English Language

Course summary

Unit 1: Language, the Individual and Society Section A requires candidates to explore two texts, one contemporary and one older, linked by a theme. Students analyse the texts individually and then compare them, using linguistic methods. Section B consists of a choice of two questions on children’s language development. Unit 2: Language Diversity and Change Students write an evaluative essay on either language change over time or language diversity. Students also write a critical analysis comparing how two texts (written for a non-specialist audience) convey attitudes to language diversity and change. Finally, students are asked to demonstrate their ability to creatively craft material through the construction of their language-based editorial, where they will seek to teach an element of diversity or change to a non-specialist audience. Unit 3: Language in Action This is an NEA module where students will have to demonstrate several different writing skills. The folder will consist of a 2,000-word language investigation of their choice and a 1,500 piece of original writing with a commentary. Students will be free to follow their lines of study and creative choices, with some guidance from the teacher.