What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level English Language?

Utilise the list of phonemic symbols printed on the question paper

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level English Language? (2)

Focus on the effects created by the features rather than just identifying them

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level English Language? (3)

Ensure analysis is grounded in the context of the spoken interaction

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level English Language? (4)

Practice analysing a range of spoken genres to become familiar with diverse prosodic patterns

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level English Language? (5)

Always link linguistic observations to the question's focus on meaning, representation, or attitude.

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level English Language?

Failure to use the provided phonemic symbols correctly

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level English Language? (2)

Descriptive listing of features without analytical exploration of their effects

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level English Language? (3)

Lack of connection between the transcripts provided

English Language

WJEC

A-Level

Specification: WJEC-A-Level-English-Language

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%-30%

Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study as appropriate, using associated terminology and coherent written expression

AO2

25%-30%

Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts

AO3

25%-30%

Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received

AO4

13%-15%

Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods

AO5

13%-15%

Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

WJEC

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Failure to use the provided phonemic symbols correctly
•Descriptive listing of features without analytical exploration of their effects
•Lack of connection between the transcripts provided
•Inaccurate application of terminology
•Describing language features without linking them to meaning or context, leading to feature-spotting rather than analysis.
•Confusing key terms, such as mixing up syntax with semantics or register with dialect.
•Over-generalising about language use without considering the specific text's context and mode.
•Lack of precision and focus due to exceeding the advisory word count

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Utilise the list of phonemic symbols printed on the question paper
•Focus on the effects created by the features rather than just identifying them
•Ensure analysis is grounded in the context of the spoken interaction
•Practice analysing a range of spoken genres to become familiar with diverse prosodic patterns
•Always link linguistic observations to the question's focus on meaning, representation, or attitude.
•Plan your response to ensure a balanced coverage of different linguistic levels, moving from lexis to discourse.
•Use clear PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) paragraphs to structure your analysis and demonstrate deep understanding.
•Study a range of written texts from different periods to prepare for unseen analysis

Specification Topics

16 topics

Phonetics, phonology, and prosodics

Phonetics, phonology, and prosodics involves the study of how speech sounds and effects are articulated and analysed. It is a core language level used to explore spoken language transcripts in Component 1, where candidates must identify and analyse features to understand how speakers interact.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

E2E stub topic

This subtopic introduces learners to the systematic analysis of language in use, focusing on how meaning is constructed through lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic choices. Students will engage with real-world texts to explore how language varies across different social contexts, registers, and modes. The practical application lies in developing transferable analytical skills essential for both academic study and critical literacy in everyday communication.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Language change over time

The study of language change over time, focusing on unseen written texts from different periods (not earlier than 1500) linked by genre. It covers orthography, etymology, lexical, and grammatical changes in context, requiring analysis of archaic language features and connections across texts.

0 objectives3 tips

English in the twenty-first century

This topic explores the distinctive ways language is used in the twenty-first century, focusing on how language evolves to reflect technological and cultural changes. It requires an understanding of contemporary language concepts, the impact of contextual factors (pragmatics) on language use, and the analysis of how language features construct meaning in modern communication.

0 objectives3 tips

Language and self-representation

A study of how context affects the learner’s own language choices, allowing learners to use their knowledge of language levels, concepts, and issues to explore and interpret their own idiolect.

0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

Language and gender

A study of how gender might affect language choices, forming part of the Language and Identity non-exam assessment (NEA). Learners use their knowledge of language levels, concepts, and issues to explore and interpret gender-related linguistic phenomena.

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Language and culture

A study of how language reflects culture, forming one of the four optional areas for the Language and Identity non-exam assessment (NEA). Learners explore cultural ideologies through language, with potential investigation areas including the arts, sports and entertainment, education, and belief systems.

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Language diversity

Language diversity is a core area of study within the Language and Identity component of the A-Level English Language specification. It involves the investigation of how distinctive varieties of English differ from Standard English, exploring geographical and social variation, specific dialects such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), other global Englishes, and occupational language.

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Lexis and semantics

Lexis and semantics is defined as the vocabulary of English, encompassing historical, geographical, social, and individual varieties of language. It is a core language level that must be applied to the analysis of spoken and written texts, including electronic and multimodal forms, to understand how meaning is constructed in various contexts.

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Grammar including morphology

Grammar including morphology is defined as the structural patterns and shapes of English at sentence, clause, phrase and word level. It is a core language level required for the analysis of spoken and written forms of English across all components of the specification.

0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

Pragmatics

Pragmatics is defined as the contextual aspects of language use. It involves understanding how language is used in different situations, how meaning is constructed through context, and how contextual factors affect form and structure.

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Discourse

Discourse is defined as extended stretches of communication occurring in different genres, modes, and contexts, serving as one of the core language levels for analysis in the specification.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Standard and Non-Standard English

Standard and Non-Standard English is one of four compulsory language topic areas studied for Component 2, Section B. It involves exploring how language varies, the relationship between different varieties of English, and the social and contextual factors that influence language use.

0 objectives4 tips

Language and power

Language and power is one of four core topic areas studied in Component 2, Section B. It involves exploring how language affects all aspects of life, specifically focusing on how power dynamics are constructed, maintained, and challenged through language use in various contexts.

0 objectives3 tips

Language and situation

Language and situation is one of four core language topic areas studied for Component 2, Section B. It involves exploring how language use is influenced by the specific context and situation in which communication occurs, and how language affects all aspects of our lives.

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Language acquisition

Language acquisition is one of four core topic areas studied within the 'Language Issues' section of Component 2. It involves the study of how language is acquired and developed, requiring learners to demonstrate critical understanding of concepts, evaluate contextual factors, and explore meaning through relevant language theories and examples.

0 objectives3 tips

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