What is the difference between Eduqas A-Level English Language and A-Level English Literature?

Eduqas A-Level English Language focuses on the study of language itself, including how it is used in society, how it changes over time, and how it is acquired. You will analyse a wide range of texts, including transcripts of speech, social media posts, and historical documents, and you will also produce your own original writing. In contrast, English Literature focuses on the study of literary texts such as novels, plays, and poetry, with an emphasis on interpretation and critical analysis. If you enjoy exploring how language works in everyday life and want to develop your own writing skills, English Language is a great choice.

Is there a lot of coursework in Eduqas A-Level English Language?

Yes, there is a non-examined assessment (NEA) component worth 30% of your final grade. This involves writing a language investigation (2500-3000 words) on a topic of your choice, such as the language of a particular social group or the use of language in a specific media genre. You will also produce a piece of original writing (1000-1500 words) with a commentary explaining your language choices. This coursework allows you to pursue your own interests and demonstrates your independent research skills, which are highly valued by universities.

What kind of texts will I study in the Eduqas English Language A-Level?

You will study a diverse range of texts, including spoken language transcripts, newspaper articles, advertisements, social media posts, letters, diaries, and historical documents. For the Language Change component, you will look at texts from different time periods, from the 17th century to the present day. You will also analyse data from language corpora and conduct your own research. This variety keeps the course interesting and helps you develop a wide range of analytical skills.

How is the Eduqas English Language A-Level exam structured?

There are two written examinations. Component 1 (Language and Society) is 2 hours 30 minutes and is worth 40% of your grade. It includes a data analysis task where you analyse a set of texts, and an evaluative essay where you discuss a statement about language. Component 2 (Language Change) is 2 hours and is worth 30%. It includes questions on language change over time and the English language in the 21st century. The remaining 30% is the NEA coursework. Both exams require you to apply your knowledge of linguistic concepts and theories to unseen texts.

What skills will I develop in Eduqas A-Level English Language that are useful for university and careers?

This course develops a wide range of transferable skills. You will learn to analyse texts critically, evaluate arguments, and present your ideas clearly in writing. You will also develop research skills through your NEA, including data collection and analysis. These skills are valuable for degrees in English, linguistics, journalism, law, education, and many other fields. Employers value the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and understand how language shapes our world, making this A-Level a strong foundation for many career paths.

English Language

Eduqas

A-Level

Specification: WJEC-A-Level-English-Language

The EDUQAS A-Level English Language specification covers 15 topics with 0 learning objectives (WJEC-A-Level-English-Language). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

Starting Eduqas A-Level English Language this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
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About Eduqas A-Level English Language

This Eduqas A-Level English Language course invites you to explore the dynamic relationship between language and society, examining how we use language to construct identities, assert power, and shape our world. You will investigate the intricacies of spoken and written language, from everyday conversations to the language of the media, and develop your own skills as a writer and analyst.

The specification is structured around three core components: Language and Society, Language Change and Language in Action. You will study how language varies according to context, purpose, and audience, and how it evolves over time. The course also includes a non-examined assessment (NEA) where you conduct your own language investigation and produce a piece of original writing, allowing you to pursue your own interests in depth.

Assessment Structure

The Eduqas A-Level English Language qualification is assessed through three components. Component 1 (Language and Society) is a written examination worth 40% of the qualification, lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, and includes a data analysis task and an evaluative essay. Component 2 (Language Change) is also a written examination worth 30%, lasting 2 hours, focusing on language change over time and the English language in the 21st century. Component 3 (Language in Action) is a non-examined assessment (NEA) worth 30%, comprising a language investigation (2500-3000 words) and a piece of original writing with a commentary (1000-1500 words). The total qualification is 100% with a total of 200 marks available across the components.

Why Choose Eduqas?

Eduqas offers a clear and engaging specification that balances linguistic theory with practical application, allowing you to develop both analytical and creative writing skills. The NEA component gives you the freedom to investigate a language topic of your choice, which can be a great way to demonstrate your interests to universities.
The examination papers are designed to be accessible, with a clear structure and a range of question types that allow you to show your knowledge and skills. Eduqas also provides excellent support resources, including past papers and mark schemes, which are invaluable for revision.
If you are interested in the social and cultural aspects of language, Eduqas places a strong emphasis on language in society, including topics like gender, power, and technology, making it a relevant and thought-provoking choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%-30%

Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study as appropriate, using associated terminology and coherent written expression

