ideas for a level english language coursework

25+ A-Level English Language investigation NEA ideas

In A-Level by Think Student Editor May 1, 2024 Leave a Comment

When A-Level English Language students learn that they have to complete an investigation for their NEA, most students get excited! After all, you get to choose a topic of your own choosing. Consequently, you could be working on something that actually excites you! However, it may soon become apparent that choosing an investigation topic may not be the easiest task. This could be because you may not be sure of your interests or think there are actually too many choices! As a result, it can be useful to research for some useful ideas.

If you are in a bit of a pickle and feel a bit overwhelmed with choosing your investigation topic, check out the rest of this article to hopefully get some good ideas.

What is an A-Level English Language investigation?

To complete A-Level English Language for the AQA and OCR exam boards, students have to carry out an independent investigation. This is known as an ‘NEA’, which stands for ‘non-exam assessment’.

There are actually two pieces of NEA that have to be completed by students. However, the investigation can be seen as the main one. For the AQA exam board, it requires students to research a topic related to language, which they can choose themselves!

Students will have to collect linguistic data and analyse this, answering questions they have come up with themselves, related to the topic. All of their data is all brought together in a report, with a maximum word limit of 2,000 words.

You can find out more about the language investigation on the AQA website . The OCR requirements for this investigation is similar, with this exam board emphasising critical thinking and independent data collection.

You can learn more about the A-Level English Language investigation for OCR on the OCR website.

How much of A-Level English Language is the investigation worth?

For AQA, students have to complete a 2,000 word investigation and a piece of original writing and commentary for their NEA. Together, this coursework equates to 20% of the final A-Level English Language grade. However, this article only focuses on the investigation NEA. If you want to learn about the original writing NEA check out our other Think Student article.

You can find these percentages on the AQA website . For OCR, students have to complete a poster describing their investigation, as well as the investigation itself. Together, this coursework also equates to 20% of the final grade.

You can find these percentages on the OCR website . However, A-Level English Language involves much more than just this investigation! Check out this Think Student article  to discover what the full A-Level entails.

Alternatively, if you want to discover the best ways to revise for A-Level English Language, check out this Think Student article .

A-Level English Language Investigation ideas:

Thinking about what topic to research for your investigation can be difficult. After all, there are so many different topics to choose from! However, the purpose of this NEA is to give students a bit of freedom, as they are able to research aspects of language they find interesting themselves, instead of sticking rigidly to a curriculum.

This allows lots of room for creativity! Therefore, if you want to stand out and make the most of your academic freedom, check out this list of ideas:

1. An investigation into how different newspapers over time have represented migration.

Often, current issues or topics are received positively by the exam board. This is especially the case if the topic focuses on news stories or political upheaval, as this often provides students with a range of material.

If your question is too niche, there will not be enough material available! As migration is quite a hot topic, it requires students to think critically and really understand the changes across time.

This will also increase marks for context! Commentary on previous student’s ideas and some more feedback can be found on this examiner report from the AQA website for June 2022.

2. An investigation into how contestants on ‘Married at first sight’ use language to be viewed favourably by the audience.

AQA has stated that broader questions often do well because they enable students to explore a wide range of features. With this question, you could delve into how contestants use language to gain power over their partner. You could also explore gender differences.

Creating your own transcript may take time, however will be appreciated by examiners. If you want something fiction-like that isn’t actually from a novel, reality shows could be for you! After all, this examining report from OCR  emphasised that using fiction texts were problematic.

3. An investigation into how males and females use face-threatening acts on reality shows.

Gender is a big topic covered in A-Level English Language. Thus, this question enables you to use knowledge you already have! Face threatening acts is a very relevant feature to discuss in the reality show genre.

There is also a lot of context you could bring up here, such as how the genders want to present themselves when consciously thinking about the media audience. This will get you those AO3 marks!

4. An investigation into the use of linguistic strategies used by lawyers when questioning witnesses and addressing judges.

