This subject combines literary and linguistic study. You will study the set texts - a novel, an autobiography and two plays - from a literary as well as a linguistic perspective. You will also learn about the differences between spoken and written English by comparing scripted dialogue with transcripts - written records of authentic spontaneous speech. By the time that you have completed the course you will have gained a detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in a range of spoken and written texts. At AS level, you will have produced a short story and a piece of writing for a listening audience; at A2 you will have written a literary piece as well as a feature article. The emphasis is on being able to understand how different writers, using a variety of genres, adapt their language and style to a particular audience and context.

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