a2 english language coursework

A2 Level English

We’ll tell you all about the A2 level of English on the CEFR

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is an international standard for classifying language skills. It establishes a scale of six levels in three blocks: basic, intermediate, and advanced. 

The A2 level of English, called “Waystage” by the same CEFR, is the second level within the basic block. This level implies that the student masters communication in simple and everyday situations based on simple and direct exchanges of information on general topics.

At ABA English, we can help you to reach level A2 and to keep on advancing if you wish. We have a great method that will keep you enthusiastic so that you never lose your desire to keep on learning.

Have you already mastered the A2 level of English?

You’re probably confident in your level and ready to apply for certification, but if you’re curious, take a few minutes to complete our free English level test. With this quick and easy test, you’ll be able to confirm where you are and define your goals.

The A2 is the entry level to the most popular certifications, such as Cambridge. So if you’re interested in getting an A2 English certificate, you should make sure that you fully master the knowledge, skills, and abilities that this level entails.

Tips for achieving the A2 level of English

With the following tips, you’ll be able to prepare yourself to opt for an A2 English level certification or simply practice and learn English at an A2 level:

Start reading

You need to practice with very simple, short texts and specific information. You could experiment with children’s books, though they may not capture your interest. You also have the possibility of starting with our certified English course where we’ll provide you with the appropriate material for your needs.

Keep a notebook handy

Write down your shopping list or homework list. Do you keep a planner at work or a notebook at school? Start writing it in English. Also, make a list of words you don’t know the meaning of in English and another list with any new English words you find. Then look them all up in the dictionary and expand your vocabulary.

Say goodbye to dubbing

Start watching your favorite TV series and movies in English and with the subtitles in English, too. If you’ve already seen them, even better! This means you can focus on listening and understanding.

Find someone to talk to

Having a frequent conversation partner will help you a lot since you’ll strive to make yourself understood. It will also increase your confidence in expressing yourself. At ABA English, we want you to talk with our teachers and with the other students. That’s why we have our Speaking Sessions , where you’ll be able to discuss study topics or current events.

The A2 level of English is just the beginning. With ABA English, you’ll go much further

Faqs about a2 level english, what certifications exist for a2 level english.

Actually, there are many. Among the most important is the A2 Key from Cambridge (KET), a specific exam for the level. There are also others like the Cambridge Linguaskill, the Aptis, the TOEFL, and the TOEIC, which have general exams and give you a level according to your score.

What should I know how to write for A2 English?

Short and simple texts, such as notes and messages with precise indications. You should be able to write short emails or letters to send invitations, express thanks, and so on.

What level comes after A2?

B1, which corresponds to the intermediate level of the CEFR. This level qualifies you as able to function in work and academic situations in English-speaking environments.

ABA English is your best option compared to traditional academies

We adapt to your needs

Do you know what Smart Learning® is? It’s our unique method, with which you learn on an emotional level, enjoying what you like. That’s why at ABA English, we add and update content permanently, so that you’ll always find articles, podcasts, videos, and live sessions that fit your tastes and that you’ll be learning with.

We’re just a click away

The best decision would be to start with our certified English course. For that, you only need your smartphone, a computer, or a tablet. With our interactive app, you can continue your learning process from anywhere, anytime. Do you have a 10-minute break? That’s just enough time for an entertaining microlesson , to do some exercises from your Daily Plan , to read an interesting article, or to listen to a podcast.

We’re not improvising

We have more than 30 million students and are in more than 170 countries. We’ve designed and perfected our curriculum using the certification and qualification requirements from international bodies, such as Cambridge and the CEFR. But in addition to theory, we also want you to practice using our digital resources and by interacting with other students whenever you want.

Do you want to pass the A2 level of English?

If you decide to opt for certification, the best option to prepare for an A2 level English exam is to take an A2 level English course, even if this sounds obvious. At ABA English, we understand what you need at each of the six levels and we give you an official certificate for each level you pass. In this case, you’ll get the Lower Intermediate certificate, corresponding to the A2, so you can be confident in your progress.

Dare to try ABA English. We assure you that you’ll have an exciting experience and reach your goals. Download our app, explore our website, enjoy our free content, find out about all our advantages, and start your learning process with us. Try it now. You won’t regret it!

Achieve any level of English and improve your skills with ABA English

B2 English Level

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Certification

< The CEFR and EF SET

English Level A2

At this level you can understand:

Very basic personal, family and job-related language

Enough to meet the needs with slow, clear speech

Short, simple texts on familiar matter

Elementary (EF SET score 31-40)

English level A2 is the second level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) , a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be described as “basic” as in “I speak basic English”. The official level descriptor in the CEFR is “elementary”, which means the same thing: it is the foundation. At this level, students have mastered the basics of English and can communicate simple, basic needs.

