IB english A1 vs A2......

I have just had an introduction meeting on both subjects: English A1 and A2, and was told that A1 is purely literature based, and A2 is a combination of literature and cultural interaction(ie, how english language influences the world, and how english language itself is structured).

I would like to choose A2, because it has less literature, and more over, I can learn more of the language itself, whereas A1 only focusses on literature.

But, in IB, I need an A1 language. Since I wanted to choose French as B language, my English will inevitably be A1. Unless I choose Mandarin A1 (Which is the only language I know with great proficiency beside English), then I can have English as A2.

I am making a desicion here. Which one do YOU think is better in certain ways and worse in other ways? A1 English or A2 English?

Please give me some comments/suggestions....

thanks alot

Reply 1

ExitMusic

Well that entirely depends on your level of fluency with English.

Personally I'd go for A1 because it really isn't that hard and focusing purely on literature is interesting and simple.
However if you haven't read much English, or you're not a native English speaker, I'd probably go for A2 or B

Reply 2

casparma

Well, that's not entirely the same to what the introducer said.

He said that A2 isn't neccesarily easier than A1, but is heading towards a different aspect/path of English as I mentioned.

Has any one taken English A2, and can comment on the comment of this subject?

thanks

Reply 3

raven

casparma

Also in reply to your PM

Hi mate,
I haven't taken an A2 language, so can't really help you there. Personally I think that A1 is fantastic for gaining a good grasp of the language. The study of literature is one of the best ways to comprehend the intricacies of the language studied. B Languages are dead easy. Couldn't you do A1 English and B Mandarin? That would surely be the best combination.
Additionally... Although A1 does not focus on grammar, it does have a major cultural interest aspect running throughout - which according to you is half the reason for choosing A2. It is present in your World Literature Essays, Orals, and other similar assessments. I think unless you badly want the bilingial diploma, forget about A2.