It may be difficult to get yourself into a court room! However, this question could tackle the major A-Level English Language theme of power. You could investigate how lawyers attempt to get power over witnesses but then let judges have power over them.

You may find the linguistic strategies they use very interesting. Your awareness of the different power dynamic at play will alert the examiner to your ability to see from different perspectives and critically think.

5. An investigation into how media articles have represented covid compared to other plagues throughout history.

This question allows you to view how perspectives to diseases have changed over time. It could be useful to see if scare-mongering language was used more in the past or now and which linguistic strategies are used to influence reader’s thoughts.

This also shows the examiner that you are engaged with real world problems.

6. An investigation into how news presenters use linguistic strategies to report positive and negative news.

This question will allow you to explore a range of different language features, even extending to the tone and prosody of presenters as they deliver news. You could also explore the different ways that male and female presenters use language.

However, when investigating gender, make sure to use up to date research! Examiners don’t want to just see evidence that was carried out from research years ago.

7. An investigation into how Formula one commentators use language when commenting on different drivers.

Formula one commentators often seem unbiased. However, after creating a transcript, you may find that this is not the case! You could investigate how context could have influenced this to get extra AO3 marks.

As A03 contributes the most amount of marks, you should be aiming for this! If your interest is cars, this may be the question for you!

8. An investigation into the changes uses of language to describe women’s bodies in UK magazines.

This is a very hot topic, as body positivity is definitely increasing. Therefore, you could compare how magazines have changed their approach from demonising women’s bodies and promoting thinness to now embracing natural women.

You could also explore how this could potentially be empowering women and how this language could lead to an even bigger movement. This will show your open-mindedness to the examiner.

9. An investigation into the linguistic strategies employed by teachers in the same subject area within different year groups.

This question will hopefully allow you to collect a large amount of data, due to the high likelihood that you are completing your A-Level at school! This question and others can be found on this guide from the AQA website.

You could investigate how teachers use their language to potentially control their students. Interestingly, this could change depending on the different year groups, allowing you to comment on context again.

10. An investigation into how radio show presenters use dialect to identify with their audiences.

Many students have been reported to use song lyrics for their NEA investigation. However, examining reports have commented on the difficulty with this idea. Students who choose to analyse song lyrics may not get the highest marks.

However, if you are interested in music, analysing radio show presenter’s language could be interesting, as you could focus on how their audiences influence their language. Perhaps you could compare different radio show hosts who present for different regions!

11. An investigation into the linguistic strategies used by judges of game shows to intimidate the contestants.

Again, this question focuses on one of the main themes explored in A-Level English Language – power. It could be interesting to compare different judges approaches and see how their use of language accomplishes certain motives.

Different judges may want to create different personas, leading to carefully selected language use. If you want to read a sample of a project which explored this idea, check out this document from the AQA website.

For some more ideas, check out the list below:

12.  An investigation into the linguistic strategies used to present climate change over time in online articles.

13.  An investigation into how language regarding mental health has changed over time in social media.

14.  An investigation into the ways in which contestants on Dragon’s Den use language to pitch their ideas to the Dragons.

15. An investigation into the changing amount of gender inclusive language across reality TV shows.

16. An investigation into the manipulative language used by criminal interviewees when discussing their crimes.

17. An investigation into how newspapers use language to create fear about certain mental health disorders.

18. An investigation into the different messages given to men and women on dealing with mental health across the media.

19. An investigation into the different linguistic strategies used to encourage men and women to exercise.

20. An investigation into politeness strategies used in interactions in a customer service centre for a supermarket.

21. An investigation into the linguistic strategies used to create power between males and females in the classroom.

22. An investigation into how language creates power dynamics between presenters and contestants on game shows.

23. An investigation into the ways in which different age groups use specific features in social media group chats.

24. An investigation into how a certain celebrity is presented across magazines.

25. An investigation exploring the representation of homosexuality in poems throughout time.

26. An investigation into the changing use of language to describe mental health disorders across news articles.

27. An investigation into how a family member may change their language use when speaking to different family members.

28. An investigation into the use of politeness strategies by cashiers at popular clothes shops.

29. An investigation into the linguistic strategies used by students to defy the teacher.

30. An investigation into representations of Multicultural London English on online discussion forums.

What makes a good question for your A-Level English Language NEA investigation?

