A Level English Language (9093) Paper 3: Question 1- Sample Response

Summary

In this educational video, the host dissects Question 1 from the Cambridge Exam's June 2021 past paper, focusing on language analysis. The discussion revolves around Text A, a blog post by Robert Wan or Tomlin from 2019, and its evolution in language use over time. The video provides a sample response strategy for exam questions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and evolution of language. It explores lexical fields, the influence of technology on language, and semantic changes. The host also delves into the use of abbreviations and their rise in digital communication, supported by theories from linguists like David Crystal and Michael Halliday.

Takeaways

• 📘 The video discusses question 1 of the Cambridge exam's paper three, focusing on language analysis from the June 2021 past paper.
• 📚 The language analysis paper includes three texts (A, B, C), with text A being a blog post titled '10 Casual Style Tips for Guys Who Want to Look Sharp' by Robert Wan or Tomlin from 2019.
• 🔍 The analysis involves examining how language evolves over time through these texts, considering factors like technological advancements and social changes.
• 💡 The video provides a sample response to the exam question, emphasizing the importance of an effective introduction and context identification for text A.
• 📈 Text B and C are data-driven, with B being a table and C an anagram graph, both generated from a language corpus to illustrate language change.
• 👔 The blog post in text A is related to fashion, reflecting contemporary trends and language use influenced by the digital era.
• 📊 The video explains how to interpret data from the anagram graph, such as the fluctuation in the usage of 'FYI' over time.
• 🔤 It discusses semantic changes, like the evolution of the word 'awesome' from a potentially negative connotation to a positive one.
• 💬 The video references linguists like David Crystal and Ferdinand de Saussure to support the discussion on language change and its causes.
• 🌐 The analysis ties language changes to technological advancements, such as the impact of computers and the internet on communication and language use.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to discuss Question 1 of Paper 3 for Cambridge exams, specifically language analysis for the June 2021 past paper, and to provide a sample response for writing an effective response in exams.

What are the three different texts given in language analysis?

In language analysis, you are given three different texts: Text A, Text B, and Text C. Text A is the major text, and it can be an article or a blog post. Text B and Text C are generated from a corpus and include a table and an anagram graph, respectively.

What is the title and author of Text A in the June 2021 past paper?

The title of Text A in the June 2021 past paper is '10 Casual Style Tips for Guys Who Want to Look Sharp' and it is written by Robert Wan or Tomlin.

How does the video suggest starting the response for language analysis?

The video suggests starting the response with an introduction that identifies the context of Text A, such as the time period it was written in and the author, as well as discussing the background to what has caused language change.

What is the significance of discussing lexical fields in the response?

Discussing lexical fields is significant as it helps to analyze how language evolves over time in specific areas, such as fashion in the case of the blog post, and how new developments lead to the creation of new words.

Which linguist is referenced in the video to explain language change?

David Crystal is referenced in the video to explain how technology has changed the language, making it unrecognizable from earlier time periods.

What is meant by 'semantic change' in the context of the video?

In the context of the video, 'semantic change' refers to a change in the meaning of a word over time. For example, the word 'period' has evolved from having a different meaning to its current usage.

How does the video suggest analyzing the collocate chart in Text B?

The video suggests analyzing the collocate chart by discussing how words like 'awesome' have undergone amelioration, changing from a negative connotation to a positive one over time, as demonstrated by the synonyms in the chart.

What is the role of the anagram graph in Text C according to the video?

The anagram graph in Text C is used to interpret data about language usage over time, such as the fluctuation in the usage of 'FYI' and its shorter form, and to provide reasoning for these changes.

Which theory is used to explain the crossover of abbreviations like 'FYI' in the video?

The video uses Michael Halliday's functional theory to explain the crossover of abbreviations like 'FYI', suggesting that users adapt language to meet their needs, such as communicating more efficiently.

How does the video recommend concluding the analysis of the three texts?

The video recommends concluding the analysis by discussing how language has become more flexible compared to the past, and how advancements in technology have prompted the creation of new words to accommodate new needs.