CCEA GCE A Level English Literature (492) Past Papers 2026

The Study of Poetry 1900-Present and Drama 1900-Present

Duration: 2 hours

The Study of Prose Pre 1900

Duration: 1 hour

The Study of Shakespearean Genres

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

The Study of Poetry Pre 1900 and Unseen Poetry

Duration: 2 hours

Internal Assessment (Coursework)

Duration: Coursework (no exam)

Flexible manipulation of key terms in AO5-driven essay questions

Every report across 2023–2025 identified the mechanical reiteration or binary reversal of stimulus statement terms as the central limitation preventing candidates from reaching higher mark bands. This affected AS Drama, AS Prose, and A2 Shakespeare simultaneously.

AS 1, AS 2, A2 1

Accurate and adequate quotation across all units

Single-word quotations, truncated similes, enjambment without slash marks, and caesura without quotation before and after the pause were flagged across AS1, A2 2, and AS2 in all three series. In open-book sections, there is no justification for inadequate exemplification.

AS 1, A2 2, AS 2

Identifying and analysing appropriate dramatic methods in AS1 Section B and A2 1

Examiners in 2023, 2024, and 2025 repeatedly noted candidates focusing on alliteration, onomatopoeia, pronouns, and punctuation in drama texts, earning little credit. Significant methods — staging, structural contrast, costume, motif, thematic symbolism — were often entirely ignored.

AS 1, A2 1

Distinguishing juxtaposition from contrast and pathetic fallacy from general atmosphere

Misuse of 'juxtaposition' as a synonym for contrast was flagged in all three series for AS1 Poetry and A2 2. Pathetic fallacy applied to any colour, condition or circumstance was specifically criticised in 2024 and 2025. The distinction between these terms was described as vital by examiners.

AS 1, A2 2

Selecting appropriate companion poems in A2 Unit 2 Section A

Ill-judged selection of a self-chosen poem repeatedly limited candidates' ability to respond with focus and relevance. In 2024, some candidates even attempted to use the alternative poem in the Resource Booklet as their self-selected poem — described as a self-defeating strategy.

A2 2

Using excessive repetition terminology — epizeuxis, anaphora, diacope, polysyndeton — without accuracy

Proliferation of niche repetition terms was noted in 2024 and again strongly in 2025 for A2 2. Candidates who deployed these terms often misapplied them; 'tautologies such as diacopic repetition' were cited. A clear grasp of basic repetition, properly exemplified, was described as more effective.

AS 1, A2 2

Engaging closely with the extract in A2 1 (Shakespeare)

Examiners noted year on year that many candidates neglected the given extract, focusing instead on the wider text or on memorised material. The rubric specifies a penalty for marginalising the extract. In 2025, many candidates neglected the extract was explicitly identified as a recurring limitation.

A2 1

Legibility, sentence construction, and formal written expression (AO1)

Declining handwriting legibility was flagged as a persistent concern in all three series. Examiners can only credit what they can read. Informal style, poor sentence construction, and use of first letters only for character names ('G and R' for Goneril and Regan) were cited across AS2, A2 1, and A2 2 in 2025.

AS 2, A2 1, A2 2