Cambridge AS Level- English General Paper

The Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper encourages learners to engage with a variety of topics, including knowledge and understanding gained from study of other subjects. They learn to become confident in analysing knowledge and opinion from a variety of sources, to build arguments and to communicate through written English.

The Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper enables learners to develop these skills which are of great use for further study and employment. This syllabus replaces Cambridge AS Level General Paper (8001) and Cambridge AS Level General Paper (8004) from 2019 onwards. The last series for Cambridge AS Level General Paper (8001) and Cambridge AS Level General Paper (8004) will be November 2018.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims are to enable students to:
• Develop understanding and use of English language in the context of contemporary topics
• Encourage and appraise a broad range of topics
• Develop a wider awareness and knowledge of contemporary issues through reading
• Develop independent reasoning skills
• Develop the skills of interpretation, analysis, evaluation and persuasion
• Develop skills in writing structured and developed arguments, and present reasoned explanations
• Develop the ability to present a point of view clearly, and consider and reflect upon those of others.

Syllabus

1. Economic, historical, moral, political and social.
The role and value of history in modern society; Wars, conflicts and terrorism; The state and its institutions; Political systems, leadership, nationalism and forms of government; The role of international organisations; The provision and politics of aid;Justice and the justice system; prison and rehabilitation; The role of the individual in society; Family, marriage and partnerships, social pressure, class and social attitudes; Globalisation and its impacts; Wealth and equality in society; Population and migration; Education; Welfare; Sport and leisure; Work and employment; Industry and commerce; Freedom of speech, thought and action; Human rights; Animal welfare; Matters of conscience, faith and tolerance.

2. Science, including its history, philosophy, ethics, general principles and applications; environmental issues; technology and mathematics.
Medical and scientific advances and their ethics; Drug testing, manufacture and provision; Diet, health education and provision of healthcare; Space exploration and its associated industry; Information and communications technology; Surveillance and privacy; Environmental concerns; Natural disasters including mitigation and management; Rural and urban concerns; Food and water security; Transport, travel and tourism; The uses and applications of mathematics.

3. Literature, language, the arts, crafts, and the media.
Literature; Non-fiction writing; Language; Performing arts; Visual arts; Applied arts; Arts institutions and venues; Traditional arts and crafts; heritage; Print and digital media; Advertising; Censorship and freedom of the media and the arts.

Objectives of Assessment

1. Selection and application of information
• Demonstrate understanding of information from a variety of material.
• Identify, select and interpret relevant data, information and examples.
• Apply information that exemplifies ideas and opinions.

2. Analysis and evaluation
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse the meaning of language as used in its context.
• Develop explanations with examples, analysis and evaluation.
• Develop, analyse and evaluate arguments and make supported judgements.

3. Communication using written English
• Write structured responses, using a range of appropriate language for a variety of purposes.
• Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and accurately.
• Construct cohesive and organised responses, linking ideas and arguments.

Assessment

1. Paper 1 Essay
Candidates answer one essay question from a choice of 10. Externally assessed
1 hour 15 minutes
30 marks
AS Level- 50%

2. Paper 2 Comprehension
Candidates answer compulsory questions on reading material. Externally assessed
1 hour 45 minutes
50 marks
AS Level- 50%

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