English
A Level · OCR
Computer Science
View topicsBiology
View topicsChemistry
View topicsPhysics
View topicsEnglish
ViewingMathematics
View topicsOCR A-Level English Literature (H472) is assessed through two written papers and a coursework component. The first paper covers drama and poetry pre-1900, pairing a Shakespeare play with a second pre-1900 drama or poetry text. The second covers comparative and contextual study, organised around genres such as American literature 1880-1940, the Gothic, dystopia, women in literature, and the immigrant experience.
OCR's Shakespeare section requires close analysis of a passage alongside a wider essay, so students need both microscopic attention to language and a confident overview of the whole play. The comparative and contextual paper includes an unseen extract from within the chosen topic area, which rewards wide reading in the genre rather than intensive study of set texts alone.
Important Topics
- ShakespearePassage-based close analysis alongside a whole-text essay.
- Pre-1900 Drama & PoetryA second pre-1900 text studied in depth with contextual reading.
- Topic AreasGothic, dystopia, American literature, women in literature or the immigrant experience.
- Unseen ExtractResponding to an unfamiliar passage within the studied genre.
- Comparative StudySustained comparison of texts within a shared literary tradition.
- CourseworkA close reading task and a comparative essay on chosen texts.
- Critical ReadingUsing critical positions to open up alternative interpretations.
Ready To Strengthen Your Child's Learning?
Book a free English demo class for A Level · OCR.