At a glance
- Cambridge code
- 9093
- Edexcel IAL units
- WEN01 to WEN04
- AQA code
- 7702 (AS: 7701)
- AQA coursework
- 3,500 words, 20%
- Grades
- A* to E
Cambridge International 9093 English Language
From the 9093 syllabus for exams in 2027 and 2028. Papers 1 and 2 are the AS Level.
| Paper | Content | Length and marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 Reading | Two compulsory questions on unseen texts | 2 hours 15 minutes, 50 marks | 25% (50% of AS) |
| Paper 2 Writing | One compulsory question, plus one from a choice of three | 2 hours, 50 marks | 25% (50% of AS) |
| Paper 3 Language Analysis | Language change (Section A) and child language acquisition (Section B) | 2 hours 15 minutes, 50 marks | 25% |
| Paper 4 Language Topics | English in the world (Section A) and language and the self (Section B) | 2 hours 15 minutes, 50 marks | 25% |
Cambridge entries are in the June and November series.
Pearson Edexcel International A Level English Language
From the IAL English Language specification, Issue 4 (February 2026). All units are available paper-based or onscreen.
| Unit | Content | Length and marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEN01 Unit 1: Language: Context and Identity | Compare two unseen texts on identity (35 marks), then create a new text (15 marks) | 1 hour 45 minutes, 50 marks | 25% (50% of IAS) |
| WEN02 Unit 2: Language in Transition | Unseen transcript of 21st-century speech, then a discussion using older written texts | 1 hour 45 minutes, 50 marks | 25% (50% of IAS) |
| WEN03 Unit 3: Crafting Language (writing) | Create a text from unseen sources (20 marks), then a commentary (30 marks) | 2 hours, 50 marks | 25% |
| WEN04 Unit 4: Investigating Language | Research one of four topics with a pre-released subtopic: unseen data (20 marks) and an extended response (30 marks) | 2 hours, 50 marks | 25% |
Unit 4 topics are Contemporary Global English, Children's Language Development, Language and Power, and Language and Technology. Units are available in January and June.
AQA A-level English Language 7702
| Component | Content | Length and marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society | Analysis and comparison of two linked texts, then an essay on children's language development | 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks | 40% |
| Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change | Essay on diversity or change, analysis of two texts, and a directed writing task | 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks | 40% |
| Non-exam assessment: Language in Action | Language investigation (2,000 words) plus original writing and commentary (1,500 words) | 3,500 words, 100 marks | 20% |
The coursework is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.
What makes A-Level English Language hard
Students often pick English Language expecting it to be like IGCSE English. It is closer to an introduction to linguistics. Analysis questions reward exact terminology across the language levels (lexis, grammar, phonology, pragmatics, discourse) and, crucially, an explanation of why a feature matters in its context. Labelling a feature without explaining its effect earns little.
The topic papers need knowledge of theories and research, for example on how children acquire language or how English varies around the world, and the ability to evaluate them against data in the exam. Writing tasks then ask for the opposite skill: producing a convincing text for a stated audience and purpose, sometimes with a commentary explaining the choices. Many students are strong in one half and weak in the other.
How one-to-one English Language lessons run
Lessons are 60 minutes, one to one, on video with a shared whiteboard, which works well for annotating transcripts and texts line by line. The tutor teaches to your child's board: Cambridge 9093 topics and paper format, Edexcel IAL units including the current Unit 4 pre-release, or the AQA papers and coursework.
A typical lesson takes one unseen text or data set, builds an analysis together using the right terminology, then has the student write a timed section. The tutor marks it against the board's assessment objectives and sets the next piece. For writing tasks, the tutor works on audience, register and structure, and on commentaries that explain choices in linguistic terms. For AQA coursework, tutors stay within the board's rules on independent work.
Language or Literature?
Choose Language if your child enjoys analysing how people actually use English, including speech, media and online texts, and likes data. Choose Literature if they enjoy novels, plays and poetry and arguing about interpretation. Both are respected essay subjects; check any specific requirement of the university course your child is considering.
Common questions
Will A-Level English Language improve my child's IELTS or general English?
It may help writing, but it is an analytical subject, not a proficiency course. If your child needs a university English test score, see our guide comparing IELTS and other tests.
What is the Edexcel IAL Unit 4 pre-release?
Pearson publishes a subtopic for each Unit 4 topic area before the exam (in May for the January exam, according to the specification) so students can research it. The exam questions are then on that subtopic.
Can my child take English Language and Literature together?
Yes, many schools allow it, and the skills overlap. The content and assessment are different, so they count as two separate A Levels.
How much do English Language lessons cost?
$15 a lesson, the same for every subject and level, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly. The first lesson is a free trial.
Is there an Arabic-speaking tutor option?
Arabic-speaking tutors are available for some subjects; ask when you book. Lessons for this subject are taught in English, since all three boards examine it in English.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.