How to Achieve an A* in A-Level English Language

A-Level English Language is a rich and intellectually demanding subject that explores how language is used, developed, and shaped across time, contexts, and modes. To achieve an A*, you must demonstrate high-level analytical skills, sophisticated understanding of linguistic concepts, and the ability to evaluate texts and data critically and independently.

This guide is designed to help you meet and exceed the assessment objectives, with practical advice on exam preparation, coursework development, and study strategies.

Understand the Specification and Assessment Objectives

Each exam board (such as AQA, OCR, or Eduqas) outlines clear expectations for what students must know and how they will be assessed.

Key Assessment Objectives (AQA Example):

• AO1: Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using terminology accurately.
• AO2: Demonstrate understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use.
• AO3: Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features influence meaning.
• AO4: Explore connections across texts and draw comparisons.
• AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in writing (especially in NEA and original writing components).
• AO6: Use accurate and effective written expression.

Download your specification and highlight each AO’s role in every exam component to guide your revision and practice.

Master Linguistic Terminology and Frameworks

To achieve top marks, you must confidently use linguistic frameworks when analysing texts. These include:

Core Frameworks:

• Lexis and Semantics: Word choices, connotations, semantic fields, jargon.
• Grammar and Syntax: Word classes, sentence functions, clause structures.
• Phonology: Sound patterns, accent, intonation (especially in spoken texts).
• Discourse: Structure of texts, cohesion, narrative voice.
• Pragmatics: Implied meanings, politeness strategies, speech acts.
• Graphology: Layout, font, visuals (important for multimodal texts).

Create a glossary or flashcards of key terms and practise applying them accurately to real texts. Knowing the theory is not enough, you must use it fluently in your analysis.

Analyse Texts Critically and Confidently

Textual analysis lies at the heart of English Language. In your exams, you will be expected to analyse unseen texts using a combination of linguistic methods and contextual understanding.

What Examiners Look For:

• Detailed analysis of language features.
• Clear awareness of context (audience, purpose, mode, time period).
• Accurate and embedded use of terminology.
• Connections between linguistic choices and wider meanings or effects.

How to Practise:

• Annotate a wide range of texts (spoken, written, multimodal).
• Compare texts across time or mode using AO4 (e.g. 19th-century and 21st-century texts).
• Use past exam papers and write under timed conditions. Revision World carries all the available exam past papers.

Keep a bank of high-quality sample responses to refer to, and analyse how they meet the AOs.

Be Confident with Language Change and Diversity

Key Topics:

• Language Change: Historical development, causes of change (technology, invasion, globalisation), prescriptivism vs descriptivism.
• Language Diversity: Regional accents and dialects, sociolects, ethnicity and language, gender and occupation.
• Child Language Acquisition (if applicable): Theories of development, stages of acquisition, spoken and written development.

Revision Strategy:

• Use case studies and real data examples (e.g., newspaper articles, social media posts, transcripts).
• Learn key theories (e.g. Labov, Trudgill, Zimmerman & West, Deborah Cameron, Fairclough).
• Be prepared to apply theory critically rather than uncritically reciting it.

Use contemporary and historical examples to demonstrate the real-world application of linguistic ideas.

Develop a Strong Exam Strategy

Exam questions often require extended written responses. To write at A* level, you must demonstrate argument, structure, and insight and not just description.

Tips for Success:

• Plan before you write: Organise your ideas into clear analytical points.
• Use PEACE structure (Point, Evidence, Analysis, Context, Evaluation) in essays.
• Embed terminology: Do not simply label features, explain their function.
• Link analysis to meaning and audience impact: Avoid feature-spotting.

Practise Regularly:

• Attempt past paper questions under timed conditions.
• Compare your essays with examiner-marked sample answers.
• Ask for feedback and refine your structure and argument accordingly.

Excel in the NEA (Non-Exam Assessment)

The NEA, often worth 20% of the final grade, includes a language investigation and an original writing task. This is a chance to explore an area of interest independently and to showcase your creativity and analytical ability.

NEA Component 1: Language Investigation

• Choose a focused and manageable topic (e.g. gendered language in sports commentary, political speeches, social media discourse).
• Collect your own data (transcripts, online texts, interviews) and apply methods from AO1–AO3.
• Structure your investigation clearly: introduction, methodology, analysis, conclusion.
• Reference relevant theories and contextualise your findings.

NEA Component 2: Original Writing

• Write in a defined genre and style (e.g. opinion piece, blog, short story).
• Consider your target audience and intended purpose carefully.
• Reflect on your stylistic choices in the accompanying commentary.

General Advice:

• Start early and meet all deadlines.
• Keep a log of your process and decisions.
• Proofread and edit thoroughly as accuracy matters.

Revise Actively and Organise Your Notes

Revision should be active, varied, and purposeful. Avoid rereading your textbook passively, use methods that engage memory and understanding.

Effective Techniques:

• Create a revision timetable Revision World offers a free revision timetable.
• Create mind maps for key theories and frameworks.
• Use flashcards or apps for terminology.
• Practise writing and planning essays under timed conditions.
• Annotate unseen texts regularly using the AOs.
• Record yourself explaining concepts and listen back to reinforce understanding.

Keep all your notes structured by topic and assessment objective for easy review.

Develop an Academic Writing Style

At A* level, your writing should be:

• Clear: Avoid vague or overly general statements.
• Formal: Use appropriate register and academic tone.
• Analytical: Always explain and explore the ‘how’ and ‘why’.
• Evaluative: Weigh different interpretations and consider limitations.
• Accurate: Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence construction must be precise.

Practise improving your writing style by editing previous essays and comparing them with examiners' feedback and model answers.

A* Student Advice

• “Know the AOs by heart and write with them in mind.”
• “Practise textual analysis every week, the short and long texts.”
• “Be original and analytical in your coursework and show your independence.”
• “Use feedback constructively and act on it quickly.”