Studying English Literature in your A levels, but why? - Khadeja Khan

 Studying English Literature in your A levels, but why?

Introduction 

You've completed your O levels or IGCSE and now, starting your A levels is only a few months away. But you have no clue as to which subjects you will opt for if your interests lie around the art of writing and writing in general. Here, I will be discussing the factors which will help you decide whether or not you should go for English literature in your A levels

What is English literature?

Evident from its name, English literature is the type of literature written in English, but not necessarily by writers from England. Writers of other countries like Kazuo Ishiguro, who is from Japan, have written multiple bestselling novels and have even been awarded the Nobel prize in literature, are becoming big names in the world of English literature. In A levels you'll be studying works from several contemporaries and pre 20th-century poets, novelists, and playwrights.

How can it be beneficial to you as a student?

There are many different ways in which you can benefit from studying English literature at A levels, not only can you good a grade in this subject, but you can learn a multitude of skills that will be a bonus to your social skill set. Here are more reasons on how you can make the most of this subject: 

• It is a very enjoyable subject; of course, there is always a deadline for an assignment or test, but believe me, as much as we stress out about other subjects like math, physics, or chemistry, the preparation process is a lot more pleasurable. 
• It improves your communication skills; you have a critical insight for everything that is being said, and because you've studied works not from one aspect but multiple, you're not prompt to jump to conclusions and you allow the speaker freedom of speech and opinion, making you a great listener!

What subjects can you pair it up with? 

Since A levels gives you the freedom of choosing whichever subject prefer based on your passions and future career plans, there are numerous subjects and subject combinations that you can choose from:

• History 
• Drama 
• Sociology 
• English language 
• The other option is to have English literature as an extra subject along with your combination of primary subjects. If your main subjects are from the sciences group, you can go for English literature; this will be a subject you could use as an energy booster for when you're done solving tedious math and physics problems.

How long will you have to study it for?

Standard A levels usually takes two years to complete where students take their AS level exams in the first year and the remaining papers in the next year. Sometimes students prepare for the AS and A levels exams for two years and sit for a composite exam at the end. But for a subject like English literature, where multiple works have to be studied and researched from different contexts, it would be best to divide your workload into two sessions in the same year or a different year(keeping in mind your other subjects as well).

You're done with English literature at A levels, what's next?

There are multiple undergraduate courses where English literature can prove beneficial during your education and career times. Here are a few options to help you make up your mind: 

English literature; the top choice of most students after A levels, because the amount of work that you put in your A levels already piqued your interest to pursue this into your further education. This can lead to career opportunities as a professor at a university, as a critique at a publishing house, or as a full-time writer because you've already learned so much about the styles and techniques. 

Other top bachelors and career choices after studying English literature can be sociology, media, drama, journalism, history, art, and psychology. Skills like perceiving things with an open mind and empathizing with the people around you are imminent in these fields. 

Is English literature difficult?

The common opinion about English literature is that it's one of the toughest A levels one can choose, but I found this subject a mixture of both; it was amusing and very challenging at the same time. But once you start studying a certain prose or a poem, the experience is highly immersive and engaging. You do have to take this subject seriously as it isn't easy work to get Studying English Literature in your A levels, but why? 4 a good grade, but the tasks at hand are not as daunting as most of the information-based subjects. So don't stress!

Lastly, 

English literature is not only a subject but a learning experience where you get to study works of amazing literature personalities that broaden your mindset and also, in a way, enhance your social and communication skills. 

In the end, you should choose your A levels subjects wisely as they'll help you determine what career paths you're most interested in.

Article written by Khedja Khan