Oxford AQA International AS English Language specification (9670)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International AS 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 AS 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 AS 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 AS in English Language explores the way language is shaped by context and society. The course builds skills in critical thinking, academic argument and communication across written, spoken and multimodal texts. It supports progression from IGCSE and develops an analytical understanding of how language varies, is used to construct identity and power, and is tailored for different audiences and purposes. Students are introduced to linguistic frameworks and research skills used in university-level study.
Subject content breakdown
1. Language and context
- Analyse two texts linked by a theme, focusing on audience, purpose, genre and mode
- Identify language features tied to communication contexts such as advertising, blogs, news and speech
- Produce a directed writing task using or adapting text material to fit a specified brief
2. Language and society
- Analyse one text showing language use in a social group or setting
- Explore how language expresses identity, marks relationships, and asserts power or status
- Write an academic essay discussing an issue of language and social behaviour connected to the text
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Language and context
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50 marks
- Section A: compulsory text analysis
- Section B: directed writing task (choice of two)
- 50% of AS Level
Unit 2: Language and society
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50 marks
- Section A: text analysis task
- Section B: compulsory academic essay
50% of AS Level
- Modular structure; exams available January and June
- Units can be retaken; best result counts
- Grading: A–E
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International AS 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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