specification overview
OCR A-Level English Literature (H472) is a two-year linear qualification with two written papers and a non-exam assessment. Component 01 (Drama and poetry pre-1900) and Component 02 (Comparative and contextual study) are each 40%, and Component 03 (Literature post-1900 NEA) is 20%.
subject content
1. Drama and poetry pre-1900
Component 01- A Shakespeare play (from set list)
- A pre-1900 drama text (paired with Shakespeare)
- A pre-1900 poetry collection
2. Comparative and contextual study
Component 02- A topic-based option (American Literature 1880-1940, the Gothic, dystopia, women in literature, or the immigrant experience)
- Analysis of unseen prose extract linked to the topic
3. Literature post-1900 (NEA)
Component 03- Three literary texts (one prose, one poetry, one drama), all first published or performed in 1900 or later, at least one of them in 2000 or later
- Task 1: close reading OR re-creative writing with commentary on one text
- Task 2: comparative essay on the other two texts
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 (Drama and poetry pre-1900) | Shakespeare + pre-1900 drama + pre-1900 poetry | 2h 30m | 60 | 40% | Section 1 (Shakespeare, 30 marks): Part (a) passage analysis 15 marks plus Part (b) critical proposition 15 marks. Section 2 (Drama and poetry pre-1900, 30 marks): one comparative essay from a choice of six |
| Component 02 (Comparative and contextual study) | One topic option (American Literature 1880-1940, the Gothic, dystopia, women in literature, or the immigrant experience) | 2h 30m | 60 | 40% | Closed text written paper. Section 1: close reading of unseen prose extract on the chosen topic. Section 2: comparative essay on the two set texts |
| Component 03 (Literature post-1900) | Three post-1900 literary texts (one prose, one poetry, one drama) | Coursework | 40 | 20% | Two-task NEA (~3,000 words total): Task 1 close reading OR re-creative writing with commentary on one text; Task 2 comparative essay on the other two texts; teacher-assessed and moderated by OCR |
Both written papers (Components 01 and 02) are closed text. Component 03 is the non-exam assessment, teacher-marked and moderated by OCR.
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. | 20% |
| AO2 | Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts. | 30% |
| AO3 | Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received. | 25% |
| AO4 | Explore connections across literary texts. | 12.5% |
| AO5 | Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations. | 12.5% |
key tips for success
Memorise Shakespeare quotations
Component 01 is closed-book. Build a bank of short powerful quotations per character and theme for your Shakespeare play.
Master your topic for Component 02
Component 02 rewards deep knowledge of your chosen topic (American Literature 1880-1940, the Gothic, dystopia, women in literature, or the immigrant experience). Read widely within the topic beyond just the set texts.
Practise unseen prose weekly
Component 02 opens with an unseen prose extract in your chosen topic. Practise weekly using varied writers within the topic.
Start the coursework in year 12
The post-1900 NEA needs three texts (one prose, one poetry, one drama) and time to develop a thesis. Start scoping early. OCR allows wide text choice under teacher supervision, subject to OCR approval.
Learn to compare across periods
Component 01 pairs Shakespeare with a pre-1900 drama and poetry; the NEA compares post-1900 texts. Practise systematic comparison structured around theme, form, context and language.
Engage with critical interpretations
AO5 is 12.5%. 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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