Tips for Success in A-Level English Language
Understanding A-Levels
A-Levels, short for Advanced Levels, are subject-based qualifications that occupy the final two years of a student’s secondary education. Typically, those taking A-Levels choose to study three or more subjects.
For those interested in taking A-Levels, careful consideration should be given to subject choice. Students should think not only about the subjects that they most enjoy, but also those they are likely to succeed in. University applications are another factor to consider when selecting A-Level subjects. If a student has further education in mind, subjects that best facilitate this progression should be chosen. However, if a candidate is more interested in keeping their options open, then this, too, can be represented through A-Level subject choice.
For those interested in attending university to study some form of English degree, an A-Level in English Language is a viable option.
Differing A-Level English Language Exam Boards
Prospective A-Level English Language learners should be aware of the differences between A-Level exam boards. There are three A-Level exam boards in total—Cambridge, OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel—and each one differs in terms of syllabus content and exam format. So, not only is it important to consider what subjects to choose, but also which exam board may be the best fit.
Ultimately, there is no perfect exam board. A-Level English Language students will, no doubt, find positives and negatives to Cambridge, OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel. The idea is, as with choosing A-Level subjects, to select an exam board that seems best suited to the individual. Of course, depending on a person’s location, this may not always be possible but if the chance is there to be selective, it is well worth taking.
A-Level English Language Assessments
Regardless of the exam board, the aims of an A-Level in English Language are much the same. The purpose of this course is to engage A-Level English Language learners in a wide variety of text types to explore the various ways in which language is used to communicate purpose and meaning. Indeed, while there is some similarity in terms of their aims, where the A-Level English Language exam boards differ most significantly is in terms of how they assess their candidates.
Cambridge
The Cambridge A-Level English Language assessment is rigorous and consists of four exam papers. Each of these exam papers tests candidates on a different aspect of the subject, including reading, writing, language analysis, and language topics. Papers 1, 3, and 4 are all 2 hours and 15 minutes in length, while Paper 2 is two hours, and each exam paper is worth 25% of an A-Level English Language candidate’s total grade.
OxfordAQA
For those taking their English Language A-Levels with OxfordAQA, their assessment is made up of two exam papers and one piece of coursework. Both exams are weighted at 40%, with Paper 1 focusing on language and its relationship to individuals and societies, and Paper 2 concerned with language diversity and change. The coursework task is worth the remaining 20% of a student’s total grade and consists of a 2,000 word language investigation, and a 750 word commentary.
Pearson Edexcel
For Pearson Edexcel A-Level English Language students, the exam format is different once again. In this case, candidates sit three papers: Paper 1 concerns language variation; Paper 2 is focused on child language; and Paper 3 looks at investigating language. These papers are weighted at 35%, 20%, and 25%, respectively. In addition, Pearson Edexcel A-Level English Language candidates must complete two coursework assignments, worth a total of 20%. Assignment one consists of two essays of between 1500 and 2000 words, while assignment two is a 1000 words commentary on the earlier work.
Common Mistakes in A-Level English Language
There are a number of common mistakes made by A-Level English Language learners. However, two of the most critical are issues regarding time management and writing ability.
Regardless of which exam board a student is taking, be it Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Pearson Edexcel, they must sit exams. In fact, only two of the three boards require coursework, and, in each instance, this task is weighted at only 20% of a student’s total grade. Therefore, it is crucial that A-Level English Language learners develop keen time management skills to ensure that they complete each exam paper in the time allotted. Too often do academically gifted students lose marks needlessly as a result of poor time management.
Additionally, considering the nature of the subject, students should develop their writing skills to a high standard. This means they should not only understand the basics of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, so as to guarantee clear and concise writing, but also be able to construct cogent paragraphs and, ultimately, essays.
Revision Tips for A-Level English Language
There are innumerable revision tips available to students taking A-Level English Language, yet three stand above the rest.
Students should familiarise themselves with the foundational components of the English language. This means revising what makes up a sentence, the various sentence structures available to English writers, and how exactly punctuation works. Websites like the Punctuation Guide or books such as Geoffrey Leech’s An A–Z of English Grammar and Usage among others are useful resources for revising these concepts and consolidating knowledge.
A-Level English Language candidates should make use of past papers and mark schemes. Each exam board—whether Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Pearson Edexcel—will have past papers and mark schemes available. Utilising these will give learners an idea of the format of their exams, the types of questions asked, and the style of responses that are expected.
Most important of all, students must read regularly and widely. This is a crucial revision tip for success in A-Level English Language. Candidates who read widely and often will have a greater understanding of the language and be more capable of adapting their writing style to different tasks. Success in A-Level English Language cannot occur if a student is not reading.
BartyED and A-Level English Language Support
At BartyED, our experienced A-Level English tutors understand the challenges facing A-Level learners. This two year period is a critical time in their education journey, and can prove exceptionally stressful. To help mitigate this stress, our tutors work directly with students to develop their English language skills. Lessons are bespoke, one-to-one, and focus on the further consolidation of strength and the development of areas of weakness.
Our team of expert English tutors are here to help you or your child maximise exam scores and succeed in A-Level English Language. To arrange your first lesson with a BartyED tutor, reach out to us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
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A-Level English Language is recommended for those who want to study English at university, or who are simply interested in the subject.
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A-Level English Language is a challenging course, regardless of exam board. The examinations are often long and rigorous, including upwards of four distinct papers, while two of the three exam boards require coursework.
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Students should make use of past exam papers in their revision. Moreover, it is important to read widely to get a sense of a variety of text types and how language can be used to create meaning.
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This depends on the exam board. For example, each of the four Cambridge papers is worth 25%. Both OxfordAQA papers are weighted at 40%, while the three Pearson Edexcel exam papers are worth 35%, 20%, and 25%, respectively.