English Language
Starting WJEC as-level English Language this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.
This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.
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Key Features
- Master key concepts
- Develop exam technique
- Apply knowledge effectively
About WJEC as-level English Language
Welcome to WJEC AS-Level English Language, a course that invites you to explore the fascinating relationship between language and society. You will investigate how language is used in different contexts, how it varies according to region, class, gender, and age, and how it evolves over time. This specification encourages you to become a critical reader and analyst of both written and spoken texts, developing your own writing skills alongside your analytical abilities.
The course is structured to build your understanding of language frameworks and concepts, starting with the foundations of language analysis and moving towards more complex theories and debates. You will study a range of texts, from everyday conversations to media articles, and learn to apply linguistic terminology with precision. The WJEC AS-Level is designed to be engaging and relevant, connecting linguistic theory to real-world language use, and it provides an excellent foundation for further study in English Language or related fields.
Assessment Structure
The WJEC AS-Level English Language qualification is assessed through two written examination papers, each worth 50% of the AS grade. Paper 1, titled 'Language and Contexts', is a 1 hour 45 minute exam worth 80 marks, focusing on the analysis of language in different contexts, including a directed writing task. Paper 2, titled 'Language and Identity', is also 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 80 marks, exploring how language constructs personal and social identity. Both papers require you to apply your knowledge of language frameworks and theories to unseen texts and to produce your own analytical and creative writing. There is no coursework component at AS level, but the skills you develop will prepare you for the A-level assessment.
Why Choose WJEC?
- WJEC offers a clear and coherent specification that integrates language analysis with creative writing, allowing you to demonstrate both analytical and expressive skills. The exam papers are structured to reward genuine understanding rather than rote memorisation, with a focus on applying concepts to real-world texts.
- The board provides a wide range of high-quality resources, including past papers and examiner commentaries, which help you understand exactly what is expected. Additionally, WJEC's regional presence in Wales and England means that the specification is well-regarded by universities and employers, and it offers a smooth progression to the full A-level if you choose to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Specification Topics
No curriculum content available for this specification yet.
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