English Language

Course summary

A-level English Language is designed to enable you to become a highly-skilled reader and writer. You will develop expertise in analyzing and reproducing a whole range of texts in any genre for any audience. There are opportunities to explore written and spoken language critically, improve your language terminology and knowledge of linguistic conventions, and polish your own writing’s effectiveness and coherence. In Component 1, Language Concepts and Issues, you will analyze spoken language and key topics of Language and Power, Child Language Acquisition, Language and Situation, and Standard and Non-Standard English. Component 2 is the exploration of Language Change through Time, where you will examine how English has changed since 1500. You will research the language of contemporary electronic communication in the 21st century. Component 3 is Critical and Creative writing; this is your chance to develop your own writing and examine the choices writers make in order to connect with their readers. In Component 4, Language and Identity, you will write a coursework report on a language issue taken from one of the following topics: Language and Self-Representation, Gender, Culture, or Diversity.