AQA A-Level English Literature A Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Download free AQA A-Level English Literature A (7712) past papers. Paper 1: Love Through the Ages. Paper 2A: WW1. Paper 2B: Modern Times 1945–present. 59 resources.
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June 2023
5 filesA-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2023
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – June 2023
A-level English Literature A – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 Love through the ages – June 2023
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2023
A-level English Literature A – Insert (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2023
June 2022
8 filesA-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 Love through the ages – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Insert (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – June 2022
A-level English Literature A – Insert (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – June 2022
November 2021
6 filesA-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1 Love through the ages – November 2021
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – November 2021
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – November 2021
A-level English Literature A – Insert (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – November 2021
A-level English Literature A – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 Love through the ages – November 2021
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – November 2021
November 2020
6 filesA-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – November 2020
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – November 2020
A-level English Literature A – Insert (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day – November 2020
A-level English Literature A – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 Love through the ages – November 2020
A-level English Literature A – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – November 2020
A-level English Literature A – Insert (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts in shared contexts: WW1 and its aftermath – November 2020
Love, War, and Modernity: The Thematic Architecture of AQA A-Level English Literature A
Exam Paper Structure
Love Through the Ages
Texts in Shared Contexts (WW1 / Modern Times 1945–present)
Key Information
| Exam Board | AQA |
| Specification Code | 7712 |
| Qualification | A-Level |
| Grading Scale | A*–E |
| Assessment Type | 2 written papers + NEA independent critical study |
| Number Of Papers | 2 written papers |
| Exam Duration | Paper 1: 3 hours. Paper 2: 2.5 hours |
| Nea Component | Independent comparative essay on 2 texts (20%) |
| Paper 2 Options | 2A (WW1 and its aftermath) or 2B (Modern times 1945–present) |
| Available Sessions | June 2018 – June 2024 |
| Total Resources | 59 |
Key Topics in English Literature A
Topics you need to know
Exam Command Words
| Command word | What the examiner expects |
|---|---|
| Compare | Identify and analyse specific similarities and differences between texts, moving between them within each paragraph |
| Explore | Develop a multi-dimensional analytical response across language, form, structure, and context |
| How does the writer | Identify specific techniques and explain their effects — AO2 is specifically targeted |
| Analyse | Examine specific textual features in depth, explaining how they create meaning or effect |
| Evaluate | Assess the success of a writer's choices or the validity of a critical interpretation |
| Discuss | Consider different critical perspectives or interpretations with reference to specific textual evidence |
| Assess | Weigh up a critical statement or claim about a text, using evidence to reach a qualified judgement |
Typical Grade Boundaries
| Grade | Approximate mark needed |
|---|---|
| A* | 78–88% |
| A | 68–77% |
| B | 57–67% |
| C | 46–56% |
| D | 36–45% |
| E | 26–35% |
⚠️ Typical boundaries across two papers (150 total marks: 75 per paper). NEA (60 marks) is internally assessed. Actual boundaries vary — check AQA's website.
Writing Towards All Five Assessment Objectives in AQA English Literature A
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