All of the examining reports focus on the idea that your question needs to be focused on a bigger idea. This will allow you to investigate a range of different linguistic elements to create a comprehensive answer.

If your question is too specific, this could lead to not enough material to write about, or repetition. The best way to discover whether your question has enough potential is to carry out a literature review before you start.

This will enable you to see relevant research related to your question. Reading beyond the A-Level English Language specification will also enable you to get higher marks!

Choosing a question where you have to collect your own data yourself is also encouraged. After all, primary data is seen as more impressive than using secondary sources.

• UCAS Guide Home >
• A-Level English Language

Revision Tips to Achieve A* in A-Level English Language

Ever found yourself staring blankly at an English paper, wondering how to turn those C’s into shining As ? You’re not alone. 

Let’s ditch the clichés and dive into practical strategies to set you on the path to A excellence. From crafting impeccable essays to decoding the secrets of top-notch comprehension.

An Overview of English Language Format

Mastering the A-Level English Language exam format is the first step towards securing that coveted A* grade. While different exam boards have different specifications, it typically consists of three main components: Reading , Writing , and Language .

1. Reading Section

• Focus on comprehending passages efficiently.
• Develop skimming and scanning skills for quick information retrieval.
• Note the variety of text types, from articles to extracts, and adapt your reading approach accordingly.

2. Writing Section

• Craft a compelling introduction to grab the examiner’s attention.
• Dive into the body paragraphs, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas.
• Conclude with impact, summarising key points and leaving a lasting impression .

3. Language Analysis Section

• Pay attention to how language is used.
• Showcase a rich vocabulary, demonstrating a command of language nuances.

Revision Tips for A-Level English Language ‘Reading Section’

Mastering the Reading Section is your passport to conquering the English Language exam. Here’s a tailored set of tips to elevate your skills:

1. Strategic Skimming and Scanning

Why: Quickly grasp the main idea.

How: Skim through headings and subheadings, then scan for keywords .

Pro Tip: Practice with diverse texts to sharpen your skimming and scanning precision.

2. Active Note-Taking

Why: Enhance comprehension and recall.

How: Jot down key points while reading.

Pro Tip: Develop a shorthand system for quicker note-taking during the exam.

3. Context Clue Mastery

Why: Decode unfamiliar words without a dictionary.

How: Pay attention to surrounding words for context.

Pro Tip: Expand your vocabulary by noting and revising contextually learned words.

4. Predictive Reading Techniques

Why: Anticipate content and structure.

How: Skim questions before reading the passage.

Pro Tip: Practise predicting outcomes based on the question prompts to improve accuracy.

5. Effective Time Management

Why: Complete all questions within the allocated time.

How: Allocate specific time slots for each passage during practice.

Pro Tip: If a question is time-consuming, mark it and come back later to avoid getting stuck.

6. Diverse Reading Practice

Why: Adapt to various text types.

How: Read articles, essays, and excerpts regularly .

Pro Tip: Analyse different writing styles to be prepared for any text in the exam.

7. Critical Evaluation Skills

Why: Understand the author’s intent and tone.

How: Question the author’s perspective while reading.

Pro Tip: Engage in discussions about different viewpoints to refine critical thinking.

Revision Tips for English Language ‘Writing Section’

Mastering the Writing Section requires finesse and precision. Here are targeted tips to refine your writing skills:

1. Crafting Engaging Introductions

Why: Capture the examiner’s attention from the start.

How: Start with a compelling fact, quote, or thought-provoking statement.

Pro Tip: Practise diverse opening techniques for versatility.

2. Body Paragraph Mastery

Why: Ensure a smooth flow of ideas.

How: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.

Pro Tip: For depth, use the P.E.E. (Point, Evidence, Explanation) structure.