How to tell if you're at an A2 level in English

The best way to tell if you are at an A2 level in English is to take a high-quality standardized test. See below for a list of major recognized tests and their corresponding A2 scores:

For full score comparisons, please visit our English Score page

What can you do with a A2 level in English?

An A2 level of English is sufficient for tourism in an English-speaking country and socializing with English speakers, although to develop deeper friendships an A2 level is not adequate. An A2 level of English also allows for networking with English-speaking colleagues, but working in English is limited to very familiar topics at the A2 level. An A2 level of English is not sufficient for academic study or for consuming most English-language media (TV, movies, radio, magazines, etc.).

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the A2 level in English:

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

A2 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller pieces for teaching purposes. This more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the A2 level in English will be able to do all the things that a student in level A1 can do, and in addition he will be able to:

evaluate coworkers' performance in the workplace.

relate events from your past, including your weekend activities and interesting stories.

describe your past life, giving details about important milestones.

entertain someone in your home or visit a friend or colleague in their home.

discuss your vacation plans and tell friends and colleagues about your vacation afterwards.

talk about the natural world and travels to see animals and natural areas in your country.

talk about movies that you like and choose a movie to see with friends.

discuss clothing and what kind of clothes you like to wear.

engage in basic communication at work, including attending meetings on familiar topics.

describe an accident or injury, get medical help from a doctor and fill a prescription for medicine.

engage in basic business socializing, welcoming guests and attending networking events.

understand and make basic business proposals in your area of expertise.

talk about and explain the rules of games.

Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can expect to reach the A2 level in English with 200 hours of cumulative instruction.

What's next?

The priority at this level, when building up B1 English level is expanding mastery into a wider variety of subjects and learning to express more subtlety in communication.

Further reading

Practicing basic English skills

Developing intermediate and upper intermediate English

Certify your English proficiency

Reading, writing, listening & speaking skills

Results fully aligned with CEFR levels

Get an EF SET Certificate to add to your CV or LinkedIn profile

Certify your reading and listening skills

Reading & listening skills only. Results fully aligned with CEFR levels

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Study English level A2

Level descriptors & study targets (cefr a2)..

Home » English levels » Study English level A2

English level A2 • CEFR

At the end of english level a2, you can:.

• understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to common areas (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
• communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.
• describe in simple terms aspects of your background and immediate matters.

A2 study targets

Our English level A2 (Elementary / Pre-Intermediate) study targets express the most relevant components for an A2 learner. These language points can be used to set “Can do” targets for self-study or to develop your study programme in an English course with a qualified trainer .

We also provide some free online English lessons, which include descriptions of each language point, examples and quizzes.

English communication

• Describing habits and daily routines
• Expressing ability and inability
• Describing past experiences
• Asking for and giving directions
• Describing personality and feelings
• Making comparisons
• Describing jobs
• Describing places
• Making requests (e.g. at a restaurant)
• Expressing future plans

English vocabulary

• Personality and feelings
• Food and drinks
• Family and friends
• Daily routines
• Free-time activities
• Places in towns
• Body and health
• Transport and travel

English grammar

• Questions words
• Adverbs of frequency
• Past simple
• Present continuous
• Present perfect simple
• Prepositions of time and place
• Comparatives and superlatives
• Future simple: will
• Future: going to
• Past continuous

Our English level descriptors are adapted from the international CEFR framework. This is set out by the Council of Europe (2001) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment .

Other CEFR English levels

Check our overview of all CEFR English levels , or visit the study targets for each level.

Free online English test

Our free online test assesses your English level of proficiency.

Take one of the most detailed free English tests online with instant results that match the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) which standardises assessment of languages.

You can order your English level of proficiency certificate after taking our free online English level test. The certificate gives a breakdown of your results and includes the CEFR descriptors for each English level.

• Teaching resources
• Teaching adults
• Lesson plans

Pre-intermediate A2

Find a range of lesson plans to use with adult learners at pre-intermediate level. All of our lessons are designed around engaging themes that are engaging and relevant to adult learners of English, giving students an opportunity to develop their English language and skills in motivating and enjoyable ways. Written by experts from around the world, our lesson plans are easy to use and aim to give your students the skills and confidence they need to enjoy learning English.

Get to know the neighbours

Use this lesson in online or face-to-face delivery with lower level adults and teenagers to develop fluency skills and review adjectives of personality.

