AO2 — understand and analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
(Verbatim spec text private side only — © Pearson Education Limited 2025)
Tests canonical
- KS4 English — Language and structure analysis
- KS4 English — Critical evaluation (partial — critical evaluation woven into AO2 rather than separately assessed)
Where assessed
Component 1 Section A (non-fiction; in conjunction with AO1 and AO3). Component 2 Section A or Component 3 Assignment A (poetry and prose).
Cross-overlay equivalents
- AQA GCSE 8700 AO2 (direct equivalent; AQA additionally requires use of subject terminology)
Not present at FS Level 2 — language analysis is not part of the FS qualification.