English Literature

Assessment

The A-level non-exam assessment consists of two essays each consisting of between 1,250 – 1,500 words. This component is designed to allow students to read widely, to choose their own books (if appropriate), and to understand that the contemporary study of literature needs to be informed by the fact that different theoretical and critical methods can be applied to the subject. The process is supported by the AQA Critical anthology, which has accessible extracts on the following critical methods and ideas. Students write about two different literary texts. One of the texts must be poetry and the other must be prose.