Life on other planets

This lesson plan for teachers of teenagers at level A2/B1 and above explores the theme of space exploration. Students will learn more about the topic and have a chance to discuss ideas.

Happiness is a snip away

This lesson is based on the theme of jobs. Learners will expand their vocabulary, focusing primarily on jobs, and improve their reading and speaking skills.

Destination - Northern Ireland

This lesson plan for teachers of teenagers and adults at pre-Intermediate and above explores the theme of the Northern Ireland. Students will build their knowledge of Northern Ireland and practice their reading skills.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight

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A2 – Pre-Intermediate Online English Course

Study the most important grammar areas in English and increase your vocabulary to around 1,000 words. Improve your IELTS score to 4.0 .  Helps you to prepare for your Cambridge English: Key (KET) .

Course Info

In this course you will:

• Study and practise the main verb tenses.
• Use functional expressions in English.
• Explain your ideas in the past, present and future.
• Talk about familiar matters such as personal and family information.
• Describe topics like shopping and local geography.
• Communicate your employment and work experience.

Study lessons 01 to 10 with your Trial

Start Trial Now

This course is recommended for:

• Pre-intermediate level students.
• Students preparing for Cambridge English: Key (KET).
• Students preparing for IELTS Life Skills Speaking and Listening.

Recommended 3hr per week

COURSE DURATION

60 lessons (each lesson 35' approx)

SUBSCRIPTION

Included in both the Student & Pro Plan

Recommended 3 hours per week

Course Duration

Subscription, self-study: course content available 24/7.

60 video lessons with English Closed Captions

Test after each lesson

Downloadable materials

Listening Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Certificate of Course Completion

Live Practice at A2 level with expert native teachers

Consolidate your self-study learning. Get motivated

• A2 course Live Classes (Mon to Fri & Saturday am)
• Vocabulary (10 Words for...Elementary)
• Grammar Live Classes

Live practice is included in all subscriptions.

No payment needed

Your Teacher

Natalie Gommon

Natalie Gommon has over twenty years’ experience teaching English as a Foreign Language.(EFL) She has worked in a wide variety of contexts from universities, large corporations and even primary schools. She has experience teaching on the Cambridge Courses: FCE, CAE and PROFICIENCY. She now also specialises in English for Specific Purposes (research in health sciences) and Oral Communication Skills. She is really pleased to be part of the Perfectly Spoken team and thinks it’s an excellent way to bring top-quality teachers to students all over the world.

60 Lesson General English Courses at other Levels

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The Teachers

We put expert English language teachers at the heart of the learning experience. This means  all  our teachers are

• University graduates  (Most have a second degree)
• CELTA or DELTA qualified. (From the prestigious University of Cambridge, and widely recognised as the best qualification possible for a teacher of English.)
• Highly experienced. All our teachers have a minimum of 10 years of practical teaching experience both in the classroom and online

Perfectly Spoken: Expert Teachers

• A2 – Lesson 01 – Giving and Asking For Personal Information Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 02 – Big Numbers, Dates and Times Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 03 – Talking About Abilities and Habits Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 04 – Sport and Entertainment Activities Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 05 – REVIEW 1 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 06 – Talking About Frequency Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 07 – Talking About Studies, Work and Employment Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 08 – Talking About Past Events and Anecdotes 1 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 09 – Talking About Past Events 2 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 10 – REVIEW 2 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 11 – Talking About Family and Relationships Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 12 – Talking About Weather and Seasons Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 13 – Talking About the Future 1 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 14 – Let’s Talk IT – Computers Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 15 – REVIEW 3 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 16 – Making Suggestions Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 17 – Talking About Holidays Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 18 – Talking About TV Series Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 19 – Talking About Clothes and Culture Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 20 – REVIEW 4 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 21 – Talking About the Future Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 22 – Talking About Appearance and Character Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 23 – Anecdotes Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 24 – Superlative Adjectives Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 25 – Review Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 26 – Describing Processes Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 27 – The Grammar and Use of the Passive Voice Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 28 – Formal and Informal English Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 29 – Talking Statistics Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 30 – Review Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 31 – Talking About Illness and Giving Advice Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 32 – Present Perfect 1 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 33 – Present Perfect 2 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 34 – Present Perfect Versus Past Simple Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 35 – Review Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 36 – Talking About Willpower Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 37 – Talking About Habits: Past and Present Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 38 – When I Was a Child Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 39 – Talking on the Phone Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 40 – The Big Review! Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 41 – Review of Question Forms Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 42 – Talking about personality and relationships Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 43 – Past continuous Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 44 – An Anecdote Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 45 – Review 9 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 46 – Talking about Sport Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 47 – Talking about Everyday Problems Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 48 – Giving Advice Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 49 – An anecdote Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 50 – Review 10 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 51 – Talking about Money and Managing Money Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 52 – Past Perfect Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 53 – Narrative Tenses Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 54 – An Anecdote Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 55 – Review 11 Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 56 – Containers and Quantities Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 57 – Make or Do? Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 58 – Greetings & Farewells Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 59 – An Anecdote Login To View
• A2 – Lesson 60 – The Big Review! Login To View

British Council India

A2 english (pre intermediate), level a2 corresponds to those users who can understand basic expressions and communicate in a simple manner., skills at level a2.