3. Conclude with Impact

Why: Leave a lasting impression.

How: Summarise key points without introducing new ideas.

Pro Tip: Craft conclusions that resonate with the overall theme.

4. Grammar and Punctuation Precision

Why: Demonstrate language proficiency.

How: Brush up on common grammatical pitfalls.

Pro Tip: Use varied sentence structures for sophistication .

5. Vocabulary Showcase

Why: Elevate your language game.

How: Integrate advanced vocabulary naturally.

Pro Tip: Create a personalised word bank for quick reference.

6. Effective Use of Literary Devices

Why: Add flair to your writing.

How: Experiment with metaphors, similes, and personification .

Pro Tip: Ensure devices enhance, not overshadow, your message.

7. Refining Sentence Structure

Why: Convey complexity with clarity.

How: Vary sentence lengths and structures.

Pro Tip: Read your sentences aloud to check for fluency.

Revision Tips for English Language ‘Language Analysis Section’

The Language Section demands precision and a keen eye for detail. Here’s a focused set of tips to sharpen your skills:

1. Spotting Language Devices

Why: Identify literary techniques employed.

How: Familiarise yourself with common language devices.

Pro Tip: Practise recognising alliteration, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole devices.

2. Language Investigation

Why: Analyse why language is being used

How: Understand why certain literary devices are used and evaluate effectiveness

Pro Tip: Practise evaluating how effectively language has been used for the intended purpose.

3. Language and Society

Why: Explore how language is being used for different purposes

How: Explore concepts of audience, purpose, genre, mode and representation

Pro Tip: Practise analysing lexis and semantics: the vocabulary of English, including social and historical variation

Summary 

In the journey to master English, your dedication to focused revision is key. Practice strategically, hone your skills, and enter the exam hall with confidence. Excellence comes from consistent effort. Join Study Mind’s English Language tutors to elevate your journey. Your A* awaits—let’s make it happen!

How can I improve my skimming and scanning skills for the A-Level English Language Reading Section?

Improving skimming and scanning skills involves regular practice with diverse texts. Start by setting a time limit for reading specific passages and gradually reduce it. Additionally, vary your reading speed based on the nature of the text, training your eyes to quickly identify key information. Engage in mock exams to simulate the actual test conditions, refining your ability to extract relevant details swiftly.

Is it essential to memorise complex vocabulary for the Writing Section?

While memorization is beneficial, the key is to use vocabulary naturally. Instead of cramming, focus on integrating new words into your daily language. Explore synonyms and antonyms, understanding their contextual usage. Crafting a word bank and employing learned vocabulary in diverse writing contexts will help you develop a nuanced and sophisticated writing style without sounding forced.

How can I manage time effectively during the A-Level English Language exam?

Time management is crucial. Break down the exam into sections and allocate specific time slots for each. Practice completing passages and tasks within the stipulated time to build a sense of pacing. If a question is particularly challenging, mark it and move on; return to it later to avoid spending too much time on a single item. Consistent timed practice will enhance your efficiency on the exam day.

What is the best approach for critical evaluation in the Reading Section?

Critical evaluation involves understanding the author’s perspective. Train yourself to question the underlying assumptions and biases within the text. Consider the author’s intent, tone, and possible motivations. Engage in discussions about various viewpoints to refine your critical thinking skills. By actively analysing the text, you’ll develop a deeper understanding, enabling you to answer questions with greater insight.

How can I make my essays more engaging and impactful in the Writing Section?

To make your essays stand out, focus on crafting compelling introductions that grab the reader’s attention. Ensure each body paragraph has a clear structure, presenting your points logically. Conclude with impact by summarising key ideas without introducing new ones. Infuse creativity by experimenting with literary devices, making your writing more enjoyable. Reviewing and revising your essays critically will refine your writing style, contributing to a more engaging and impactful piece.

