English Language and Literature

    Eduqas
    A-Level

    Specification: A710QS

    The EDUQAS A-Level English Language and Literature specification covers 17 topics with 155 learning objectives (A710QS). 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 and Literature this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

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

    17

    Topics

    155

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About Eduqas A-Level English Language and Literature

    The Eduqas A-Level in English Language and Literature is an integrated course that explores the dynamic relationship between linguistic study and literary analysis. You will examine how writers craft meaning through language choices, and how readers and audiences respond to texts across different genres, periods, and modes. The specification encourages you to develop as independent, critical readers and creative writers, making connections between the language we use and the literature we study.

    The course is structured into three components: two examined units and one non-exam assessment (coursework). In Component 1, you will study poetry and drama, focusing on analytical and comparative skills. Component 2 covers prose and creative writing, where you produce your own texts. Component 3, the coursework, allows you to pursue an independent investigation into a topic of your choice, supported by a critical commentary. Across all components, you will build skills in close reading, linguistic analysis, and effective written expression.

    Assessment Structure

    This qualification is assessed through three components: Component 1 (Poetry and Drama) is a written exam worth 30% of the A-Level, Component 2 (Prose and Creative Writing) is a written exam worth 40%, and Component 3 (Non-Exam Assessment: Independent Investigation) is coursework worth 30%. The exams are typically 2 hours and 2 hours 15 minutes respectively, and the coursework consists of a 2500-3000 word investigation plus a 1000-word critical commentary. Total marks vary by component, but the overall grade is awarded on a scale from A* to E.

    Why Choose Eduqas?

    • Eduqas offers a clear and coherent structure that balances linguistic and literary study, making it ideal for students who enjoy both analysing language and exploring literature. The specification provides a wide range of set texts, including contemporary and diverse voices, allowing for rich and relevant study.
    • The coursework component gives you the freedom to choose your own investigation topic, fostering independent research and critical thinking skills that are highly valued by universities. Eduqas also provides excellent support materials, including exemplar responses and detailed mark schemes, which help students and teachers understand the assessment criteria clearly.
    • Compared to other boards, Eduqas places a strong emphasis on the integration of language and literature, rather than treating them as separate disciplines. This integrated approach helps you develop a holistic understanding of how texts work, which can be particularly beneficial for those considering further study in English or related fields.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Specification Topics

    17 topics

    SUBJECT CONTENT

    This specification requires learners to show knowledge and understanding of a wide range of spoken and written texts from different times including six substantial texts drawn from poetry, prose fiction, Shakespeare, modern drama, and non-literary texts., Fundamental to the course as a whole, learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to apply linguistic and literacy methodologies and concepts to inform their responses to and interpretations of texts., Learners will be given opportunities to read widely and to relate their wider reading to their study of both set texts and unseen material. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Assessment objectives

    Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods, Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received, Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Non-exam assessment

    In this specification, non-exam assessment:, encourages integration of knowledge, understanding and skills in extended pieces of work, offers the chance to develop competence in written expression in a range of genres +5 more

    8 objectives8 subtopics

    Component 2: Drama (closed-book)

    demonstrate an understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received, Section A accounts for 60% of the available marks for this component and Section B accounts for 40% of the marks for this component., Learners will need to develop their knowledge of dramatic techniques, their skills as interpreters of performance texts and their understanding of significant contextual factors throughout their studies for this component. +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

    Component 3: Non-Literary Texts - Section B: Non-literary text study (closed-book)

    Jenny Diski: Skating to Antarctica (Virago), David Eggers: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (Picador), George Orwell: Homage to Catalonia (Penguin Classics) +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    Component 2: Drama - Section A: Shakespeare

    Section A requires candidates to respond to one compulsory extract-based task and one extended essay from a choice of two., Much Ado About Nothing, Section A is based on the study of one Shakespeare play selected from the list below: +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

