AQA A-Level English Literature B Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Download free AQA A-Level English Literature B (7716) past papers. Paper 1: Tragedy or Comedy. Paper 2: Crime Writing or Protest Writing. Genre-based approach. 45 resources.
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June 2023
8 filesA-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts and genres: elements of political and social protest writing – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1A Literary genres: aspects of tragedy – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1B Literary genres: aspects of comedy – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts and genres: elements of political and social protest writing – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2023
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2023
June 2022
7 filesA-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts and genres: elements of political and social protest writing – June 2022
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1A Literary genres: aspects of tragedy – June 2022
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1B Literary genres: aspects of comedy – June 2022
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2022
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts and genres: elements of political and social protest writing – June 2022
A-level English Literature B – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2022
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – June 2022
November 2021
2 filesNovember 2020
8 filesA-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts and genres: elements of political and social protest writing – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1A Literary genres: aspects of tragedy – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 1B Literary genres: aspects of comedy – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (A-level) : Paper 1B Literary genres: aspects of comedy – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (A-level) : Paper 2B Texts and genres: elements of political and social protest writing – November 2020
A-level English Literature B – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2A Texts and genres: elements of crime writing – November 2020
Tragedy, Comedy, Crime, and Protest: Genre-Based Study in AQA A-Level English Literature B
Exam Paper Structure
Literary Genres: Tragedy or Comedy
Texts and Genres: Crime Writing or Protest Writing
Key Information
| Exam Board | AQA |
| Specification Code | 7716 |
| Qualification | A-Level |
| Grading Scale | A*–E |
| Assessment Type | 2 written papers + NEA |
| Number Of Papers | 2 written papers |
| Exam Duration | Paper 1: 2.5 hours. Paper 2: 2.5 hours |
| Nea Component | Creative re-casting with commentary + independent critical essay (20%) |
| Paper Options | Paper 1: Tragedy (1A) or Comedy (1B). Paper 2: Crime Writing (2A) or Protest Writing (2B) |
| Available Sessions | June 2018 – June 2024 |
| Total Resources | 45 |
Key Topics in English Literature B
Topics you need to know
Exam Command Words
| Command word | What the examiner expects |
|---|---|
| Compare | Analyse similarities and differences in how writers from different periods use genre conventions |
| How does the writer use | Identify specific techniques and explain their effect — active use of genre conventions is specifically targeted |
| Explore | Develop a wide-ranging, multi-faceted analysis of a text or aspect of genre |
| Discuss | Consider different critical perspectives or interpretive possibilities with reference to the text |
| Evaluate | Assess the success or significance of a writer's choices within the genre context |
| Analyse | Examine specific textual features in depth, explaining how they create meaning |
| Assess | Weigh a critical statement about genre or a specific text, reaching a justified conclusion |
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.
Genre Conventions as Analytical Tools: Scoring in AQA English Literature B
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