specification overview
AQA A-Level English Language (7702) is a two-year linear qualification covering textual variations, children's language development, language diversity and change. Two written papers (2h 30m each, 100 marks) are worth 40% each, plus a non-exam assessment (NEA) 'Language in Action' worth 20% covering a language investigation and original writing.
subject content
1. Textual variations and representations
Paper 1- Language and situational context, mode and audience
- How texts create meaning through representation
2. Children's language development (0-11 years)
Paper 1- Stages of spoken language acquisition
- Reading and writing development
- Theoretical perspectives on language acquisition
3. Language diversity and change
Paper 2- Regional, social and occupational variation
- Language change over time
- Attitudes to language variation
4. Language discourses
Paper 2- How texts represent attitudes to language
- Analysis of texts about language use
- Directed writing task
5. Language investigation
NEA- Independent investigation of a chosen language topic
- Data collection, analysis and evaluation
6. Original writing
NEA- Writing for a chosen genre and audience
- Reflective commentary on choices made
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Language, the Individual and Society) | Textual variations and representations; children's language development | 2h 30m | 100 | 40% | Section A: analysis of two contemporary/older texts (70 marks). Section B: discursive essay on children's language development (30 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Language Diversity and Change) | Language diversity and change; language discourses; writing skills | 2h 30m | 100 | 40% | Section A: evaluative essay on diversity OR change (30 marks). Section B: analysis of two texts about language + directed writing task (70 marks) |
| Non-exam assessment (Language in Action) | Language Investigation (2,000 words) + Original Writing and commentary (1,500 words) | Coursework | 100 | 20% | Two-part NEA: a data-driven language investigation plus a piece of original writing with reflective commentary |
The NEA is teacher-assessed and moderated by AQA. Word counts: 2,000 for the investigation (excluding data) and 1,500 total for the original writing plus commentary.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written expression. | 26% |
| AO2 | Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use. | 26% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning. | 23% |
| 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. | 10% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA in year 12
The Language Investigation needs real data collection (recorded speech, texts, questionnaires). Start scoping the topic and gathering data early rather than leaving it to year 13.
Master linguistic terminology
AO1 is 26% and rewards accurate use of frameworks (phonology, lexis, grammar, semantics, pragmatics, discourse). Learn them well enough to apply them under exam pressure.
Practise text-comparison technique
Paper 1 Section A asks you to analyse two texts and compare them. Practise structured comparison covering audience, purpose, mode, and language features.
Learn children's language acquisition theories
Chomsky (innate/LAD), Skinner (behaviourist), Bruner (LASS), Piaget (cognitive), Vygotsky (social interaction). Know each and when to apply them to data.
Track language change examples
The Language Diversity and Change essay rewards specific examples of how language has changed (loan words, grammatical shifts, new coinages). Keep a running bank throughout the course.
Practise the directed writing task
Paper 2 Section B ends with a directed writing task in a specific genre for a specific audience. Practise writing letters, articles, opinion pieces for different audiences under time pressure.
Where to next
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