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AS and A-level English Language

• Specification
• Planning resources
• Teaching resources
• Assessment resources

Introduction

• Specification at a glance
• 3.1 Language and the individual
• 3.2 Language varieties
• 4.1 Language, the individual and society
• 4.2 Language diversity and change

4.3 Language in action

• Scheme of assessment
• Non-exam assessment administration (A-level only)
• General administration

The aim of this area of study is to allow students to explore and analyse language data independently and develop and reflect upon their own writing expertise.

It requires students to carry out two different kinds of individual research:

• a language investigation (2,000 words excluding data)
• a piece of original writing and commentary (750 words each).

Students can choose to pursue a study of spoken, written or multimodal data, or a mixture of text types, demonstrating knowledge in areas of individual interest.

In preparation for this, students need to study how to:

• identify an appropriate investigation topic and research questions
• select and apply a methodology for data collection and analysis
• work in greater depth and with greater range
• transcribe spoken data where appropriate
• use language concepts and ideas
• evaluate and draw conclusions on the findings of the investigation
• present findings in an appropriate and accessible way
• reference reading materials correctly
• evaluate the structures and conventions of a variety of genres
• plan, draft and redraft as part of the writing process
• reflect on the writing process using methods of language analysis.

Language Investigation

Students may choose to pursue an area of individual interest. For example, this might include studies of:

• representations of different individuals, social groups or nationalities
• regional dialect
• gendered talk
• the language of new communication technologies
• children’s language use
• norms and variations in usages of different kinds
• the language of the media
• code switching and mixing between English and other languages
• the language of different occupations or pastimes
• historical changes in English over time.

Students are not obliged to restrict themselves to those areas that are formally taught, as the basis of the investigation is the value of student-led enquiry supported by open learning. Therefore, any area seen by supervising teachers as yielding interesting questions about language in use may be chosen. Students can ask a number of fruitful questions, which can be generated by questions such as the following:

• A genre-based investigation: what are the distinctive features of this type of language use?
• A function/use-based investigation: what is the language used to do?
• An attitudes-based investigation: how do people feel about this language?
• A user-based investigation: who uses this type of language?

Students will need to decide what kind of data they collect:

• spoken language
• written language
• multimodal language
• word lists (ie lists of new words etc)
• attitudes to language
• uses of language
• views about language.

Underpinning this piece of research is the challenge that, in consultation with their supervising teacher, students should collect their own data as the basis of their study, as well as select their own approach for analysis.

Investigations need a specific focus, for example:

• the writing of two children aged 8
• features of the Devon dialect, based on a survey
• the language of wedding ceremonies from two different cultures
• the language of teachers’ reports
• the language used in three different advertisements for a particular product
• how stories are told in a particular comic
• how travel guides represent a particular community
• the language of sports commentary
• how turntaking works in real-time writing online
• language patterns in the names of shops.

The list above is neither definitive nor prescriptive.

The investigation should contain the following sections:

• brief discussion of the reasons for choosing the investigation focus
• what the investigation is trying to find out (aims).

Methodology

• an evaluative account of how the data was collected and organised for analysis
• approaches to analysis.
• analysis and interpretation of the findings, responding to the aim of the investigation
• critical consideration of relevant concepts and issues surrounding the topic area
• analysis of the contextual influences upon the data collected.
• interpretation of the findings of the investigation linked to the aim/focus of the investigation.
• a list of all sources used (paper and web-based).
• clean copies of the collected data
• evidence to support quantitative approaches.

Original writing

Students will produce one piece of original writing based on one of the following three areas:

• The Power of Persuasion
• The Power of Storytelling
• The Power of Information

and one accompanying commentary.

In preparation for the writing, students will study a range of style models before selecting and analysing one style model in detail. Students will select their own style model in consultation with their supervising teacher. Students will then use this research to inform their own piece of original writing.

The commentary will allow the student to consider and evaluate the style model, the writing process and the effectiveness of the final piece of writing.

The folder submitted should contain:

• a piece of original writing
• an annotated style model
• a reflective commentary
• references (paper and web-based).

