How do I revise Language in action for AQA A-Level?

Ensure the investigation has a specific, manageable focus rather than a broad topic

What exam tips are there for Language in action? (2)

Consult with the supervising teacher to ensure the chosen topic yields interesting linguistic questions

What exam tips are there for Language in action? (3)

Clearly define the research aims in the introduction

What mistakes should I avoid in Language in action?

Discussing issues anecdotally without specialist linguistic knowledge

What are common errors in Language in action exams? (2)

Using inappropriate or unsuited methodology

Language in action

AQA

A-Level

The Language Investigation is a 2,000-word independent research project (excluding data) that allows students to explore an area of individual interest in language use. Students must identify a research topic, collect their own data (spoken, written, or multimodal), apply appropriate linguistic methodologies, and evaluate their findings in relation to relevant concepts and issues.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Language in action

Topic Overview

Language in action is the non-exam assessment (NEA) component of AQA A-Level English Language, worth 20% of the total A-level. It requires you to produce a piece of original writing (e.g., a magazine article, a speech, a blog, or a short story) and a reflective commentary analysing your own language choices. This component bridges theory and practice, allowing you to apply linguistic concepts such as pragmatics, discourse structure, and register to a real-world text you have created yourself.

The NEA is your chance to demonstrate creativity and analytical skill simultaneously. You must select a genre and audience, then craft a text that meets the conventions of that genre while incorporating specific language features. The commentary (750–1000 words) should explain why you made particular choices, linking them to linguistic frameworks (e.g., lexis, grammar, phonology) and theories (e.g., Grice's maxims, Labov's narrative categories). This task is crucial because it shows examiners you can move from being a consumer of language to a producer, and that you understand the effects of your choices on a reader.

Language in action fits into the wider A-Level by consolidating knowledge from all other topics: language and power, language and gender, child language acquisition, and language change. For example, if you write a persuasive speech, you might draw on theories of power (e.g., Fairclough) or use rhetorical devices studied in the language and power topic. The NEA also develops transferable skills in planning, drafting, and self-reflection, which are valuable for university and beyond.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Application of linguistic methods and terminology to identify patterns and complexities
Selection and application of appropriate methodology for data collection and analysis
Depth of description of language features and establishment of patterns of use
Structural and linguistic control of the report
Evaluation of language use and representations within wider social and cultural contexts
Critical consideration of relevant concepts, theories, and issues
Formulation of well-focused linguistic aims
Consideration of ethical issues and validity of methodology

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Application of linguistic methods and terminology to identify patterns and complexities
Selection and application of appropriate methodology for data collection and analysis
Depth of description of language features and establishment of patterns of use
Structural and linguistic control of the report
Evaluation of language use and representations within wider social and cultural contexts
Critical consideration of relevant concepts, theories, and issues
Formulation of well-focused linguistic aims
Consideration of ethical issues and validity of methodology
Analysis of contextual influences on the data
Creative and innovative use of form and register
Accurate writing and coherent/cohesive structure
Effective engagement with challenging audiences
Skilful manipulation of register at all levels
Evaluation of connections across texts (original writing and style model)
Justification of writing choices by reference to the style model
Demonstration of genre as a dynamic process
Integrated application of language analysis levels
Reflective evaluation of the writing process and effectiveness of the final piece
Application of linguistic methods and terminology identifying patterns and complexities
Selection and application of appropriate methods allowing valid conclusions to be drawn
Depth of description of language features
Evaluation of language and representations according to context
Analysis of how language choices create meanings and representations
Analysis of how aspects of context work together to affect language use
Connection of theories, ideas and research with data
Consideration of ethical issues and validity of methodology

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure the investigation has a specific, manageable focus rather than a broad topic
💡Consult with the supervising teacher to ensure the chosen topic yields interesting linguistic questions
💡Clearly define the research aims in the introduction
💡Provide an evaluative account of the methodology used to collect and organize data
💡Ensure the analysis section links findings back to the initial aims and relevant linguistic concepts
💡Include clean copies of collected data and evidence for quantitative approaches in the appendices
💡Reference all sources (paper and web-based) correctly
💡Ensure the style model is selected in consultation with the supervising teacher.
💡The commentary must explicitly evaluate the writing process and the effectiveness of the final piece.
💡Use the commentary to justify writing choices by referencing the style model's impact on language choices.
💡Ensure the commentary demonstrates an understanding of genre as a dynamic process.
💡Apply different levels of language analysis (phonetics, graphology, lexis, grammar, pragmatics, discourse) in an integrated way.
💡Maintain a clear line of thought and coherent structure in both the original writing and the commentary.
💡Ensure the investigation has a specific, focused research question
💡Provide an evaluative account of how data was collected and organised in the methodology section
💡Integrate relevant concepts and issues surrounding the topic area into the analysis
💡Ensure the commentary evaluates the style model, the writing process and the effectiveness of the final piece of writing
💡Use clear sections with an introduction and conclusion
💡Reference all sources (paper and web-based) correctly

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Discussing issues anecdotally without specialist linguistic knowledge
Using inappropriate or unsuited methodology
Collecting data without sufficient discussion or justification
Paraphrasing or describing content rather than analysing language
Misunderstanding the text's content, meaning, or context
Quoting or identifying features of language without linguistic description
Presenting material with limited organization or list-like structures
Paraphrasing or summarising content without reference to context
Discussing relevant aspects of only one text (original writing or style model) in the commentary
Inconsistent or inaccurate use of linguistic terminology
Lack of explicit connections between the original writing and the style model
Intrusive errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar
List-like structure in the commentary
Failure to demonstrate awareness of genre
Discussing issues anecdotally without specialist linguistic knowledge
Using inappropriate methodology
Collecting data without discussion
Paraphrasing or describing content of texts without linguistic analysis
Misunderstanding text content, meaning or context
Quoting or identifying features of language without linguistic description

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Investigate

Analyse

Evaluate

Explore

Describe

Identify

Explain

Produce

Study

Select

Consider

Justify

Apply

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Language in action

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA A-Level English Language

Language, the individual and society

E2E stub topic

Language diversity and change

Language varieties

Language in action

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the word count for the original writing and commentary in Language in action?

Can I write a fictional story for my original writing?

How do I choose a topic for my original writing?

Do I need to include references in my commentary?

What is the most common mistake students make in the commentary?

How is Language in action marked?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA A-Level English Language

Language, the individual and society

E2E stub topic

Language diversity and change

Language varieties