A Level English Language and Literature CAIE

This subject offers 17 topics in 6 modules:

  1. 20th and 21st Century Texts (Optional) 3 topics
  2. Close Reading or Re-creative Writing, and Commentary 2 topics
  3. Drama 3 topics
  4. Non-Literary Texts (Optional) 3 topics
  5. Poetry and Prose 2 topics
  6. Shakespeare and Other Pre-20th Century Texts (Optional) 4 topics
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  • 6
    modules
  • 17
    topics
  • 6,347
    words of revision content
  • 49+
    minutes of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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English Language and Literature

20th and 21st Century Texts (Optional)

Reading and analyzing a selection of 20th and 21st century literary texts

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Reading and analyzing a selection of 20th and 21st century literary texts

Understanding Literary Texts from the 20th and 21st Century

  • Familiarise yourself with important historical and cultural contexts surrounding the texts: societal attitudes, political environment, author’s background etc.
  • Identify themes present in the texts: gender, race, class, war, love, life and death, etc.
  • Understand the narrative structure of the relevant texts: linear or nonlinear, multiple narratives, present or past tense.
  • Note how characters are portrayed: through dialogue, relationships, or changes over time.

Critical Analysis of Literary Texts

  • Evaluate language use and stylistic choices, understanding how they contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the text.
  • Identify and evaluate use of literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, and metaphor.
  • Investigate and comment on the tone and mood established in the text.
  • Consider if the text includes subtext or hidden meanings behind what is explicitly said or described.
  • Understand and comment on the perspective or point of view from which the text is written.

Comparison Between Texts

  • Consider how different texts approach similar themes or contexts.
  • Compare the characterisation techniques used across different texts.
  • Analyse variations in narrative structure and storytelling methods.
  • Evaluate language use and style across the texts studied.

How to Write Effective Essays

  • Begin with an effective introduction that provides a clear thesis statement or main argument.
  • Each body paragraph should focus on one main point or argument, and have clear links to evidence from the text.
  • Use quotations effectively and directly link them to your argument
  • Always provide a conclusion that summarises your argument and highlights the significance of your analysis.
  • Lastly, edit and proofread your essays to improve precision, clarity, and overall quality. Aim for a polished and error-free final version.

Course material for English Language and Literature, module 20th and 21st Century Texts (Optional), topic Reading and analyzing a selection of 20th and 21st century literary texts

English Language and Literature

Non-Literary Texts (Optional)

Understanding the use of language, form, and structure in non-literary texts

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Understanding the use of language, form, and structure in non-literary texts

Understanding Language in Non-Literary Texts

  • Keep an eye out for diction, the specific words chosen by the author, as they often convey more than their literal meanings.
  • Analyse the sentence structure and syntax used, looking at the arrangement of words in a sentence and how it contributes to the overall understanding of the text.
  • Notice figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, used to express ideas in an imaginative way.
  • Understand tone, the attitude of the author towards the subject, and mood, the atmosphere created for the reader.

Studying Form in Non-Literary Texts

  • Identify the type of text (e.g., newspaper article, blog post, speech), as each form follows its own conventions and goals.
  • Examine the structure of paragraphs and their progression. Is the text following a chronological order or is it more free-flowing?
  • Look for headings and subheadings which can provide hints about the main points of the text.
  • Observe any visual elements used, such as graphs or images, and how they complement the text.

Exploring Structure in Non-Literary Texts

  • Understand layout and organisation. Is the text organised in blocks, columns or broken into subsections? Each layout affects reader comprehension differently.
  • Pay attention to punctuation usage. The usage, or even absence, of commas, periods and semicolons can greatly change the flow and meaning of the text.
  • Look for repetition or patterns in the text. This could signal key points or themes the author is trying to emphasise.
  • Analyse the beginnings and endings of sections. They often summarise key points or provide transitions to maintain cohesion in the text.

Techniques in Non-Literary Texts

  • Be aware of rhetorical devices used by the author to persuade or inform, including questions, hyperbole, or parallelism.
  • Take note of contrast and juxtaposition, which can enhance the meaning or clarity of the text.
  • Spot any irony used by the author to express a meaning contrary to the literal words.
  • Recognise the use of anecdotes and examples to illustrate points and promote reader understanding or empathy.

Course material for English Language and Literature, module Non-Literary Texts (Optional), topic Understanding the use of language, form, and structure in non-literary texts

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