specification overview
OCR A-Level English Language and Literature (H474), developed with the English and Media Centre (EMC), is a two-year integrated qualification blending linguistic and literary study. Component 01 (Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts) is 16%, Component 02 (The language of poetry and plays) is 32%, and Component 03 (Reading as a writer, writing as a reader) is 32%. The non-exam assessment 'Independent study: analysing and producing texts' (Component 04) is worth the remaining 20%.
subject content
1. Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts
Component 01- Analysis of non-fiction texts (journalism, memoir, digital)
- Analysis of spoken language texts (transcripts, interviews)
2. The language of poetry and plays
Component 02- Study of a poetry text (with linguistic focus)
- Study of a drama text (with linguistic focus)
3. Reading as a writer, writing as a reader
Component 03- Study of the nature of narrative in one prose fiction text (from choice of six)
- Section A: Reading as a writer, analysis of narrative technique
- Section B: Writing as a reader, short narrative task with commentary
4. Independent study: analysing and producing texts (NEA)
Component 04- Task 1: analytical and comparative essay on two texts (1,500-2,000 words), one from prescribed non-fiction list plus a free-choice text, at least one post-2000
- Task 2: original piece of non-fiction writing (1,000-1,200 words including a 150-word introduction)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 (Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts) | Comparative and contextual study of the EMC anthology of non-fiction and spoken texts, plus unseen texts | 1h | 32 | 16% | Closed text written paper: comparative analysis linking an anthology text and an unseen text |
| Component 02 (The language of poetry and plays) | One poetry collection plus one drama text, studied through integrated stylistic and dramatic analysis | 2h | 64 | 32% | Closed text written paper: essay on poetry text + essay on drama text |
| Component 03 (Reading as a writer, writing as a reader) | One prose fiction text studied for narrative technique | 2h | 64 | 32% | Open text written paper: Section A analytical essay on narrative technique + Section B short narrative task with commentary |
| Component 04 (Independent study: analysing and producing texts) | Task 1 comparative essay on two texts (one prescribed non-fiction, one free choice, at least one post-2000) + Task 2 original non-fiction writing | Coursework | 40 | 20% | Two-task NEA: analytical/comparative essay (1,500-2,000 words) + original non-fiction (1,000-1,200 words); teacher-assessed and moderated by OCR |
OCR's spec is developed in partnership with the English and Media Centre (EMC), which produces the anthology and support materials. Components 01 and 02 are closed text; Component 03 is open text. The NEA (Component 04) is teacher-assessed and moderated by OCR.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study, using terminology and coherent written expression. | 25% |
| AO2 | Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts. | 30% |
| 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. | 13% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA in year 12
The two-task Component 04 NEA (1,500-2,000 word analytical comparison + 1,000-1,200 word original non-fiction) needs time to develop. Start scoping the texts and non-fiction piece early.
Learn linguistic + literary frameworks together
This spec explicitly integrates both. Practise applying both toolkits to the same text (poetry, drama, non-fiction, spoken).
Work with the EMC anthology
The OCR spec uses EMC's specialist anthology and support materials. Use them directly, they're written to match the exam.
Practise spoken language transcript analysis
Component 01 includes spoken texts (transcripts, interviews). Learn transcription conventions and how to spot features like turn-taking, overlaps and discourse markers.
Practise original non-fiction writing
NEA Task 2 asks for original non-fiction (article, memoir, feature) plus commentary. Practise the format across multiple genres.
Prioritise AO2 and AO1
AO2 (meaning analysis) is the largest AO at 30%, followed by AO1 (concepts and terminology) at 25% and AO3 (context) at 20%. AO4 (connections) is 12% and AO5 (creative use) is 13%, smaller but still worth targeting cleanly in the NEA and Component 03.