AQA A Level Hub
Quick access to your Paper 1 and Paper 2 resources.
© 2026 That's LIT · All skills. No waffle.
Exam timings — AQA 7712
Paper 1 · Love Through the Ages
3 hrs
Duration
75
Marks
40%
Of A-level
Section A · Shakespeare · passage-based question + linked essay · 25 marks
Section B · Unseen Poetry · compulsory comparative essay on two unseen poems · 25 marks
Section C · Comparing Texts · one essay linking two set texts · 25 marks
Paper 2 · Texts in Shared Contexts
2h 30
Duration
75
Marks
40%
Of A-level
Section A · Set Texts · one essay on core set text · 25 marks
Section B Q1 · Unseen Prose · compulsory question on unseen extract · 25 marks
Section B Q2 · Linking Texts · essay connecting two comparative set texts · 25 marks
NEA · Independent Critical Study
2,500
Word count
50
Marks
20%
Of A-level
Comparative critical essay on two texts across time · one must be pre-1900
Teacher assessed · AQA moderated · bibliography required (outside word count)
Source: AQA Spec A 7712 Version 1.7.1 · October 2025
AO weightings — AQA 7712
Overall A-level weightings
| AO | Description | Overall | Per paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Informed, personal & creative responses · concepts, terminology · accurate expression |
28% | 11.2% |
| AO2 | Analyse how meanings are shaped in literary texts |
24% | 9.6% |
| AO3 | Significance and influence of contexts in which texts are written and received |
24% | 9.6% |
| AO4 | Explore connections across literary texts |
12% | 4.8% |
| AO5 | Explore texts informed by different interpretations |
12% | 4.8% |
Where each AO is foregrounded
AO1 + AO2 · core in every question on both papers
AO3 · central in Paper 2 (shared contexts); present but secondary in Paper 1 unseen poetry
AO4 · central driver of Paper 1 Section B — the comparison IS the task
AO5 · significantly rewarded in unseen poetry; present throughout both papers
NEA only · AO5 must include interpretations of texts over time
NEA mark split (out of 25)
| AO | Marks available |
|---|---|
| AO1 | 7 marks |
| AO2 | 6 marks |
| AO3 | 6 marks |
| AO4 | 3 marks |
| AO5 | 3 marks |
All five AOs are assessed holistically in every question — no AO is switched off. Source: AQA Spec A 7712 Version 1.7.1 · October 2025 · pp.31–35