specification overview
Edexcel A-Level English Literature (9ET0) is a two-year linear qualification split across three written papers plus a non-exam assessment. Papers cover drama, prose and poetry, each with their own paper focus. The NEA is a comparative coursework study of two complete texts chosen under teacher supervision, neither of which may be a text assessed in Components 1-3, and texts in translation are not permitted.
subject content
1. Drama
Paper 1- A Shakespeare play (from set list)
- A second drama text paired with the Shakespeare
- Critical anthology material for AO5
2. Prose
Paper 2- Two prose texts linked by a chosen theme (science and society, women and society, colonisation and its aftermath, supernatural, crime and detection, or childhood)
- At least one of the two prose texts must be pre-1900
- Comparison across the two prose texts
3. Poetry
Paper 3- Both are compulsory: the post-2000 anthology 'Poems of the Decade' (Section A) and one Section B option (Medieval/Chaucer, Metaphysical/Donne, Romantic/Keats, Victorian/Rossetti, Modernist/Eliot, or The Movement/Larkin)
- Section A: comparison of an unseen post-2000 poem with a named poem from the 'Poems of the Decade' anthology
4. Coursework (NEA)
NEA- Comparative critical study of two chosen texts
- Two complete texts chosen under teacher supervision; neither may be a text assessed in Components 1-3, and texts in translation are not permitted
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Drama) | Shakespeare play + paired drama text + critical anthology material | 2h 15m | 60 | 30% | Section A: essay on the Shakespeare play incorporating the Critical Anthology (35 marks, AO1/AO2/AO3/AO5). Section B: single-text essay on the other drama text (25 marks, AO1/AO2/AO3) |
| Paper 2 (Prose) | Two prose texts linked by a chosen theme | 1h 15m | 40 | 20% | Comparative essay across the two prose texts |
| Paper 3 (Poetry) | 'Poems of the Decade' anthology + unseen post-2000 poem, plus a studied poetic period or named poet | 2h 15m | 60 | 30% | Section A: essay comparing an unseen post-2000 poem with a named poem from 'Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002-2011' (30 marks, AO1/AO2/AO4). Section B: essay on the studied poetic period or named poet (30 marks, AO1/AO2/AO3) |
| Non-exam assessment (Coursework) | Comparative critical study of two chosen texts | Coursework | 60 | 20% | 2,500-3,000 word critical essay; teacher-assessed and moderated by Pearson |
The NEA gives students the widest scope for text choice, but it is not free selection: two complete texts chosen under teacher supervision, neither of which may be a text assessed in Components 1-3, and texts in translation are not permitted. Papers 1 and 3 both use critical or contextual material.
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. | 26.7% |
| AO2 | Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts. | 26.7% |
| AO3 | Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received. | 21.9% |
| AO4 | Explore connections across literary texts. | 14% |
| AO5 | Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations. | 11% |
key tips for success
Memorise key quotations
All papers reward precise textual reference. Build a bank of short powerful quotations per character and theme for every set text.
Master the Shakespeare + critical anthology combination
Paper 1 rewards drawing critical anthology material into your Shakespeare essay. Read the anthology thoroughly and practise integrating quotations.
Practise unseen poetry weekly
Paper 3 Section A asks you to compare an unseen post-2000 poem with a named poem from the 'Poems of the Decade' anthology, not with your Section B poet. Practise weekly, pairing unseen contemporary poems with anthology poems you know well.
Start the NEA in year 12
The coursework needs a well-scoped thesis, two comparative texts and time to develop. Start early. Text choice is wide but constrained: two complete texts, neither assessed in Components 1-3, no texts in translation, and teacher approval is required.
Learn to compare across prose
Paper 2 rewards systematic comparison of two prose texts on a chosen theme. Practise structuring comparisons around theme, form, context and language.
Engage with critical interpretations
AO5 is 11%. Read summarised feminist, Marxist, psychoanalytic and post-colonial readings of your texts so you can bring them into essays.
Where to next
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