Subject Information
In the OCR A Level English Language (H470) course, you will study how language works in a variety of contexts. You will explore how people use language in different situations, how it changes over time, and how social factors such as age, gender, and region influence the way we speak and write. This course encourages you to analyse language creatively, critically, and independently, helping you develop strong communication skills that are useful in many careers.
Course Details
The course is split into three components, each focusing on different aspects of language:
- Component 01: Exploring Language
In this component, you will study how language functions in different contexts and use linguistic techniques to analyze a range of texts. You will also engage in original writing, applying your knowledge creatively.
Assessment: 40% of your A Level, assessed through a 2.5-hour written exam. - Component 02: Dimensions of Linguistic Variation
Here, you will examine how language varies in different social contexts and over time. Topics include language acquisition, language in the media, and historical changes in English. You will analyze real-world examples and study the way language adapts across different settings.
Assessment: 40% of your A Level, assessed through a 2.5-hour written exam. - Component 03: Independent Language Research
For this component, you will conduct an independent investigation into an area of language that interests you. This research project will allow you to explore an aspect of language in depth, applying linguistic theories and research methods to your findings.
Assessment: 20% of your A Level, assessed through non-exam work.
Skills Developed
Throughout this course, you will develop critical thinking and research skills, while also gaining a deep understanding of how language shapes communication. By analyzing texts, conducting independent research, and engaging in creative writing, you will improve your ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively. These skills are highly valued in fields such as journalism, marketing and education.
By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary for further study or for pursuing a variety of career paths that involve language and communication.
Reading List
Wider Reading
Reading as widely as possible from a range of different forms, genres, and eras will be the most useful reading you can do. This includes novels, articles, blogs, tweets, texts, radio and television transcripts. Be sure to keep a record of anything you find interesting!
Reference Books
- A Dictionary of Literary Terms by Michael Gray
- Doing English by Robert Eaglestone
- How to Write Better Essays by Bryan Greetham
- How Language Works by David Crystal
- The Adventure of English by Melvin Bragg
- Lost for Words by John Humphrys
- A Little Book of Language by David Crystal
- Language: A Student Handbook on Key Topics & Theories
- Language Change: Progress or Decay? by Jean Aitcheson
- Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson
- You Say Potato by Ben Crystal
- The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language by David Crystal
- Eat, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Guide to Punctuation by Lynne Truss
People to follow on X
- David Crystal
- Daniel Clayton
- Beth Kemp
Blogs to follow
- david-crystal.blogspot.co.uk
- englishlangsfx.blogspot.co.uk
- www.bethkemp.co.uk/blog
- alevellanguage.blogspot.co.uk
- aggslanguage.wordpress.com
Magazines/Journals
- English and Media Centre eMagazine
