AQA English Language Overview

AQA English Language Overview

• AQA English Language is a linear qualification, meaning students complete all the assessments at once.
• The specification covers various aspects of language, including spoken and written communication, textual analysis, and creative writing.
• Students are assessed on their understanding of different language features and their ability to apply these features correctly.
• The course emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills.

Component 1: Language and Context

• This component focuses on exploring the ways language functions in different contexts.
• Students analyze texts to identify how language choices shape meaning and impact the audience.
• The assessment requires close textual analysis of a range of texts, including speeches, articles, and advertisements, and potentially a creative writing task (e.g., adapting or responding to a text).
• Students need to demonstrate a good grasp of linguistic terminology and concepts.
• Exam questions are usually designed to test students' understanding of language features, their ability to explain how language choices communicate meaning, and how this relates to the context in which the language was created.

Component 2: Language and Representation

• This component involves understanding how language creates representations of people, places, and events.
• Students examine how different language choices can construct or challenge social attitudes and stereotypes.
• The component often includes a spoken language element where students analyze a recording of a conversation or speech.
• The assessment could also involve producing a creative response (e.g., producing a new text which develops or re-imagines the ideas present in a text provided for them).
• Students are expected to analyze how language helps writers or speakers to create particular effects.

Component 3: Controlled Assessment

• Students will complete a piece of controlled assessment.
• This task may involve producing a written text in response to a stimulus material or undertaking a multimodal project.
• The focus is on language features, structure, and effect.
• Students are expected to be able to use a range of different writing skills.
• The assessment requires students to apply their knowledge of language to a specific task; therefore, effective planning and time management are essential skills.

Examination Details

• The exams are typically 2 hours long.
• Papers often have various question types, including questions that ask students to compare texts, identify language features, and explain how language choices influence meaning.
• Questions assess a broad range of English language skills, such as comprehension, analysis, evaluation, and creativity.
• Past papers are valuable resources for understanding the format and style of examination questions.

Key Skills for Success

• Close reading and textual analysis
• Understanding different language features (e.g., tone, style, register, vocabulary, sentence structure).
• Applying linguistic analysis to different contexts
• Developing critical thinking and evaluation skills
• Effective planning and time management for both essay writing and controlled assessment tasks
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely in both written and spoken form (where relevant)
• Ability to compare and contrast different texts and language samples.

General Advice

• Regular revision and practice using past papers is crucial for success in the exams.
• Understanding the specific requirements of each component is essential for achieving a good grade.
• A focus on clear and well-supported answers is important for all tasks, demonstrating detailed understanding.