AQA A-Level English Language: language investigation and writing (non-exam assessment), a complete overview

What this assessment actually demands

The non-exam assessment, Language in action, is the independent component worth 20% of the A-Level. It has two parts: a language investigation of about 2,000 words and a piece of original writing of about 750 words with a reflective commentary of about 750 words. AQA expects rigorous, theory-driven analysis in the investigation and deliberate, crafted choices in the writing, justified in the commentary. The skill being tested is independent research and metalinguistic reflection.

This guide covers the four sub-topics, then how the assessment is judged. Each has a dot-point page with practice questions; this overview ties them together.

Planning a language investigation

Planning means choosing a narrow, focused area and setting a clear research question, aim or hypothesis the data can answer within about 2,000 words. Data must be collected ethically, with informed consent and anonymisation where needed, especially for spoken data or data involving children. The study must apply a relevant theoretical framework and the language levels, not just describe the data. A tight focus is the single biggest predictor of success.

Methods of language analysis

Strong analysis applies the language levels systematically and combines quantitative methods (counting and tabulating features, frequencies, percentages) with qualitative methods (close interpretation of selected examples). It draws on theory and concepts to explain patterns, and presents findings with accurate terminology, embedded data and clear reference back to the research question. Avoid feature-spotting: interpret what the patterns mean.

Writing for an audience

The original writing must be shaped for a specific audience and purpose, matching register, genre and form to the reader. AQA frames it around a style model in one of three areas: the power of persuasion, the power of storytelling or the power of information. Each genre has conventions of layout, structure and tone, and craft means deliberate, controlled choices throughout, since the commentary depends on them.

Original writing and commentary

The original writing (around 750 words) is paired with a reflective commentary (around 750 words) that analyses your own choices using the language levels and terminology, explaining what you did, why, and the intended effect on the audience, with reference to the style model. The strongest commentaries are analytical and selective, focusing on the most significant choices rather than narrating the whole text.

How the assessment is judged

A typical AQA profile for Language in action:

• Focus and management. The investigation rewards a narrow, answerable question and a well-organised study.
• Rigorous analysis. Both tasks reward systematic use of the levels and theory, with quantitative and qualitative evidence.
• Craft and audience awareness. The original writing rewards deliberate, controlled choices suited to a defined audience and purpose.
• Metalinguistic reflection. The commentary rewards analytical justification of choices, not description, with reference to the style model.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall and application questions. Attempt them, then check the solutions.

1. What are the two parts of the non-exam assessment and their word counts? (3 marks)
2. Give two features of a good investigation research question. (2 marks)
3. Name two ethical requirements when collecting language data. (2 marks)
4. Distinguish quantitative from qualitative analysis. (2 marks)
5. Name the three areas AQA offers for original writing. (2 marks)
6. What should the reflective commentary do beyond describing the text? (2 marks)