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How does A level English language look like?

I have just finished my GCSE and currently thinking of what A level I want to take. I’ve been thinking of doing math, chem, bio because I felt like I might get to med school but at the same time I’m interested on doing English language if I wanna go to law or business path. However I’m not sure if it will be worth it (taking English language) since I’m much better with numbers and understanding content. Please give me an insight on what you think about A level English language if you are currently doing or used to do it.

Reply 1

hi, I just finished my A level exams and took AQA English Language. to be honest it's not very useful for any career paths because all you learn is word classes (concrete nouns, modal verbs, subordinate clauses etc) and child language acquisition, with some language theorists sprinkled in. I found it a bit pointless to be honest, and a little boring. however, it was definitely my easiest A level and revision was super easy since it is not very content-heavy. my class all ended up thinking it was a bit of a waste of time tbh, and so I wouldn't use up an A level choice on it unless you are a really passionate linguist. hope the GCSEs went well!

Reply 2

Original post
by JollyJully
I have just finished my GCSE and currently thinking of what A level I want to take. I’ve been thinking of doing math, chem, bio because I felt like I might get to med school but at the same time I’m interested on doing English language if I wanna go to law or business path. However I’m not sure if it will be worth it (taking English language) since I’m much better with numbers and understanding content. Please give me an insight on what you think about A level English language if you are currently doing or used to do it.


I don't do English A level but just wanted to point out that you can still apply to law/business at uni without it. Most law/business degrees have no specific subject requirements.

Reply 3

Best advice... do what you know you're good at and will help you get good marks. I just finished A level English Language and I only did it because I know I'm strong in English and got high GCSE marks in it, not because I want to go down a certain career path. You may decide to change your career path at any point in time so focus on something that you know you can get good marks and can give you a bigger chance in the career world rather than feeling you have to stick to subjects because you want to go to med school or law school... What I'm trying to say is, do what will make you happy because A levels is so stressful and you don't want to be trying to grasp the basics of a subject you have no basis of

Reply 4

Original post
by tee.vee
hi, I just finished my A level exams and took AQA English Language. to be honest it's not very useful for any career paths because all you learn is word classes (concrete nouns, modal verbs, subordinate clauses etc) and child language acquisition, with some language theorists sprinkled in. I found it a bit pointless to be honest, and a little boring. however, it was definitely my easiest A level and revision was super easy since it is not very content-heavy. my class all ended up thinking it was a bit of a waste of time tbh, and so I wouldn't use up an A level choice on it unless you are a really passionate linguist. hope the GCSEs went well!
It’s fairly useful if you want to be a speech and language therapist.

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