    Component 1: Poetry and Prose - Section B: Prose

    Charles Dickens: Great Expectations (Penguin Classics), Section B is based on the study of one prose fiction text from the list below:, make accurate reference to texts and sources. +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    Component 2: Drama - Section B: Post-1900 Drama

    Alan Bennett: The History Boys (Faber), Tennessee Williams: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Penguin Modern Classics), Diane Samuels: Kindertransport (Nick Hern Books) +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Component 4: Critical and Creative Genre Study (NEA) - Section A: Genre Study

    Wider reading texts do not need to be nominated, though they must be of appropriate substance and challenge for A level study., synthesise and reflect on their knowledge and understanding of linguistic and literary concepts in the study of their genre texts, analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

    Component 3: Non-Literary Texts - Section A: Comparative analysis of spoken non-literary texts

    The texts will be linked in terms of content, theme or style and the focus of analysis will be provided in the question. At least one of the texts will be presented as a transcription., analyse how meanings are shaped in texts, including how variations in language, form and context shape and change meanings, use integrated linguistic and literary approaches as appropriate +6 more

    9 objectives9 subtopics

    Core Knowledge: The language levels

    phonetics, phonology, prosody, how language choices shape meanings in texts, lexis and semantics +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    Appendix C: Prescribed poems for study - Component 1, Section A: WJEC English Language and Literature Poetry Pre-1914 Anthology

    LEISURE William Henry Davies (1871-1940), THE LATEST DECALOGUE Arthur Hugh Clough (1819-1861), THE AUTHOR TO HER BOOK/TO MY DEAR AND LOVING HUSBAND Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) +25 more

    28 objectives28 subtopics

    Component 1: Poetry and Prose - Section A: Poetry

    In preparation for the unseen text in this examination, learners will need to read a range of texts published post-1914, including post-1914 poetry, prose fiction, drama and non-literary texts., independently select poetry relevant to the question, Section A requires candidates to respond to one question from a choice of two. The question requires candidates to select poetry from the anthology, and make connections between their selected poetry and a previously unseen text printed on the examination paper. +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Component 1: Poetry and Prose (open-book)

    Written examination: 2 hours (120 marks) 30% of qualification, Clean copies (no annotation) of the texts studied for both sections must be taken into the examination., show knowledge and understanding of the different language levels +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    Component 3: Non-Literary Texts

    In responding to non-literary texts, learners should be able to recognise the bias, the moral outlook, the prejudices, attitudes and values of speakers and writers and to be able to analyse how these are conveyed through the use of language., This component encourages extensive wider reading of spoken and written texts from different times and provides opportunities for learners to select appropriate methods of analysis when exploring non-literary texts such as: spoken transcriptions, advertisements, autobiographies, biographies, travel writing, journalism, information texts, instructional texts, letters, reports, speeches, specialist publications., Written examination: 2 hours (80 marks) 20% of qualification +2 more

    5 objectives5 subtopics

    Component 4: Critical and Creative Genre Study (NEA)

    In addition, learners are given the opportunity to select wider reading to inform their studies in this component and to reflect on the learning that has taken place. In reflecting on their studies, learners will then be required to produce original writing related to their chosen genre., This component is internally assessed and externally moderated. It gives opportunities for learners to independently select an aspect of prose study that interests them and to study one text chosen from a list provided by WJEC Eduqas within that genre., Non-exam assessment: 3200-3500 word folder (80 marks) 20% of qualification

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Component 4: Critical and Creative Genre Study (NEA) - Section B: Related Creative Writing

    In completing the two writing assignments, learners will need to demonstrate that they can use language to communicate in different ways. For these tasks, ‘creativity’ will be demonstrated through the production of original and engaging writing., Learners will produce two pieces of writing: one must be literary in style and the other non-literary. One of the pieces of writing must be in the same genre as that studied in Section A. Both pieces of writing must be informed by the research and study completed for Section A., use a range of techniques to produce texts informed by wider reading +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

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