Edexcel International A Level (IAL) English Literature specification (YET01)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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 International A Level (IAL) 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 International A Level (IAL) English Literature (YET01) 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 OxfordAQA International A Level in English Literature engages students with a wide range of literary texts across different periods, genres and cultures. The qualification fosters appreciation of literary form, style and meaning, while encouraging personal and critical responses. Students explore how texts reflect and shape values, and how context influences interpretation. Through comparative and analytical study, learners develop skills in close reading, argument construction and literary evaluation. It supports progression to university-level study in English and related disciplines, promoting independent thinking and academic rigour.
Subject content breakdown
1. Literary genres
- Focused study of one genre: tragedy or comedy
- Explore key features of the genre across three texts
- Compare unseen extract with studied drama text
- Develop analytical and comparative literary skills
2. Texts and genres
- Thematic focus on crime writing or political and social protest
- Study three texts: two prose and one poetry
- Consider how themes and conventions are presented
- Apply critical and contextual understanding in comparative analysis
3. Texts across time
- Comparative coursework on two texts
- Chosen independently by centres (from different periods)
- Focus on a key theme or literary connection
- Explore informed personal engagement with literature
4. Literary skills
- Close reading of unseen prose and poetry extracts
- Comparative response to unseen texts
- Apply knowledge of literary form, context and interpretation
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Literary genres
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50 marks
- Section A: one essay on a studied text
- Section B: comparative essay using unseen extract
- 50% of International AS / 20% of A Level
Unit 2: Texts and genres
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 75 marks
- Section A: one question on studied prose
- Section B: one question on studied poetry
- Section C: comparative essay
- 50% of International AS / 30% of A Level
Unit 3: Texts across time
- NEA: 2,500-word comparative essay
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Two texts from different periods with thematic link
- 20% of A Level
Unit 4: Literary skills
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 50 marks
- Section A: comparative response to two unseen texts
- Section B: close analysis of one unseen extract
30% of A Level
- AS qualification: Units 1 and 2
- A Level qualification: Units 1–4
- Exams available January and June
- Grading: A–E (AS), A*–E (A Level)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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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