A Level in English Language and Literature (2015 Specification)

A Level in English Language and Literature (2015) (9EL01)

A Level English Language and Literature

A Level Language and Literature students are required to show deeper knowledge and understanding of:


- a wider range of spoken and written texts from different times, including at least five texts from specified genres (prose fiction, poetry, drama)
- the significance of contextual factors in the production and reception of texts
- how to apply linguistic and literary methodologies and concepts to inform their responses to and interpretations of texts.

The coursework portfolio will be marked and moderated by an independent coursework marker at the centre where you sit your examinations. There may be a fee for the marking. All distance learning students should download the Private Candidates Handbook from Edexcel's website which gives you guidance on finding an examination centre and registering.

Likewise, International students need to download the specific handbook for them, which will give alternative examination arrangements etc.

The web site is: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/english-literature-2015.html
Your tutor will give you various resource sites to visit and there is extra material on the On Campus area on our website. The suggested textbook for additional reading is:

This supports the integrated approach to English Language and Literature, and has an accompanying CD-ROM which allows you to access additional material.

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Edexcel A2 English Language and Literature: Student Book
ISBN number for 2015 revised edition to be confirmed

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The units
A Level Unit 1: Voices in Speech and Writing Section A: Anthology Text

Summary


A Level Component 1: 9EL01/01

This paper carries 40% of the total GCE marks.
The unit is externally assessed.
Availability: June

Content summary

For Component 1 Section A candidates study:
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- Voices in Speech and Writing anthology.

Assessment

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 2 hours 30 minutes:
- This is an 'open book' examination which means a clean copy of All My Sons can be taken into the examination. A clean copy of the anthology will be provided in the exam.
-Total of 50 marks available: 25 marks for Section A (Voices in Speech and Writing Anthology) and 25 marks for All My Sons.
- Component 1 paper is in two sections – students answer the question in Section A and one question on their chosen drama text in Section B.
- Section A – Voices in 20th- and 21st century Texts: one comparative essay question on one unseen extract selected from 20th- or 21st-century sources and one text from the anthology (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 assessed).
- Section B – Drama Texts: one extract-based essay question on the chosen drama text (AO1, AO2, AO3 assessed).


Unit 1 will assess objectives AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4. These require candidates to:
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AO1 - Apply concepts and methods from linguistic and literary study, using appropriate terminology and clear written expression
AO2 - Analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped with texts
AO3 - Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received
AO4 - Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts.


In this unit, you will be required to show knowledge and understanding of:

- use a range of techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of texts for various audiences and purposes
- Explore connections across a wide range of literary and non-literary texts
-Identify and describe how meanings and effects are created and conveyed in texts
- show knowledge and understanding of the ways in which texts relate to the contexts in which they are produced and received
- show awareness of the different language levels, as appropriate, drawn from: phonetics, phonology and prosodics, lexis and semantics, grammar and morphology, pragmatics and discourse.


A Level Unit 2: Voices in Speech and Writing Section B: Drama Text - All My Sons

A Level Component 1: 9EL01/01

This paper carries 40% of the total GCE marks.

The unit is externally assessed.
Availability: June

Content summary
For Component 1 Section B candidates study:

- The set play, All My Sons.
Assessment


This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 2 hours 30 minutes:


- This is an 'open book' examination which means that clean copies of the anthology and All My Sons can be used.
- Total of 50 marks available: 25 marks for Section A (Poems of the Decade and unseen poem) and 25 marks for All My Sons.
- Section A 'Voices in Speech and Writing' assesses AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO5.
- Section B Drama assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.


Unit 1B will assess objectives AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4. These require candidates to:
AO1 - Apply concepts and methods from linguistic and literary study, using appropriate terminology and clear written expression
AO2 - Analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped with texts
AO3 - Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received
AO4 - Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts.


In this unit, you will be required to show knowledge and understanding of:


- use a range of techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of texts for various audiences and purposes
- Explore connections across a wide range of literary and non-literary texts
- Identify and describe how meanings and effects are created and conveyed in texts
- show knowledge and understanding of the ways in which texts relate to the contexts in which they are produced and received
- show awareness of the different language levels, as appropriate, drawn from: phonetics, phonology and prosodics, lexis and semantics, grammar and morphology, pragmatics and discourse.


A Level Unit 3: Varieties in Language and Literature Section A: Love and Loss - Unseen Prose Fiction


Unit 3
Component 2: Varieties of Language and Literature carries 40% of the total GCE marks.

Content

During the Language and Literature course, you will continue to explore texts from both a linguistic and literary perspective. This unit provides opportunities to develop an integrated approach to the study of language and literature. Interdisciplinary approaches involve the study of texts in context. This enables a consideration of the attitudes, values and ideas of particular writers in particular societies.

You will explore literary, non-fiction and media texts. You will consider communication provided through formal and informal speech, journals and diaries.
In this unit you will build on responses to non-fiction made in Unit 1 and develop the ability to

- Appreciate how context, audience and purpose may shape a text
-Analyse writer’s use of form, structure and language
- Identify the attitudes, values and ideas presented by a reader or speaker
- Plan and write critical responses