How do I revise Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework) for Cambridge OCR A-Level?

Select texts that you are passionate about and that offer substantial grounds for comparison—consider themes, historical contexts, or stylistic innovations.

What exam tips are there for Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework)? (2)

Start the reading and research process early to allow for iterative refinement of your thesis and thorough engagement with criticism.

What exam tips are there for Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework)? (3)

Craft a precise, arguable thesis statement and use topic sentences to maintain focus and coherence throughout the essay.

What mistakes should I avoid in Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework)?

Choosing texts with weak comparative links, resulting in a forced or superficial analysis that lacks genuine connection.

What are common errors in Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework) exams? (2)

Over-relying on plot summary or character description at the expense of critical analysis and interpretation.

Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework)

CAMBRIDGE-OCR

A-Level

The Independent Critical Study component of the A-Level Non-Exam Assessment requires students to select two literary texts for an in-depth comparative essay, fostering autonomy in critical analysis. This task assesses the integration of personal interpretation with established critical and theoretical perspectives, mirroring undergraduate literary scholarship. It serves as a platform to demonstrate independent research skills, coherent argumentation, and a sophisticated personal response, preparing learners for higher education.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) component of the OCR A-Level in English Literature is a coursework module that allows you to explore two literary texts of your choice in depth. This component is worth 20% of your total A-Level grade and is internally assessed, then externally moderated. The NEA requires you to produce a single extended essay of 3000–4000 words, comparing two texts across any genre, period, or form. This is your opportunity to pursue your own literary interests, develop independent research skills, and demonstrate critical thinking without the time pressure of an exam.

The NEA is divided into two tasks: Task 1 (close reading or re-creative writing with commentary) and Task 2 (comparative essay). However, the most common route is the comparative essay, where you analyse connections and contrasts between two texts. You must choose one text published before 1900 and one after 1900, and at least one must be poetry or drama. This ensures breadth of study and allows you to demonstrate understanding of literary contexts and traditions. The NEA is your chance to show originality and personal engagement, so choose texts you genuinely enjoy and feel passionate about.

Mastering the NEA is crucial because it develops skills that are highly valued in higher education and beyond: independent research, argument construction, and sustained analytical writing. It also gives you a taste of university-style study, where you have more freedom to shape your own learning. Success in the NEA requires careful planning, a clear thesis, and consistent focus on the assessment objectives (AOs), particularly AO1 (articulate informed, personal responses), AO2 (analyse language, form, and structure), AO3 (show understanding of contexts), AO4 (explore connections across texts), and AO5 (engage with critical interpretations).

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for a clearly defined comparative thesis that drives the essay's structure and argument.
Reward engagement with a range of critical and theoretical material, integrated into the argument rather than presented as separate summaries.
Expect consistent and accurate academic referencing, with all sources correctly cited in the text and bibliography.
Look for evidence of a personal, evaluative voice that transcends description to offer nuanced critical judgments.
Assess the scope and depth of independent research: the relevance of secondary sources and their effective deployment in supporting the student's own analysis.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for a clearly defined comparative thesis that drives the essay's structure and argument.
Reward engagement with a range of critical and theoretical material, integrated into the argument rather than presented as separate summaries.
Expect consistent and accurate academic referencing, with all sources correctly cited in the text and bibliography.
Look for evidence of a personal, evaluative voice that transcends description to offer nuanced critical judgments.
Assess the scope and depth of independent research: the relevance of secondary sources and their effective deployment in supporting the student's own analysis.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Select texts that you are passionate about and that offer substantial grounds for comparison—consider themes, historical contexts, or stylistic innovations.
💡Start the reading and research process early to allow for iterative refinement of your thesis and thorough engagement with criticism.
💡Craft a precise, arguable thesis statement and use topic sentences to maintain focus and coherence throughout the essay.
💡Actively contrast at least two critical perspectives to demonstrate analytical depth and the ability to evaluate differing viewpoints.
💡Proofread meticulously for spelling, grammar, and referencing consistency, as presentation standards are part of the assessment criteria.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Choosing texts with weak comparative links, resulting in a forced or superficial analysis that lacks genuine connection.
Over-relying on plot summary or character description at the expense of critical analysis and interpretation.
Treating critical sources as unquestioned authorities rather than engaging dialogically with them to refine one's own argument.
Insufficient planning and time management, leading to incomplete research, poor referencing, and a rushed, unstructured essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Comparative Literary Analysis

Critical Theory Application

Independent Research Methodology

Personal Critical Voice

Coherent Argument Construction

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework)

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in CAMBRIDGE-OCR A-Level English Literature

Shakespeare

Drama and Poetry Pre-1900

Drama and Poetry Pre-1900

Comparative and Contextual Study

Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework)

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose my two texts for the NEA?

Can I use the same text for both tasks if I do the re-creative writing option?

How important is the word count? Can I go over 4000 words?

Do I need to include a bibliography and footnotes?

How can I make my essay stand out to get top marks?

What happens if I don't finish my NEA on time?

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in CAMBRIDGE-OCR A-Level English Literature

Shakespeare

Drama and Poetry Pre-1900

Drama and Poetry Pre-1900

Comparative and Contextual Study