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Independent comparative critical study
The task must support direct comparison, critical interpretations and independent reading, with at least one text written pre-1900.
0
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelEnglish Literature ANon-exam assessment Texts across time
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Syllabus checklist
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Autonomous reading and task design3 objectives
- Develop an individual comparative task from wider and independent reading.
- Select a theme that enables sustained analysis of similarity and difference.
- Keep the task literary and analytical rather than biographical, historical or purely thematic.
Text selection requirements4 objectives
- Select two texts that provide strong comparative potential and access to critical interpretations.
- Ensure at least one selected text was written pre-1900.
- Ensure at least one text is studied independently by the student.
- Exclude all texts on the A-level examination set-text lists.
Comparative argument3 objectives
- Build a sustained comparative argument across both texts.
- Use connections and contrasts to develop interpretation rather than merely identify features.
- Balance attention to both texts throughout the extended essay.
Critical views and interpretations over time4 objectives
- Apply and evaluate a range of critical views autonomously.
- Consider different interpretations over time for at least one selected text.
- Use critical material to open literary debate rather than substitute for textual analysis.
- Distinguish criticism from context and interpretation from unsupported opinion.
Translated texts3 objectives
- Evaluate whether a translated text is eligible and influential in literature in English.
- Use an academically recognised high-quality translation.
- Treat the translated wording as the original writer's words for assessment purposes.
Key terms
developindividualthemeAutonomous reading and task designkeeptaskcomparative potentialText selection requirementspre-1900ensureleastexclude
Exam tips
- Autonomous reading and task design A-Level Literature exam tip 1: Open with a debatable literary argument, not a plot summary. Apply this to develop an individual comparative task from wider and independent reading..
- Autonomous reading and task design A-Level Literature exam tip 1: Open with a debatable literary argument, not a plot summary. Apply this to select a theme that enables sustained analysis of similarity and difference..
Common mistakes
- Autonomous reading and task design literary-analysis mistake 1: Make an AO1 claim, use accurate textual evidence, analyse a method for AO2, add relevant AO3 context, connect texts for AO4 and test interpretations for AO5 only where the task requires them.
- Autonomous reading and task design literary-analysis mistake 1: Make an AO1 claim, use accurate textual evidence, analyse a method for AO2, add relevant AO3 context, connect texts for AO4 and test interpretations for AO5 only where the task requires them.
Practice preview
- MCQ focus 1 — task from wider and independent reading. Which evidence-led method would produce the strongest AQA 7712 answer to Develop an individual comparative task from wider and independent reading?
- MCQ focus 2 — task from wider and independent reading. Which approach keeps the relevant literary boundaries clear when addressing Develop an individual comparative task from wider and independent reading?
- MCQ focus 3 — task from wider and independent reading. Which option best links textual method, meaning and significance for Develop an individual comparative task from wider and independent reading?
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