1. What does language study mean at A Level?

Question 1

What is metalanguage?

Answer 1

Metalanguage is language about language. In English, this is using linguistic terminology to describe language features.

Question 2

How many AOs (Assessment Objectives) are there?

Answer 2

5: AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, AO5

Question 3

What is AO1?

Answer 3

AO1: “Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written expression”. Simply: use metalanguage and terminology when evaluating text

Question 4

What is AO2?

Answer 4

AO2: “Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use”. Simply: show you understand terminology but can also evaluate its definition

Question 5

What is AO3?

Answer 5

AO3: “Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning”. Simply: Understand how context may change the meaning of an utterance (e.g. sarcasm).

Question 6

What is AO4?

Answer 6

AO4: “Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic concepts and methods”. Simply: Be able to identify similarities and differences between language use across texts.

Question 7

What is AO5?

Answer 7

AO5: “Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways”. Simply: Be able to use language techniques and creativity in your own text.