English literature or English language A-levels

I’m torn between choosing english and english lit for my a-levels, I recently found out that english language is more about the actual english language which has honestly interested me as it seems much more different than GCSEs where you have to annotate and analyse texts constantly, though correct me if i’m wrong.

however, i’m also drawn to english lit as i enjoy reading books and i also enjoy doing it as a GCSE. Honestly, i get quite high in both but i get higher in literature than language so it’s probably smarter for me to choose lit but im also drawn to language as it’s much more in depth, well that’s what i think, than literature.. im interested in a law/crime career path so i’m still unsure what english would fit this best.

i’m still unsure on the change between english lang and lit GCSE to a levels so any advice would be really helpful, i would also like to know the differences between english lit and language in a levels so if anyone could let me know that would be much appreciated. :smile:

Reply 1

reallycringename

Original post by f4cultyf4ct

I’m torn between choosing english and english lit for my a-levels, I recently found out that english language is more about the actual english language which has honestly interested me as it seems much more different than GCSEs where you have to annotate and analyse texts constantly, though correct me if i’m wrong.
however, i’m also drawn to english lit as i enjoy reading books and i also enjoy doing it as a GCSE. Honestly, i get quite high in both but i get higher in literature than language so it’s probably smarter for me to choose lit but im also drawn to language as it’s much more in depth, well that’s what i think, than literature.. im interested in a law/crime career path so i’m still unsure what english would fit this best.
i’m still unsure on the change between english lang and lit GCSE to a levels so any advice would be really helpful, i would also like to know the differences between english lit and language in a levels so if anyone could let me know that would be much appreciated. :smile:

One big thing I always recommend people is start looking at what future colleges want. If you're planning to do law/crime english isn't a priority at all as oppose to politics or psychology or history or something else.
From what I've heard english language at A-level (depending on the exam board) is generally about; how english has developed over time, child language acquisition, language and identity, discourse analyses.
Literature is similar to A-level just more in depth and more critical.
You can also go to the exam boards websites and see what the content is and which one appeals more to you.
If you love analysing texts stick to english lit but if you're more interested in what I mentioned above choose that.