specification overview
AQA A-Level English Literature B (7717) is a two-year linear qualification organised by literary genre. Paper 1 (Literary genres) and Paper 2 (Texts and genres) are worth 40% each. A non-exam assessment 'Theory and independence' worth 20% asks students to apply critical theory to two chosen texts.
subject content
1. Literary genres
Paper 1- Tragedy option: Shakespeare + supplementary drama/prose/poetry
- Comedy option: Shakespeare + supplementary drama/prose/poetry
- Focus on how genre shapes meaning
2. Texts and genres
Paper 2- Elements of crime writing option
- Elements of political and social protest writing option
- Study of set texts and an unseen extract, which may be poetry, prose or drama (including literary non-fiction)
3. Theory and independence (NEA)
NEA- Application of critical theory to two chosen texts (one poetry text and one prose text)
- Each text linked to a different section of the AQA Critical Anthology
- Six critical frameworks available: narrative theory, feminist theory, Marxist theory, eco-critical theory, post-colonial theory, and literary value and the canon
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Literary genres) | Tragedy OR Comedy: one Shakespeare play + supplementary set texts | 2h 30m | 75 | 40% | Section A: passage-based question on the set Shakespeare text (25 marks); Section B: essay on the set Shakespeare text (25 marks); Section C: essay linking two texts (25 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Texts and genres) | Elements of crime writing OR Elements of political and social protest writing | 3h | 75 | 40% | Section A: compulsory question on an unseen extract (25 marks); Section B: essay on a set text (25 marks); Section C: essay connecting two texts (25 marks). The unseen extract may be poetry, prose or drama, including literary non-fiction |
| Non-exam assessment (Theory and independence) | Two chosen texts (one poetry, one prose) analysed through different sections of the AQA Critical Anthology | Coursework | 50 | 20% | Two essays of 1,250-1,500 words each (2,500-3,000 total), one on each text and linked to a different section of the Critical Anthology; teacher-assessed and moderated by AQA |
Paper 1 is closed-book; Paper 2 is open-book. The NEA requires two texts, one poetry and one prose, each linked to a different section of the AQA Critical Anthology. AQA's Critical Anthology provides the theoretical frameworks.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression. | 28% |
| AO2 | Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts. | 24% |
| AO3 | Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received. | 24% |
| AO4 | Explore connections across literary texts. | 12% |
| AO5 | Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations. | 12% |
key tips for success
Memorise key quotations for Paper 1
Paper 1 is closed-book. Build a bank of short powerful quotations per character and theme for your Shakespeare play and supplementary texts.
Master the AQA Critical Anthology
AO5 is 12% but rewards different interpretations, and the NEA hinges on linking each text to a different Critical Anthology section. Read the anthology thoroughly and practise applying frameworks to your set texts.
Learn genre conventions
This spec is genre-focused. For your chosen options (tragedy/comedy, crime/political), learn genre conventions so you can spot how each text uses or subverts them.
Start the NEA in year 12
The Theory and Independence NEA needs one poetry text and one prose text, each linked to a different section of the Critical Anthology, and time to build a strong argument. Start scoping early.
Prepare for the unseen extract on Paper 2
Paper 2 opens with an unseen extract in your chosen genre, and it can be poetry, prose or drama, including literary non-fiction. Practise weekly across all three forms of crime or political-protest writing.
Learn to apply critical theory
The spec rewards narrative, feminist, Marxist, eco-critical and post-colonial theory readings, plus literary value and the canon. Learn key concepts from each and practise applying them to set texts.
Where to next
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