-exam option)
- NEA language investigation: 2,500–3,000 words
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
30% of A Level
- AS qualification: Units 1 and 2
- A Level qualification: Units 1–4 (including either 4a or 4b)
- Exams available January and June
- Grading: A–E (AS), A*–E (A Level)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) English Language 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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