You are viewing a free preview of this lesson.
Subscribe to unlock all 4 lessons in this course and every other course on LearningBro.
The AQA A-Level English Language qualification (specification 7702) is a linear course assessed through two written examinations and a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA). Understanding the precise structure of the qualification — including paper weightings, mark allocations, and the Assessment Objectives — is essential before you begin any focused revision. This lesson provides a comprehensive overview of every component, the command words you will encounter, and practical timing strategies for each paper.
The A-Level is made up of three components:
| Component | Title | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Language, the Individual and Society | 2 hours 30 minutes | 100 | 40% |
| Paper 2 | Language Diversity and Change | 2 hours 30 minutes | 100 | 40% |
| NEA | Language in Action | Coursework | 50 | 20% |
Both papers are sat at the end of the two-year course. There is no AS component that feeds into the A-Level; the AS English Language (7701) is a separate, standalone qualification.
Paper 1 is divided into two sections.
You are given one text from a prescribed list of text types. You must analyse the text by applying language levels (lexis, semantics, grammar, phonology, pragmatics, discourse, graphology) and write an analytical commentary discussing how language choices create meanings and representations.
Question structure: One compulsory question worth 30 marks.
Example question stem: "Analyse how [Text A] uses language to create meanings and representations."
You are given a set of child language data — this may include transcripts of spoken interactions, examples of early writing, or a combination. You must analyse the data using relevant Children's Language Acquisition (CLA) theories and frameworks.
Question structure:
Paper 2 is also divided into two sections.
You are given two texts from different time periods. You must compare the language features of the texts, analysing how language has changed over time. You are expected to discuss relevant theories and concepts of language change.
Question structure: One compulsory question worth 30 marks.
Example question stem: "Analyse how [Text A] and [Text B] use language. In your answer you should consider how the texts reflect language change."
You must write an opinion article about a language debate or issue. The question provides a brief stimulus — typically a quotation or statement — and you must argue a point of view in a discursive style, drawing on your knowledge of language concepts, research, and theories.
Question structure:
Example question stem: "'Standard English is the only variety of English that should be taught in schools.' Write an opinion article for a broadsheet newspaper in which you assess this view."
A further 10 marks are awarded for AO5 (see below) across Section B.
The NEA is worth 20% of the total qualification and consists of two pieces:
The NEA is marked by your teacher and moderated by AQA. While this lesson focuses on the examined papers, you should be aware that the investigation must use a systematic linguistic framework and the commentary must demonstrate metalinguistic awareness.
AQA's mark schemes are built around five Assessment Objectives. Every mark you earn is tied to at least one AO, so understanding them is crucial.
| AO | Description | Weighting (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written expression | 22.5% |
| AO2 | Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use | 17.5% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning | 25% |
| AO4 | Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic concepts and methods | 15% |
| AO5 | Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways | 20% |
AO1 rewards your ability to identify language features using the correct linguistic terminology. At the top band of the mark scheme, AQA expects you to use terminology with precision and discrimination — that means choosing the most specific term available (e.g., "pre-modifying attributive adjective" rather than simply "adjective") and integrating it fluently into your analysis rather than bolting it on.
Mark Scheme Descriptor (top band): "Applies methods of language analysis with skill, using a wide range of appropriate terminology accurately and with discrimination."
AO2 rewards your understanding of linguistic concepts — such as prescriptivism vs descriptivism, theories of politeness, or models of language acquisition — and your ability to discuss issues such as language and power, language and gender, or language and social groups.
Mark Scheme Descriptor (top band): "Demonstrates a sophisticated critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use."
AO3 is assessed in every question on both papers. It rewards your ability to link language features to the context in which a text was produced and received, and to explain how those features construct meaning for the reader or listener.
Mark Scheme Descriptor (top band): "Analyses and evaluates how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning with sophistication."
AO4 is tested only in Paper 2, Section A, where you must compare two texts. It rewards your ability to draw meaningful connections and contrasts between texts, informed by linguistic methods.
Mark Scheme Descriptor (top band): "Explores connections across texts with sophistication and insight, informed by linguistic concepts and methods."
AO5 is tested only in Paper 2, Section B, where you write a discursive opinion piece. It rewards the quality of your own writing — your ability to craft an engaging, well-structured, and rhetorically effective text.
Mark Scheme Descriptor (top band): "Demonstrates expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways with flair and originality."
You will encounter a specific set of command words across the two papers. Understanding what each one demands is essential for structuring your responses correctly.
Exam Tip: In every question, the command word tells you the type of thinking required. "Analyse" requires detailed feature-spotting and effect-explanation. "Evaluate" or "Assess" requires you to make a judgement. Never just describe.
With 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) per paper, time management is critical. Here are recommended time splits:
| Section | Question | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Q1 (Textual Variations) | 30 | 45 minutes |
| B | Q2 (CLA Data Response) | 30 | 40 minutes |
| B | Q3 (CLA Essay) | 40 | 55 minutes |
| — | Reading & Planning | — | 10 minutes |
| Section | Question | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Q1 (Diversity & Change) | 30 | 50 minutes |
| B | Q3 or Q4 (Opinion Article) | 30 + 10 (AO5) | 50 minutes |
| — | Reading & Planning | — | 10 minutes |
Timing Tip: Use the "roughly one mark per minute" rule as a baseline, but always front-load your planning time. Five minutes of planning for a 30-mark question will significantly improve the coherence and quality of your response.
Before you begin revising the content of each paper in detail, make sure you have a secure understanding of the qualification structure. You should be able to name each section, explain its question type, identify which AOs are assessed, and plan your time allocation. This foundational knowledge will frame everything you learn in the lessons that follow.