Singapore JC Subject List - English Language and Linguistics (H2)

This course aims to deepen students' interest in and enjoyment of the use of English by developing and applying their understanding of concepts and methods for analyzing the English language, developing an understanding of language issues and debates, and developing their skills as interpreters and producers of meaning.

Assessment Objectives

Students are assessed on their ability to:

• AO1: Demonstrate understanding of linguistic concepts, methods, and approaches, applying this understanding to the construction and analysis of meanings in different modes of communication (spoken, written, and multimodal).
• AO2: Analyze and evaluate the influence of contextual and cultural factors in the production and reception of the English language, considering relevant drivers of language change.
• AO3: Demonstrate expertise in the use of English, including command of appropriate terminology informed by linguistic study.

Assessment Structure

The H2 English Language and Linguistics syllabus consists of two equally weighted written papers, each lasting 3 hours.

Paper 1: Analysing Language Use

This paper focuses on the systematic analysis of various linguistic constituents of texts and consideration of relevant contextual factors. It includes two sections:

• Section A: Analysis: One compulsory task based on two linked texts requiring systematic analysis of linguistic constituents and relevant contextual factors.
• Section B: Adaptive writing and commentary: One compulsory task involving adapting given material for another written medium and writing an evaluation of the adaptation, discussing the linguistic constituents used.

Paper 2: Investigating Language Use in Society

This paper explores language variation and change, and the relationship between language, culture, and identity. Candidates answer three questions in total, choosing at least one from each section:

• Section A: Language Variation and Change: Two tasks, requiring an essay response on topics such as reasons for language change, varieties of English, and the impact of technology on language use.
• Section B: Language, Culture and Identity: Two tasks, requiring an essay response on how language reflects and shapes culture and identity, including how language represents people and institutions, and how it creates, reinforces, or challenges values and attitudes.