What does Eduqas Component 2 Text in Action require, and how do the two pieces and the report fit together for the highest marks?
Component 2 Text in Action: two performances from a WJEC stimulus (a devised piece influenced by a different practitioner and an extract from a professionally produced text in a contrasting style) plus a process and evaluation report, assessed by a visiting examiner (AO1, AO2 and AO4).
An Eduqas A-Level Drama and Theatre guide to Component 2 Text in Action: a devised piece influenced by a different practitioner and a performance of an extract from a professionally produced text, both from a WJEC stimulus, plus a process and evaluation report, assessed by a visiting examiner over 120 marks (40 per cent) against AO1, AO2 and AO4.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
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What this dot point is asking
Component 2, Text in Action, is the largest part of Eduqas A-Level Drama and Theatre. From a WJEC-provided stimulus you create and perform two pieces: a devised piece influenced by a practitioner or company that is different from your Component 1 choice, and a performance of an extract from a professionally produced text in a contrasting style. You also submit a process and evaluation report. It is worth 120 marks (40 per cent), is externally assessed by a visiting examiner, and it assesses AO1, AO2 and AO4. The skill is to make two strongly contrasting pieces and to document the devising process with genuine evaluation.
The answer
The two pieces
Component 2 has two performances, deliberately contrasting.
- The devised piece. An original piece created from the WJEC stimulus, developed through the working methods of a practitioner or company that is different from your Component 1 practitioner.
- The scripted extract. A performance of an extract from a professionally commissioned or produced text, in a contrasting style to the devised piece.
The contrast between original devising and faithful interpretation, and between two styles, is part of the challenge.
The process and evaluation report
The process and evaluation report is the written evidence submitted with the practical work. It documents how the devised piece was created and developed and evaluates your own work and the work of others, carrying AO1 and AO4.
How it is assessed
A visiting examiner comes to the centre and externally assesses the live performances; the process and evaluation report is assessed alongside. The component carries AO1, AO2 and AO4.
Examples in context
A group might devise a physical, Frantic Assembly-influenced piece from a stimulus about migration, then perform a contrasting naturalistic extract from a professionally produced modern play, so the two pieces show range. The performances are the AO2 evidence; the process and evaluation report carries AO1 and AO4.
Try this
Q1. State the marks, weighting and assessment method of Component 2. [3 marks]
- Cue. 120 marks, 40 per cent, externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
Q2. Name the two pieces and the written element of Component 2. [3 marks]
- Cue. A devised piece (from a WJEC stimulus, different practitioner from Component 1), a performance of an extract from a professionally produced text in a contrasting style, and a process and evaluation report.
Q3. Explain how the two pieces in Component 2 differ and what each requires. [8 marks]
- What the marker wants. The devised piece (original creation from the stimulus through a different practitioner's method) against the scripted extract (faithful interpretation of a professionally produced text in a contrasting style), with what each demands of the performer or designer (AO1).
A note on application
This guide is AI-written and not individually human-reviewed. The stimulus, the eligible texts and the assessment criteria are set by Eduqas and reviewed periodically, so always confirm the current Component 2 requirements, including the extract length and the different-practitioner rule, with your centre and the Eduqas specification.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas A690 SAM10 marksExplain how the two pieces in Component 2 differ in style and what each requires of the performer or designer. [10]Show worked answer →
An explanation task on the structure of Component 2 (AO1).
Method. Describe the devised piece (created from the WJEC stimulus, influenced by a different practitioner from Component 1) and the scripted extract (from a professionally commissioned or produced text, in a contrasting style), and explain what each demands: original creation against faithful interpretation, in two different styles.
Develop. The top band explains how the contrast in style stretches the performer or designer and ties each piece to its assessment. Weak answers describe one piece only or blur the two.
Eduqas A690 guidance8 marksExplain the role of the visiting examiner and the process and evaluation report in Component 2. [8]Show worked answer →
An explanation task on how Component 2 is assessed (AO1 and AO4).
Method. State that a visiting examiner externally assesses the live performances, and that the process and evaluation report documents and evaluates the making of the devised piece (AO1 and AO4). Note the component is worth 120 marks (40 per cent).
Develop. A strong answer explains that the report is the written evidence of the process and the evaluation, complementing the live performance. Weaker answers omit the report or the examiner's role.
Related dot points
- Devising from the set stimulus: interpreting the WJEC stimulus, generating and shaping original material through a different practitioner's working methods, and developing it into a coherent devised performance with a clear intention for the audience (AO1 and AO2).
How to devise the Eduqas Component 2 piece from a WJEC stimulus: interpreting the stimulus, generating and shaping original material through a different practitioner's methods, and developing it into a coherent devised performance with a clear audience intention, to earn AO1 and AO2.
- The scripted extract from a professional text: choosing and performing an extract from a professionally commissioned or produced text in a style contrasting with the devised piece, realising a clear interpretation as a performer or designer (AO1 and AO2).
How to perform the Eduqas Component 2 scripted extract: choosing an extract from a professionally commissioned or produced text in a style that contrasts with the devised piece, and realising a clear interpretation through performance or design choices, to earn AO1 and AO2.
- The process and evaluation report for Component 2: documenting how the devised piece was created and developed, and analysing and evaluating your own work and the work of others, connecting theory and practice, so the written evidence supports AO1 and AO4.
What the Eduqas Component 2 process and evaluation report must contain: documenting the creation and development of the devised piece, and analysing and evaluating your own and others' work while connecting theory and practice, written as evidence of process to earn AO1 and AO4.
- Text in Action assessment: external assessment by a visiting examiner who marks the two live performances, the performer and designer routes, and how the process and evaluation report combines with the practical work across AO1, AO2 and AO4.
How Eduqas Component 2 is assessed: a visiting examiner externally marks the two live performances, the performer and designer routes apply as in Component 1, and the process and evaluation report combines with the practical work across AO1, AO2 and AO4 over 120 marks.
- Choosing a practitioner for each component: selecting one practitioner or company for the Component 1 reinterpretation and a different one for the Component 2 devised piece, matching method to material, and applying each coherently across the whole piece (AO1 and AO2).
How to choose practitioners for Eduqas Drama and Theatre: one practitioner or company for the Component 1 reinterpretation and a different one for the Component 2 devised piece, matching the method to the material and intended audience effect, and applying each coherently across the whole piece to earn AO1 and AO2.
Sources & how we know this
- WJEC Eduqas A Level Drama and Theatre specification (A690) — Eduqas (WJEC) (2023)
- Eduqas A Level Drama and Theatre Component 2 guidance and sample materials — Eduqas (WJEC) (2025)