If a person is at A2, this is pre-intermediate level. He/she can do the following:

• Understand sentences and frequently-used expressions related to the areas of experience most immediately relevant to him/her (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, places of interest, employment, etc.).
• Communicate in simple, everyday tasks requiring no more than a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Describe in simple terms aspects of his/her past, environment and matters related to his/her immediate needs
• A0/A1 English (Beginner/Elementary)
• B1 English (Intermediate)
• B2 English (Upper Intermediate)
• C1 English (Advanced)
• C2 English (Proficient)

Live chat for English courses

Mon - Sat, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level english language (9093).

• Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language provides learners with the opportunity to study English language and its use in communication. Learners will be encouraged to respond critically to a wide variety of texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis.

Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues. Learners will also develop the skills of writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.

Changes have been made to this syllabus for first examination in 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus for detailed information.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 163KB)
• -->2024 - 2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 136KB)

Syllabus support

• -->Support for English Language (PDF, 1MB)

Syllabus updates

We worked with teachers, subject expert panels and universities around the world to update our Cambridge International AS & A Level English subject group as part of our on-going review process. We have made some changes to the syllabus for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Many teachers told us that they offer more than one English subject from this group, so we have made some changes so that the syllabuses work together regardless of whether a student is studying one or more subject from this group. To make it clearer for teachers, we have separated this syllabus from our other English Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

How has the syllabus changed?

• We have included a specific subject content section that sets out what students should study across the Cambridge International AS & A Level.
• After feedback from teachers, new content has been added within Paper 3 that focuses on the analysis and intrepretation of language data.
• We have increased the number of assessment objectives from three to five and have updated the wording so the expectations of each assessment objective is clearer.
• The levels of response mark schemes have changed based on feedback from schools to make sure we maintain valid and reliable assessments.
• Text and context
• Meaning and style
• We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.

How has assessment changed?

• Changes to the papers have been made to update and retain the strengths of the current model. We are keeping the assessment model for English Language as a four component, exam only model.
• The A Level Paper 3 will have stimulus texts that will be accompanied by some quantitative language data, in graph and table form. This change is based on feedback from teachers who feel the skill of data analysis would be valuable for students and engage their interest.
• Language acquisition has been moved to Paper 3 from Paper 4 as this topic represents language analysis more than a language topic.
• English in the World - a new title for the current English as a global language
• Language and the self - a new topic that concentrates on the relationships between language and thought, and language and social identity. This change was made after consultation with centres, who felt the current topics in Paper 4 were not discrete enough.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus will be assessed in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is also available in March 2021, 2022 and 2023 (India only). Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus. Visit our School Support Hub from April 2019 onwards.

Look out for our comprehensive support package to help you deliver the 2021-2023 syllabus including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses and Specimen paper answers. There will also be Teacher and Learner guides from April 2019 onwards through our School Support Hub .

Endorsed resources

View the latest resources that are being developed for the Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language syllabus (9093).

Helps students gain an understanding of how language works for different audiences and purposes. Improve reading skills through analysis of different text types – from blogs to letters – and create imaginative, discursive and critical writing.

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Build skills and knowledge in a clear sequence and help students to apply skills to a range of language tasks, with up-to-date coverage of the syllabus topics and a stimulating range of international texts.

Read more on the Collins website

Important notices

Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.

For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.

We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.

School Support Hub

Teachers at registered Cambridge schools can unlock over 30 000 teaching and learning resources to help plan and deliver Cambridge programmes and qualifications, including Schemes of work, Example candidate responses, Past papers, Specimen paper answers, as well as digital and multimedia resources.

Schemes of work

Example responses, past papers, specimen paper answers.

Register your interest in becoming a Cambridge School

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AS and A-level English Language

• Specification
• Planning resources
• Teaching resources
• Assessment resources

Introduction

• Specification at a glance
• 3.1 Language and the individual
• 3.2 Language varieties
• 4.1 Language, the individual and society
• 4.2 Language diversity and change

4.3 Language in action

• Scheme of assessment
• Non-exam assessment administration (A-level only)
• General administration

The aim of this area of study is to allow students to explore and analyse language data independently and develop and reflect upon their own writing expertise.

