specification overview
Cambridge International A Level English Language (9093) is a two-year linear qualification covering reading, writing, language analysis and language-in-society topics. Papers 1 and 2 form the AS Level (reading and writing); Papers 3 and 4 add the A Level (language analysis and language topics). Graded A*-E for the full A Level.
subject content
1. Reading (AS)
Paper 1- Section A: Directed response (write a 150-200 word response to a 550-750 word text, then compare your writing with the original, 25 marks)
- Section B: Text analysis (25 marks)
2. Writing (AS)
Paper 2- Directed writing for a specified audience and purpose
- Reflective commentary on your own writing
3. Language Analysis (A Level)
Paper 3- Section A: Language change (25 marks)
- Section B: Child language acquisition (25 marks)
4. Language Topics (A Level)
Paper 4- Section A: English in the world
- Section B: Language and the self
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Reading) | AS reading skills across text types and genres | 2h 15m | 50 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Section A Directed response (write a 150-200 word response to a 550-750 word text, then compare your writing with the original, 25 marks); Section B Text analysis (25 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Writing) | AS writing skills across genres, with reflective commentary | 2h | 50 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Directed writing task plus reflective commentary |
| Paper 3 (Language Analysis) | Language change and child language acquisition (A Level content) | 2h 15m | 50 | 25% of A Level | Section A Language change (25 marks); Section B Child language acquisition (25 marks) |
| Paper 4 (Language Topics) | Language topics: Section A English in the world; Section B language and the self | 2h 15m | 50 | 25% of A Level | Essay questions on language topics |
The full A Level route is all four papers. Students can also stage the qualification with Papers 1 and 2 as the standalone AS Level (grades a-e).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Read and demonstrate understanding of a wide variety of texts. | 20% at A Level (15% at AS) |
| AO2 | Write effectively, creatively, accurately and appropriately, for a range of audiences and purposes. | 30% at A Level (45% at AS) |
| AO3 | Analyse the ways in which writers' and speakers' choices of form, structure and language produce meaning and style. | 20% at A Level (40% at AS) |
| AO4 | Demonstrate understanding of linguistic issues, concepts, methods and approaches. | 20% at A Level (0% at AS) |
| AO5 | Analyse and synthesise language data from a variety of sources. | 10% at A Level (0% at AS) |
key tips for success
Master linguistic frameworks
Phonology, lexis, grammar, semantics, pragmatics, discourse. Learn them well enough to apply under exam pressure on Papers 1 and 3.
Practise directed writing
Paper 2 asks you to write for a specified audience and purpose in a specific genre. Practise multiple genres (article, speech, letter, blog) under timed conditions.
Learn child language acquisition theories
Paper 3 Section B is child language acquisition. Chomsky (LAD), Skinner, Bruner (LASS), Piaget, Vygotsky, know each and how to apply to data.
Build a language-change bank
Paper 3 Section A rewards specific examples of how English has changed; Paper 4 Section A rewards examples of how it varies globally. Keep a running bank of both through the course.
AS content is assumed on A Level papers
Papers 3 and 4 assume you still remember AS skills. Revise Paper 1 and 2 approaches as part of A Level preparation.
Know your route
AS only (Papers 1 and 2), staged A Level, or all four papers in one series. Confirm which route with your school.
Where to next
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