AO2

25%-30%

Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts

AO3

25%-30%

Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received

AO4

13%-15%

Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods

AO5

13%-15%

Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Eduqas

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Failure to use the provided phonemic symbols correctly
•Descriptive listing of features without analytical exploration of their effects
•Lack of connection between the transcripts provided
•Inaccurate application of terminology
•Lack of precision and focus due to exceeding the advisory word count
•Insufficient coverage of required assessment objectives due to work being too short
•Lack of clear acknowledgement of linguists' work or sources
•Failure to provide a clear title or explanation of the area of investigation

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Utilise the list of phonemic symbols printed on the question paper
•Focus on the effects created by the features rather than just identifying them
•Ensure analysis is grounded in the context of the spoken interaction
•Practice analysing a range of spoken genres to become familiar with diverse prosodic patterns
•Study a range of written texts from different periods to prepare for unseen analysis
•Ensure familiarity with key features of language from the Middle English period onwards
•Focus on how language is evolving to reflect technological and cultural change for the 21st-century section
•Familiarize yourself with concepts such as new channels of communication, code shifting, and changes in vocabulary and structural patterns of twenty-first-century English

Specification Topics

15 topics

Phonetics, phonology, and prosodics

Phonetics, phonology, and prosodics involves the study of how speech sounds and effects are articulated and analysed. It is a core language level used to explore spoken language transcripts in Component 1, where candidates must identify and analyse features to understand how speakers interact.

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Language change over time

The study of language change over time, focusing on unseen written texts from different periods (not earlier than 1500) linked by genre. It covers orthography, etymology, lexical, and grammatical changes in context, requiring analysis of archaic language features and connections across texts.

0 objectives3 tips

English in the twenty-first century

This topic explores the distinctive ways language is used in the twenty-first century, focusing on how language evolves to reflect technological and cultural changes. It requires an understanding of contemporary language concepts, the impact of contextual factors (pragmatics) on language use, and the analysis of how language features construct meaning in modern communication.

0 objectives3 tips

Language and self-representation

A study of how context affects the learner’s own language choices, allowing learners to use their knowledge of language levels, concepts, and issues to explore and interpret their own idiolect.

0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

Language and gender

A study of how gender might affect language choices, forming part of the Language and Identity non-exam assessment (NEA). Learners use their knowledge of language levels, concepts, and issues to explore and interpret gender-related linguistic phenomena.

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Language and culture

A study of how language reflects culture, forming one of the four optional areas for the Language and Identity non-exam assessment (NEA). Learners explore cultural ideologies through language, with potential investigation areas including the arts, sports and entertainment, education, and belief systems.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Language diversity

Language diversity is a core area of study within the Language and Identity component of the A-Level English Language specification. It involves the investigation of how distinctive varieties of English differ from Standard English, exploring geographical and social variation, specific dialects such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), other global Englishes, and occupational language.

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Lexis and semantics

Lexis and semantics is defined as the vocabulary of English, encompassing historical, geographical, social, and individual varieties of language. It is a core language level that must be applied to the analysis of spoken and written texts, including electronic and multimodal forms, to understand how meaning is constructed in various contexts.

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Grammar including morphology

Grammar including morphology is defined as the structural patterns and shapes of English at sentence, clause, phrase and word level. It is a core language level required for the analysis of spoken and written forms of English across all components of the specification.

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Pragmatics

Pragmatics is defined as the contextual aspects of language use. It involves understanding how language is used in different situations, how meaning is constructed through context, and how contextual factors affect form and structure.

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Discourse

Discourse is defined as extended stretches of communication occurring in different genres, modes, and contexts, serving as one of the core language levels for analysis in the specification.

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Standard and Non-Standard English

Standard and Non-Standard English is one of four compulsory language topic areas studied for Component 2, Section B. It involves exploring how language varies, the relationship between different varieties of English, and the social and contextual factors that influence language use.

0 objectives4 tips

Language and power

Language and power is one of four core topic areas studied in Component 2, Section B. It involves exploring how language affects all aspects of life, specifically focusing on how power dynamics are constructed, maintained, and challenged through language use in various contexts.

0 objectives3 tips

Language and situation

Language and situation is one of four core language topic areas studied for Component 2, Section B. It involves exploring how language use is influenced by the specific context and situation in which communication occurs, and how language affects all aspects of our lives.

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Language acquisition

Language acquisition is one of four core topic areas studied within the 'Language Issues' section of Component 2. It involves the study of how language is acquired and developed, requiring learners to demonstrate critical understanding of concepts, evaluate contextual factors, and explore meaning through relevant language theories and examples.

0 objectives3 tips

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