It requires students to carry out two different kinds of individual research:

• a language investigation (2,000 words excluding data)
• a piece of original writing and commentary (750 words each).

Students can choose to pursue a study of spoken, written or multimodal data, or a mixture of text types, demonstrating knowledge in areas of individual interest.

In preparation for this, students need to study how to:

• identify an appropriate investigation topic and research questions
• select and apply a methodology for data collection and analysis
• work in greater depth and with greater range
• transcribe spoken data where appropriate
• use language concepts and ideas
• evaluate and draw conclusions on the findings of the investigation
• present findings in an appropriate and accessible way
• reference reading materials correctly
• evaluate the structures and conventions of a variety of genres
• plan, draft and redraft as part of the writing process
• reflect on the writing process using methods of language analysis.

Language Investigation

Students may choose to pursue an area of individual interest. For example, this might include studies of:

• representations of different individuals, social groups or nationalities
• regional dialect
• gendered talk
• the language of new communication technologies
• children’s language use
• norms and variations in usages of different kinds
• the language of the media
• code switching and mixing between English and other languages
• the language of different occupations or pastimes
• historical changes in English over time.

Students are not obliged to restrict themselves to those areas that are formally taught, as the basis of the investigation is the value of student-led enquiry supported by open learning. Therefore, any area seen by supervising teachers as yielding interesting questions about language in use may be chosen. Students can ask a number of fruitful questions, which can be generated by questions such as the following:

• A genre-based investigation: what are the distinctive features of this type of language use?
• A function/use-based investigation: what is the language used to do?
• An attitudes-based investigation: how do people feel about this language?
• A user-based investigation: who uses this type of language?

Students will need to decide what kind of data they collect:

• spoken language
• written language
• multimodal language
• word lists (ie lists of new words etc)
• attitudes to language
• uses of language
• views about language.

Underpinning this piece of research is the challenge that, in consultation with their supervising teacher, students should collect their own data as the basis of their study, as well as select their own approach for analysis.

Investigations need a specific focus, for example:

• the writing of two children aged 8
• features of the Devon dialect, based on a survey
• the language of wedding ceremonies from two different cultures
• the language of teachers’ reports
• the language used in three different advertisements for a particular product
• how stories are told in a particular comic
• how travel guides represent a particular community
• the language of sports commentary
• how turntaking works in real-time writing online
• language patterns in the names of shops.

The list above is neither definitive nor prescriptive.

The investigation should contain the following sections:

• brief discussion of the reasons for choosing the investigation focus
• what the investigation is trying to find out (aims).

Methodology

• an evaluative account of how the data was collected and organised for analysis
• approaches to analysis.
• analysis and interpretation of the findings, responding to the aim of the investigation
• critical consideration of relevant concepts and issues surrounding the topic area
• analysis of the contextual influences upon the data collected.
• interpretation of the findings of the investigation linked to the aim/focus of the investigation.
• a list of all sources used (paper and web-based).
• clean copies of the collected data
• evidence to support quantitative approaches.

Original writing

Students will produce one piece of original writing based on one of the following three areas:

• The Power of Persuasion
• The Power of Storytelling
• The Power of Information

and one accompanying commentary.

In preparation for the writing, students will study a range of style models before selecting and analysing one style model in detail. Students will select their own style model in consultation with their supervising teacher. Students will then use this research to inform their own piece of original writing.

The commentary will allow the student to consider and evaluate the style model, the writing process and the effectiveness of the final piece of writing.

The folder submitted should contain:

• a piece of original writing
• an annotated style model
• a reflective commentary
• references (paper and web-based).

Examples of pieces of writing students could consider:

The power of persuasion

• a piece of investigative journalism
• a speech delivered on a controversial topic
• a letter to an MP.

The power of storytelling

• a short story
• an extract from a biography
• a dramatic monologue.

The power of information

• a piece of travel journalism
• a blog focusing on social issues
• a piece of local history.

Methods of language analysis

Both the investigation and original writing will have a distinctive approach to analysis that is shaped by the particular needs of the research pathway or theme chosen. However, underlying any analysis will be coverage of some relevant aspects of the language levels, as follows:

• phonetics, phonology and prosodics: how speech sounds and effects are articulated and analysed
• graphology: the visual aspects of textual design and appearance
• lexis and semantics: the vocabulary of English, including social and historical variation
• grammar, including morphology: the structural patterns and shapes of English at sentence, clause, phrase and word level
• pragmatics: the contextual aspects of language use
• discourse: extended stretches of communication occurring in different genres, modes and contexts.