H074 · Cambridge OCR AS Level
English Language and Literature (EMC) - H074 Exam Tips
To secure a top grade in OCR AS Level English Language (H070), you must look beyond general impressions and understand where marks are won and lost. The mark scheme allocates marks through targeted Assessment Objectives (AOs) across two papers. In Paper 1 (Exploring language), th…
Source: OCR
Papers
2
Total marks
120
Time limit
3h
Grade scale
ABCDEU
Additional note
Calculator policy
A calculator is not normally required for this subject.
Assessment objectives
AO4. Instead, write integrated, comparative paragraphs where every point of comparison is introduced with transitional, synthesis-focused phrasing: 'While Text B relies heavily on informal, high-frequency Anglo-Saxon verbs to build solidarity with its listeners, Text C adopts a formal register using low-frequency Latinate lexis to project authoritative, commercial credibility.'
2
Papers
5
Strategies
7
Mistakes
- To secure a top grade in OCR AS Level English Language (H070), you must look beyond general impressions and understand where marks are won and lost. The mark scheme allocates marks through targeted Assessment Objectives (AOs) across two papers. In Paper 1 (Exploring language), the focus is heavily weighted toward AO1 (applying systematic linguistic methods and terminology) and AO3 (analyzing context, audience, and purpose), with a 10% share for AO4 (exploring connections across texts) in Section B. In Paper 2 (Exploring contexts), AO2 (critical understanding of language concepts and issues) dominates with a massive 25% weighting, alongside 10% for AO5 (creative and purposeful writing) in Section A. Top scorers know that simple 'feature spotting'—such as highlighting a 'noun phrase' or 'modal verb' without explaining its contextual significance—is a recipe for a mediocre grade. High-level responses build a tight, analytical loop: they identify the precise linguistic feature using accurate terminology (AO1), link it directly to the text’s specific context, audience, and purpose (AO3), and explain how it shapes the text's overall construction of meaning.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.