Syllabus Update: AS Level English (9093) - Paper 1 (Reading)

Summary

This video series by Lilica explores the updated Cambridge AS and A-level English syllabus, focusing on the changes in question structure and content. It covers the required knowledge and skills, such as understanding a wide range of textual forms, linguistic elements, and literary features. The video also outlines the new structure of Paper 1, detailing its two sections: Directed Response and Text Analysis. Lilica explains how students should approach analyzing unseen texts, writing responses, and comparing their work with original texts, all while providing valuable insights for effective exam preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cambridge updated the A.S. and A-level English syllabus in early 2021, changing the structure and format of past papers.
• 😀 Many traditional exam tips and tactics no longer apply due to the changes in question types and formats.
• 😀 The syllabus is divided into two sections: Knowledge and Understanding, and Skills and Techniques.
• 😀 Knowledge and Understanding focuses on familiarizing students with various written text forms like advertisements, articles, blogs, and reviews.
• 😀 Students need to master linguistic elements like grammar, tone, vocabulary, sentence structure, and rhetorical devices.
• 😀 Understanding the significance of audience, genre, purpose, and context in texts is essential.
• 😀 Paper 1 is divided into two sections: Section A (Directed Response) and Section B (Text Analysis).
• 😀 Section A requires a 150-200 word written response to a given text (10 marks) and a comparison of your response with the original text (15 marks).
• 😀 Section B involves a detailed analysis of a given text, focusing on its form, structure, and language (25 marks).
• 😀 In addition to text analysis, students must be able to compare writing styles, using precise language and evidence to support their points.
• 😀 The video series provides guidance on how to adapt to the new syllabus, along with tips for analyzing and responding to different text types.

Q & A

What major changes occurred in the Cambridge A-Level English syllabus in 2021?

The 2021 updates to the Cambridge A-Level English syllabus included changes to the exam paper format and the types of questions asked, making previous study tactics and tips less relevant. This necessitated a revised approach to studying for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

How is the syllabus divided?

The syllabus is divided into two main sections: 'Knowledge and Understanding' (what you need to know) and 'Skills and Techniques' (how you’ll apply your knowledge in the exam).

What types of written textual forms do candidates need to be familiar with?

Candidates must be familiar with a wide range of written textual forms, such as advertisements, brochures, editorials, news stories, blogs, investigative journalism, letters, podcasts, biographies, travel writing, essays, and more.

What are some of the linguistic elements and literary features that candidates need to know?

Candidates need to understand elements like parts of speech, word classes, vocabulary, figurative language, phonology, morphology, rhetorical devices, voice, tense, modality, narrative perspective, and sentence structure.

Why is understanding audience and context important in the Cambridge A-Level English exam?

Understanding how genre, purpose, and context contribute to the meaning and reception of texts is crucial. Candidates must show knowledge of how these factors affect both the design and reception of texts.

What analytical skills are required for the A-Level English exam?

Candidates must demonstrate skills like reading a range of unseen texts, analyzing linguistic elements to create meaning, recognizing different non-fiction text forms, integrating quotations and evidence into a cohesive argument, and comparing their writing style with that of a given text.

What does Section A of Paper 1 entail?

Section A of Paper 1 consists of two parts: 1A, where candidates write a response to a given text (150-200 words, 10 marks), and 1B, where they compare their response with the original, analyzing form, structure, and language (15 marks).

How is Section B of Paper 1 structured?

Section B of Paper 1 is focused on text analysis. Candidates are given a text and asked to analyze its form, structure, and language for 25 marks.

What is the importance of integrating quotations and evidence in the exam?

Integrating quotations and evidence effectively helps support arguments with precision. It allows candidates to provide detailed and meaningful commentary, demonstrating a deep understanding of the text and its linguistic features.

How should candidates approach writing short directed pieces in response to a text?

Candidates should focus on writing with care and precision, ensuring that their style aligns with the text’s tone and genre. They must also demonstrate the ability to write in a different style while reusing content material from the original text.