Understanding the Updated English A-Level Examination Framework
The revised A-Level English General Paper (GP) syllabus was implemented in 2024, introducing several key changes to the examination format and assessment focus. These adjustments aim to better evaluate students’ critical thinking, comprehension, and depth of analysis. Below is an overview of the major updates.
1. A-Level Reading Comprehension (Paper 2)
Under the revised syllabus, Paper 2 now features three compulsory passages instead of the previous one- or two-passage structure. This change places greater emphasis on students’ ability to manage and interpret a wider range of texts within a single paper. All three passages are actively tested, requiring consistent comprehension and precise responses throughout the paper.
In addition, comparison questions now carry greater weight, challenging students to identify connections, contrasts, and shared ideas across the texts. One of the passages is specifically designed to assess students’ summary skills, requiring them to distil key information clearly and concisely.
2. General Paper Essay Writing (Paper 1)
Paper 1 continues to cover a broad range of topics, but the revised syllabus narrows the scope of examinable themes. Rather than spreading preparation across an extensive list of topics, students are now expected to engage more deeply with a smaller selection of themes. This shift encourages more thoughtful argument development, stronger content mastery, and sharper evaluation, moving away from surface-level treatment of issues.
How We Support Students Under the Revised Syllabus
At our centre, we have adapted our teaching approach to align closely with these syllabus changes. Students are guided through structured reading strategies, effective comparison frameworks, and targeted summary techniques for Paper 2. For Paper 1, we focus on building depth within key thematic areas, equipping students with strong examples, analytical tools, and clear essay structures. Through focused practice and personalised feedback, we help students gain confidence and perform at their best under the revised A-Level GP examination format.