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About AQA AS Level English Language
AQA AS Level English Language is code 7701, with a DfE discount code of 5030 and an accreditation number of 601/4846/9. It has two papers, both 1 hour 30 minutes long and both carrying 70 marks, so the split is 50% each. Both are scaled by one, which gives a total scaled mark of 140. There is no coursework of any kind at AS. The non-exam assessment in this specification, called Language in Action, is a 3,500 word piece worth 20% of the A Level, and the administration section is headed A-level only.
The two papers do not test the same skills, and the assessment objective table shows it. Paper 1 carries AO3 at 22% and AO4 at 14%, plus 14% of AO1. Paper 2 carries AO2 at 29%, AO5 at 14%, plus the remaining 7% of AO1. So Paper 1 is analysis: describing how language works in a text, and comparing two texts. Paper 2 is concepts and production: knowing the ideas behind language diversity, then writing about attitudes to language. Apart from AO1, nothing is shared. The biggest single objective in the qualification is AO2 at 29%, and it does not appear on Paper 1 at all.
The paper structures reflect that. Paper 1 gives two texts linked by topic or theme and asks for three tasks: analysis of the first text for 25 marks, analysis of the second for 25 marks, and a comparison of the two for 20 marks. So the two single-text analyses together are worth more than the comparison. Paper 2 has two sections: a discursive essay on language diversity with a choice of two questions for 30 marks, and a directed writing task on attitudes to language for 40 marks. The largest single task in the qualification is that piece of directed writing.
The content for Paper 2 is specifically British. AQA states that students will study varieties of English within the British Isles, and that this part of the course requires study of social attitudes to, and debates about, language diversity. Text using different dialects must include regional and national varieties of English within the British Isles. If you want to see how AS Level English Language compares across boards, that page sets them side by side.
Who AQA AS Level English Language Is For
This course suits Year 12 students sitting AQA AS Level English Language 7701 who need the analysis paper and the concepts paper prepared as two separate exams, with the British language diversity content covered properly.
- Year 12 students sitting AQA AS Level English Language 7701 at the end of the year
- Students who annotate texts well but have not learned the concepts behind language diversity
- Students who are strong on theory but lose marks on the directed writing task
- Students who have prepared global Englishes instead of varieties within the British Isles
- Private candidates, who can enter this specification but must be based in the UK
AQA AS Level English Language: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 7701 specification.
AQA
AQA's AS Level English Language is code 7701: two papers of 1 hour 30 minutes and 70 marks each, worth 50% apiece, and no coursework at all. Paper 1 analyses two linked texts; Paper 2 is a discursive essay plus a directed writing task. AO2, worth 29% and the largest single objective, appears on Paper 2 only.
How Centaurus Helps AQA AS Level English Language Students Excel
Two Papers Taught as Two Exams
Paper 1 measures analysis and comparison while Paper 2 measures concepts and writing, so each is prepared with its own method rather than as one course examined twice.
The 29% Objective Targeted Directly
AO2, critical understanding of concepts and issues in language use, is the largest objective in the qualification and sits on Paper 2 only, so it is taught explicitly.
Analysis Weighted Correctly
The two single-text analyses carry 25 marks each and the comparison carries 20, so annotation is drilled harder than comparison work.
Directed Writing Practised Weekly
The 40 mark directed writing task is the biggest single task in the qualification and rewards control of register, so it is written and marked every week.
British Isles Variety Content
AQA restricts the dialect and variety study to the British Isles, so regional and national varieties replace generic world Englishes material.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA AS Level English Language support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
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What Parents Say About Us
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I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
AQA AS Level English Language: Frequently Asked Questions
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