Component 4: Prose Study (NEA)
Non-Exam Assessment: A comparative study of two prose texts
The Bell Jar (Plath, 1963) and We Need to Talk About Kevin (Shriver, 2003)
Important: This is Guidance, Not Content
This document provides:
- Essay structure and planning techniques
- Understanding of Assessment Objectives
- Research and critical thinking prompts
- Drafting and editing strategies
- Question-specific thinking prompts
This document does NOT provide:
- Pre-written content answering your question
- Paragraph examples you can copy
- Specific arguments about the texts
You must develop your own argument, conduct your own research, and write your own essay.
NEA Guidance
“These are both novels which are preoccupied with failing female figures.”
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) is your independent comparative study. It is internally assessed by your teacher and externally moderated by Eduqas. This is your opportunity to demonstrate independent research, sustained argument, and deep engagement with texts.
80 marks total
20% of A-Level
2,500–3,500 words
Quotations included
Untimed
Weeks to complete
2 prose texts
Pre & post-2000
NEA vs. Exam Essays
Exam Essays
- Timed (25–30 min per essay)
- Limited planning time
- Memory-based quotations
- Teacher can’t help during exam
- Breadth of knowledge
- Single draft
NEA (Your Coursework)
- Untimed (weeks/months to complete)
- Extensive planning, research, drafting
- Can select perfect quotations
- Teacher can give general feedback on drafts
- Depth of analysis
- Multiple drafts possible
Key Insight
NEA advantages: Time to research, plan carefully, craft sophisticated argument, engage with critics, refine expression. NEA expectations: Higher sophistication, deeper analysis, more extensive research, polished academic style.