specification overview
AQA A-Level English Language and Literature (7707) is a two-year integrated qualification bringing together linguistic and literary study. Two written papers (Paper 1 Telling Stories and Paper 2 Exploring Conflict) are worth 40% each, and a non-exam assessment 'Making Connections' worth 20% draws links between texts.
subject content
1. Telling stories
Paper 1- Remembered places (anthology of place writing)
- Imagined worlds (prose study, e.g. dystopian text)
- Poetic voices (poetry study of a chosen poet)
2. Exploring conflict
Paper 2- Writing about society (a set prose text)
- Dramatic encounters (a set drama text)
3. Making connections (NEA)
NEA- Investigative response comparing one literary and one non-literary text
- Chosen theme, self-directed analysis
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Telling Stories) | Remembered places, imagined worlds, poetic voices | 3h | 100 | 40% | Three sections: analysis of place-writing anthology + prose study + poetry study |
| Paper 2 (Exploring Conflict) | Writing about society + dramatic encounters | 2h 30m | 100 | 40% | Two sections: re-creative response on the prose text + essay on the drama text |
| Non-exam assessment (Making Connections) | Investigative comparison of one literary and one non-literary text on a chosen theme | Coursework | 50 | 20% | 2,500-3,000 word investigative essay; teacher-assessed and moderated by AQA |
The NEA requires students to bring together one literary and one non-literary text under a self-chosen theme. It's the point where the two halves of the qualification (language and literature) come together explicitly.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study, using terminology and coherent written expression. | 28% |
| AO2 | Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts. | 28% |
| AO3 | Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of contexts in which texts are produced and received. | 20% |
| AO4 | Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods. | 12% |
| AO5 | Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways. | 12% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA in year 12
The Making Connections investigation needs a real theme, two texts and a systematic analysis. Start scoping the topic early rather than leaving it to year 13.
Master the integrated approach
This spec expects you to blend linguistic and literary frameworks, not treat them separately. Practise applying both to the same text.
Learn the re-creative writing task
Paper 2 asks you to re-create part of the prose text in a different form (e.g. a diary entry or letter from a character's POV) and comment on your choices. Practise this format specifically.
Study the place-writing anthology
Paper 1 Section A uses an anthology of place writing (e.g. Paris Anthology). Read the whole anthology and mark connections between pieces.
Know your poet
Paper 1 Section C is on a chosen poet. Memorise key quotations and be ready to analyse language choices under exam pressure.
AO weights are uneven
AO1 and AO2 are 28% each (the heaviest), AO3 is 20%, AO4 and AO5 are 12% each. Prioritise terminology (AO1) and meaning analysis (AO2), but don't neglect context, connections and creative use.
Where to next
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Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
