What is WJEC A2 Unit 5?

A2 Unit 5: Prose Study is the non-exam assessment, worth 20% of the A level. It is a single comparative assignment of 2500 to 3500 words on two prose texts chosen by the centre, one published before 2000 and one after, focused on context, literary tradition, movement or genre.

Is the Prose Study an exam?

No. It is non-exam assessment (coursework), researched and written over time rather than sat in an exam hall. This means the bar for independent research, accurate referencing and polished, sustained writing is higher than in the timed units.

What texts can be used for the Prose Study?

Two prose texts selected by the centre, one published before 2000 and one after 2000. The cross-period pairing is required so the comparison reads across two different moments, and the focus is on context, literary tradition, movement or genre rather than a single set list.

How is the Prose Study assessed?

Across all five assessment objectives: a sustained, well-referenced argument (AO1), close analysis of narrative method in both texts (AO2), the contexts and traditions they belong to (AO3), an integrated comparison across the two (AO4), and engagement with different interpretations where relevant (AO5).

What makes a strong Prose Study?

An integrated comparison rather than two separate accounts: one argued case held across both texts, on a focus narrow enough to sustain in the word count. Strong studies choose texts that genuinely illuminate each other, research context and criticism, analyse method on both sides, and reach a judgement, referenced accurately.

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A2 Unit 5 Prose Study overview: the comparative non-exam assessment

A complete overview of WJEC A2 Unit 5 (Prose Study): the non-exam comparative assignment on two prose texts from different periods, its focus on context, tradition, movement or genre, and the AO1 to AO5 skills it assesses.

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What A2 Unit 5 assesses
The assignment
How to build these skills
Where this fits in the exam

This overview maps WJEC A2 Unit 5 (Prose Study): the non-exam assessment, a single comparative assignment of 2500 to 3500 words on two prose texts from different periods. It is the coursework component of the A level and assesses the full range of objectives (AO1 to AO5) through an independent, researched comparison.

What A2 Unit 5 assesses

This unit is worth 20% of the A level and is the only non-exam component. It tests your ability to plan and sustain an independent comparative essay: choosing two apt prose texts (one pre-2000, one post-2000), framing a focused question on context, tradition, movement or genre, researching widely, and arguing one integrated case across both texts. Because it is coursework, research, referencing and polish matter alongside the literary analysis.

The assignment

This module is covered by a single overview page, because the Prose Study is one piece of coursework rather than a set of separate exam questions.

The Prose Study NEA. A 2500 to 3500 word comparative assignment on two prose texts from different periods, built around context, tradition, movement or genre, and assessed across AO1 to AO5.

How to build these skills

Choose well. Pick two cross-period texts that genuinely illuminate each other.
Focus tightly. Frame a question narrow enough to argue in the word count.
Research independently. Read the contexts, traditions and any different interpretations.
Integrate the comparison. Argue one case across both texts, organised by point.
Reference accurately. Coursework rewards independent research and careful citation.

Where this fits in the exam

A2 Unit 5 is one of five units across the full A level, and the only non-exam one. The four written units (AS Units 1 and 2, A2 Units 3 and 4) carry the other 80%. For the official specification, the NEA requirements and guidance, see wjec.co.uk, and always follow the current specification and your centre's guidance, because non-exam requirements are board-specific.

Sources & how we know this

WJEC A-level English Literature specification — WJEC (2015)