Creative and Critical Writing overview: the non-exam assessment
An overview of the Creative and Critical Writing component (the non-exam assessment) of WJEC A-Level English Language and Literature: the critical genre study analysing a genre across texts and wider reading, and the two creative writing tasks, one literary and one non-literary, informed by genre research.
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This overview introduces the Creative and Critical Writing component of WJEC A-Level English Language and Literature, the non-exam assessment. It has two linked parts: a critical genre study and creative writing in the chosen genre. Your centre sets the exact tasks, word counts and deadlines, so always follow its guidance alongside the official specification.
What the component assesses
The non-exam assessment rewards two things working together: analytical command of a genre and original writing that applies it. The critical genre study analyses a genre across set and wider reading using integrated methods, and the creative writing tasks produce one literary and one non-literary piece informed by that research. Wider reading, controlled craft and accurate referencing run through the whole component, which is completed over time under supervision.
The skill
This module is covered by a single overview page.
- The non-exam assessment. The critical genre study (analysing a genre across texts and wider reading) and the creative writing tasks (one literary and one non-literary piece), informed by research and referenced accurately.
How to approach it
- Choose and narrow a genre. Define its conventions and find a focused angle.
- Read widely. Range beyond a single text to argue a real thesis about the genre.
- Argue, do not describe. The critical study must make an analytical case.
- Connect the creative work. Deliberately deploy the conventions you analysed.
- Reference and follow the brief. Cite sources accurately and meet your centre's word counts and deadlines.
Where this fits in the qualification
The non-exam assessment is worth about 20 percent of the A level and is completed under your centre's supervision alongside the examined components. For the official specification, genre lists and assessment requirements, see wjec.co.uk, and always confirm the current requirements with your centre because tasks and word counts are board-specific.