A-Level · AQA · English Literature A
AQA A-Level English Literature A (7712) past papers and marking
26 past papers from 2017 to 2025: Paper 1, and Papers 2A and 2B with each set-text option (Paper 2B 2019 is not included yet). Write your essay, get it marked against the AQA mark scheme with feedback, then rewrite it and have it marked again.
Studying AQA English Literature B (7717) instead? Go to the Literature B course.
What you'll study
The AQA English Literature A papers on Markaroo
Shakespeare, unseen poetry and comparing texts. Every question is a 25-mark essay.
- Othello
- The Taming of the Shrew
- Measure for Measure
- The Winter’s Tale
- Unseen poetry
- Comparing texts
Texts in shared contexts. A set-text essay, an unseen extract and contextual linking.
- Up the Line to Death
- Scars Upon My Heart
- Journey’s End
- Oh! What a Lovely War
- Birdsong
- Regeneration
Texts in shared contexts. A set-text essay, an unseen extract and contextual linking.
- Feminine Gospels
- Skirrid Hill
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Top Girls
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Waterland
Questions are organised by set text and by what they ask about: characters, themes, context or writer’s methods. Markaroo covers AQA English Literature A (7712) only. The non-exam assessment, the independent critical study, is not covered. AQA English Literature B (7717) is a different specification with its own course on Markaroo.
Assessment
How the exams are structured
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (3 hr) | Section A: one Shakespeare essay. Section B: one unseen poetry essay. Section C: one essay comparing two set texts, one poetry and one prose | 75 · 40% |
| Paper 2 (2 hr 30 min) | Section A: one set-text essay. Section B: an unseen extract question and a contextual linking question | 75 · 40% |
Markaroo is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Past papers are attempted and marked inside the app, not offered as downloads.
The remaining 20% of the A-Level is the non-exam assessment, which Markaroo does not cover. Your written answers are marked against the AQA mark scheme for each question, with feedback on what would move you up.
Questions
English Literature on Markaroo
Which AQA A-Level English Literature A (7712) papers does Markaroo cover?
Both exam papers: Paper 1, Love through the ages (Shakespeare, unseen poetry and comparing texts), and Paper 2, Texts in shared contexts, in both of its versions: 2A WW1 and its aftermath and 2B Modern times. The non-exam assessment (the independent critical study) is not covered.
How is AQA A-Level English Literature A assessed?
AQA 7712 has two exams and a piece of coursework. Paper 1 lasts 3 hours, is worth 75 marks (40%): a Shakespeare essay, an unseen poetry essay and a comparing-texts essay, each worth 25 marks. Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, is worth 75 marks (40%): one set-text essay and two further questions on an unseen extract and on contextual linking. The non-exam assessment is worth 50 marks (20%).
Which set texts are included?
Paper 1 Shakespeare: Othello, The Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure and The Winter’s Tale. Paper 2A: Up the Line to Death, Scars Upon My Heart, Journey’s End, Oh! What a Lovely War, Birdsong and Regeneration. Paper 2B: Feminine Gospels, Skirrid Hill, A Streetcar Named Desire, Top Girls, The Handmaid’s Tale and Waterland. The Paper 1 comparing-texts question is also included, along with the unseen poetry and unseen extract questions.
How does Markaroo mark English Literature answers?
You write your answer to a past-paper question and it is marked against the AQA mark scheme for that question, with a mark and feedback on what to improve. You can then rewrite your answer and have it marked again.
Does the course include revision notes, flashcards or model answers?
Not yet. English Literature on Markaroo is currently past papers and marking: 26 papers from 2017 to 2025 with the question, the extracts and poems, and the AQA mark scheme for each question. Revision notes, flashcards and model answers for English Literature are not available yet.
Is there a free plan for English Literature on Markaroo?
Yes. The free plan gives you your coach, your technique profile and a live predicted grade, and 2 written answers marked free, with no card required. Plus unlocks unlimited questions, AI essay marking and the rewrite loop from £6.99 a month (add more subjects for £5 each, with a 7-day free trial).
I’m studying a different English Literature specification. Is that covered?
This course covers AQA English Literature A (7712) only. AQA English Literature B (7717) has its own course on Markaroo, covering Paper 1A Aspects of tragedy and Paper 2B political and social protest writing. If you sit another board’s specification, the questions here will not match your papers.