So, you’re considering taking A Level English Language? Fantastic!
But you might be wondering, “Is A Level English Language hard…?”
The short answer is yes. It can be challenging, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding subject. A Levels are designed to push your academic horizons after all. And English Language is no different.
Let’s dive into the details.
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Is A Level English Language hard?
If you’re considering A Level English Language, you’ve probably taken the subject at GCSE.
So, is A Level English hard in comparison?
A Level English Language is more challenging than GCSE study, but that’s the whole point. It’s meant to take your analytical skills to the next level. At GCSE, you were introduced to the basics of language analysis, but at A Level, you’ll go deeper into linguistics, exploring topics like phonology, syntax and discourse analysis.
Compared to other A Level subjects, A Level English Language is about average in terms of difficulty.
Of course, this differs according to the individual and your unique skills. But for most people, English Language isn’t as intimidating as some of the sciences, mathematics or foreign languages.
English Language focuses on critical thinking, analysis and communication, making it a very well-rounded subject.
So, is it a good subject for A Level study?
Is English Language a good A level?
Absolutely! A Level English Language is a great choice for anyone who loves language, communication and analytical thinking.
It’s not only academically valuable but offers skills that are highly transferable to many career paths. The ability to analyse language, understand how it shapes our world and communicate effectively are essential skills in today’s job market.
A Level English Language is also “good” in terms of pass rates. It’s well respected and academically challenging.
In 2023, only 2.5% of students achieved an A* in A Level English Language.12.3% gained an A or above, while 79% secured a C or higher.
This compares to the national average of 27.2% of students achieving A* or A grades across all subjects.
Want to know how to get AAA in your A Levels? Take a look at our previous blog on the topic.
Is A Level Language or Literature harder?
This is a common debate among students.
A Level English Literature and Language are both unique and rewarding in their own ways. The difficulty depends on your personal preferences. English Literature focuses on the study of literary texts, including novels, poetry and drama, while English Language delves into the mechanics of language itself.
Some students find English Literature harder due to its extensive reading and interpretation requirements, while others prefer it over the more technical aspects of Language. So it really boils down to what you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie.
In terms of results, there’s a handy comparison document from AQA. While 14.7% of students sitting 2023 exams with AQA achieved an A or A* in English Language, 30.3% gained the same grades in English Literature.
So on grades alone, it’s harder to get top marks in English Language.
We’ve already explored how hard A Level English Literature is, as well as a step-by-step guide to revising for English Literature, so check these blogs out if you’re considering both subjects.
What is English Language like at A Level?
A Level English Language is like embarking on a linguistic adventure. You’ll explore the intricacies of the English language, looking at how it’s structured, how it evolves and how it’s used in various contexts. This will involve analysing spoken and written texts, investigating language change, and even creating your own texts.
The exact content depends on the exam board you’re studying with. So if you want to know more before making your final A Level choices, ask your teachers which exam board they use.
Here are the English Language specifications for the most common exam boards:
Whichever exam board you’re with, you’ll have classwork and essays throughout your two years of study. You’ll also have an in-depth coursework project which counts towards your final grade.
Your coursework might tackle topics like language acquisition, social and regional dialects, the evolution of language or comparing two texts (for instance fiction and autobiography).
What subjects go well with English Language A Level?
English Language pairs well with a wide range of other A Level subjects. Most students take three or four A Levels, and your selection will depend on your personal interests as well as university and career goals.
Here are a few ideas.
- English Literature: If you’re passionate about both language and literature, this combination provides a comprehensive understanding of how language functions in literary texts.
- Sociology: A Level Sociology complements English Language, as it helps you understand the social aspects of language such as dialects and language variation.
- Psychology: Psychology can enhance your understanding of language acquisition and the cognitive processes related to language.
- History: Exploring history alongside language can be enlightening, especially when studying cultural shifts and the evolution of English over time.
- Media Studies: If you’re interested in the media and its impact on language, this combination is perfect for you. It’s a particularly great combo for a career in journalism or television.
How popular is English Language A Level?
English Language is declining in popularity. 21,178 students enrolled in A Level English Language in 2017. In 2023, this number dropped to 13,394.
Over the past five years, entries decreased by -5.1%. This compares with an average change of +8.3% across all A Level subjects.
Is this a good or a bad thing though?
Well, if less people study a subject it’s more likely to stand out on your personal statement. It might suggest it’s waning in relevance though… so consider your personal motivations carefully.
Instead of focusing on how popular a subject is, ask yourself – why do you want to study it? Does it peak your curiosity and you love learning more? Or does it help you achieve your career and university goals? Hopefully it’s a combination of both.
As we’ve seen already, the appeal of English Language often lies in its amazing versatility and the valuable skills it offers. Some students are drawn to it because they aspire to become teachers, journalists or language researchers, while others simply have a deep appreciation for the power of language.
How do I prepare for A Level English Language?
If you’re just beginning your A Level English Language studies, there are loads of ways to prepare and work on your skills.
For anyone approaching final exams, we’ve also got ten tips for acing your exams as well as how to use time-blocking to supercharge your revision.
But in the meantime, here are some ideas to help you get started.
- Read actively: Start reading a variety of texts – newspapers, books, magasines and online articles. Pay attention to language choices, style and tone. You could also make notes on your ideas and start researching terminology. It’s never too early to do this!
- Practice writing: Work on your essay writing and creative writing skills. Understand how to structure an academic essay and what your exam board looks for. The more you write, the better you’ll become at expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with current events and linguistic trends. Understanding how language is used in real-world contexts (such as specialist publications like arts or scientific journals, as well as mainstream newspapers) is crucial. This will expand your vocabulary and help you construct arguments.
- Stay proactive: If you’ve already begun your studies, make sure you’re always taking detailed notes during lessons. This will help you review and revise effectively. If you’re struggling with any aspect of the course, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher or seek personalised tuition (like the Academic Coaching team!).
- Use online resources: There are many online resources, textbooks and study guides available to assist with A Level English Language. So why not make the most of them? Just make sure to search for your specific exam board, so you aren’t wasting time on content and advice that isn’t right for you.
In summary
A Level English Language is certainly challenging, but it’s also an exciting journey into the world of linguistics and communication.
It’s a subject that equips you with valuable skills, opens doors to diverse career opportunities and enhances your ability to think critically and express yourself effectively.
If you need help with your A Level studies, get in touch with our expert academic coaches. As well as study skills, revision and exam tuition, we also offer 1-1 academic life coaching to help you excel and achieve your goals.
