Non-examination Assessment – Learning outcomes

The Non-examination Assessment (NEA) in Edexcel A-Level English Language is a coursework component worth 20% of the total qualification. It requires you to produce two pieces of original writing, each accompanied by a commentary that reflects on your linguistic choices. This assessment is your opportunity to demonstrate creativity, analytical skill, and a deep understanding of language concepts studied throughout the course. Unlike examined papers, the NEA allows you to work independently over an extended period, crafting texts for real-world purposes and audiences.

The NEA is divided into two tasks: one piece of original writing based on a chosen genre (e.g., journalism, travel writing, or a script) and one piece of investigative writing that explores a specific language issue or theme. Both pieces must be supported by a commentary (750–1000 words per piece) that explains your linguistic decisions, referencing theories and frameworks from the course. This component is crucial because it assesses your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical language production, a skill valued in both academic and professional contexts.

Mastering the NEA requires you to think like a linguist: you must consider audience, purpose, genre, and mode, and justify your choices using terminology such as pragmatics, discourse structure, and lexical fields. The NEA also encourages independent research, as you'll need to gather data or examples to inform your investigative piece. Success here not only boosts your final grade but also prepares you for university-level work in linguistics, media, or communications.