Cambridge AS Level- Language & Literature

by Nandana Surendran

The Language and Literature in English syllabus aims to encourage an appreciation of literature in English - prose, poetry and drama - of different types and from different cultures; and to develop the key skills required to read, analyse and communicate effectively in English.

By studying a range of texts, learners understand more about writers' choices of language, form and structure, and develop their ability to form independent opinions about what they read. Learners also improve their understanding of the English language and how it is used, extending their skills across a range of writing styles, including imaginative, discursive and argumentative.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims are to enable students to-
• Enjoy the experience of studying English language and reading literature
• Communicate effectively, accurately and appropriately in writing
• Develop the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication
• Develop an appreciation of texts in a range of forms and styles produced for a variety of audiences and from different periods and cultures
• Build a firm foundation for further study of language and literature.

Key Concepts

Key concepts are essential ideas that help students develop a deep understanding of their subject and make links between different aspects. Key concepts may open up new ways of thinking about, understanding or interpreting the important things to be learned.

Good teaching and learning will incorporate and reinforce a subject’s key concepts to help students gain:
• A greater depth as well as breadth of subject knowledge
• Confidence, especially in applying knowledge and skills in new situations
• The vocabulary to discuss their subject conceptually and show how different aspects link together
• A level of mastery of their subject to help them enter higher education.

The key concepts of English Language in Paper 1 are as follows-

• Text and context
A text can be defined as a single, coherent unit of language, from the briefest spoken utterance to a book published across several volumes. However, no text exists without context; students of English language must always consider how a text’s meaning is informed by the circumstances not only of its production, but also of its communication and reception.

• Meaning and style
The study of English language involves developing a range of strategies for exploring the complex ways in which different linguistic elements come together to create meaning. Whether producing their own texts or analysing texts produced by others, students of English language must consider how choices regarding form, structure and language also interact to create a distinctive style.

• Audience
Students of English language must learn to identify and analyse the strategies writers use to communicate with their intended audience. Likewise, they must be able to predict, recognise and analyse the various responses these strategies might elicit.

• Creativity
Whether writing artfully for a specified purpose and audience, reading deeply between the lines of a challenging text, or developing strategies for acquiring the language in the first place, users of the English language must demonstrate creativity in a range of forms and contexts.

Key concepts of Literature in English in Paper 2 are as follows-

• Language
Exploring the variety and use of language in literary texts. Identifying literary techniques and explaining how their use contributes to a reader’s analysis and understanding of the text.

• Form
Considering the ways in which writers use – or depart from – conventions of literary forms of prose, poetry and drama and how those inform meaning and effects.

• Structure
When analysed in reading: the organisation of a text or passage, its shape and development and how this contributes to the readers’ understanding of its meaning and effects. When used in writing: the construction of a relevant and supported argument appropriate to the question.

• Genre
Exploring the characteristics of different text types: for example, tragedy, comedy and satire.

• Context
Exploring the relationship between a text and its historical, social and cultural backgrounds and the ways in which this can illuminate the reading of a text.

• Style
Analysing the writer’s variety and use of language and style in different forms, genres and periods, and how it contributes to the meanings and effects for different audiences and readerships.

• Interpretation
Evaluating and explaining different ideas within a text.

Objectives of Assessment

1. Paper 1 Writing

  1. Write effectively, creatively, accurately and appropriately, for a range of audiences and purposes.
  2. Analyse the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language produce meaning and style

2. Paper 2 Drama, Poetry and Prose

  1. Respond with understanding to literary texts in a variety of forms, from different cultures; with an appreciation of relevant contexts that illuminate readings of the texts.
  2. Analyse ways in which writers’ choices of language, form and structure shape meanings and effects.
  3. Produce informed independent opinions and interpretations of literary texts.
  4. Communicate a relevant, structured and supported response appropriate to literary study.

Assessment

1. Paper 1- Writing
Candidates answer two questions: one compulsory question from Section A, and one question from a choice of three in Section B. Externally assessed
2 hours
50 marks
AS Level- 50%

2. Paper 2- Drama, Poetry and Prose
Candidates answer two questions, each from a different section. Externally assessed
2 hours
50 marks
AS Level- 50%

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