Examples of pieces of writing students could consider:

The power of persuasion

• a piece of investigative journalism
• a speech delivered on a controversial topic
• a letter to an MP.

The power of storytelling

• a short story
• an extract from a biography
• a dramatic monologue.

The power of information

• a piece of travel journalism
• a blog focusing on social issues
• a piece of local history.

Methods of language analysis

Both the investigation and original writing will have a distinctive approach to analysis that is shaped by the particular needs of the research pathway or theme chosen. However, underlying any analysis will be coverage of some relevant aspects of the language levels, as follows:

• phonetics, phonology and prosodics: how speech sounds and effects are articulated and analysed
• graphology: the visual aspects of textual design and appearance
• lexis and semantics: the vocabulary of English, including social and historical variation
• grammar, including morphology: the structural patterns and shapes of English at sentence, clause, phrase and word level
• pragmatics: the contextual aspects of language use
• discourse: extended stretches of communication occurring in different genres, modes and contexts.

Claudia's Language Blog

Wednesday 8 february 2017, original writing coursework - finding a style model, no comments:, post a comment.

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A Level English Language NEA A* Example Language Investigation

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

9 February 2024

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A Level English Language NEA A* Examples

Example coursework for both tasks in A Level English Language. Includes two full pieces of coursework & the data used to produce them. This language investigation & directed writing with commentary was submitted to AQA in summer 2017 and awarded an A*. This makes it the perfect example to show students what is required of them in the NEA. Why it works: * Shows how to use current A Level study as a toolkit to study language * Demonstrates how to organise & structure the write-up * Example of the level of analysis & interpretation needed for highest grades * Can be reworked as a template for *your* future (brilliant!) NEA Follow my twitter to stay updated with more essential free resources and news - @astarlevels [Check out my shop for more essays and revision resources!](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/astarlevels)

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level english language (9093).

• Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language provides learners with the opportunity to study English language and its use in communication. Learners will be encouraged to respond critically to a wide variety of texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis.

Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues. Learners will also develop the skills of writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.

Changes have been made to this syllabus for first examination in 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus for detailed information.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 163KB)
• -->2024 - 2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 136KB)

Syllabus support

• -->Support for English Language (PDF, 1MB)

Syllabus updates

We worked with teachers, subject expert panels and universities around the world to update our Cambridge International AS & A Level English subject group as part of our on-going review process. We have made some changes to the syllabus for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Many teachers told us that they offer more than one English subject from this group, so we have made some changes so that the syllabuses work together regardless of whether a student is studying one or more subject from this group. To make it clearer for teachers, we have separated this syllabus from our other English Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

How has the syllabus changed?

• We have included a specific subject content section that sets out what students should study across the Cambridge International AS & A Level.
• After feedback from teachers, new content has been added within Paper 3 that focuses on the analysis and intrepretation of language data.
• We have increased the number of assessment objectives from three to five and have updated the wording so the expectations of each assessment objective is clearer.
• The levels of response mark schemes have changed based on feedback from schools to make sure we maintain valid and reliable assessments.
• Text and context
• Meaning and style
• We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.

How has assessment changed?

• Changes to the papers have been made to update and retain the strengths of the current model. We are keeping the assessment model for English Language as a four component, exam only model.
• The A Level Paper 3 will have stimulus texts that will be accompanied by some quantitative language data, in graph and table form. This change is based on feedback from teachers who feel the skill of data analysis would be valuable for students and engage their interest.
• Language acquisition has been moved to Paper 3 from Paper 4 as this topic represents language analysis more than a language topic.
• English in the World - a new title for the current English as a global language
• Language and the self - a new topic that concentrates on the relationships between language and thought, and language and social identity. This change was made after consultation with centres, who felt the current topics in Paper 4 were not discrete enough.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus will be assessed in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is also available in March 2021, 2022 and 2023 (India only). Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus. Visit our School Support Hub from April 2019 onwards.

Look out for our comprehensive support package to help you deliver the 2021-2023 syllabus including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses and Specimen paper answers. There will also be Teacher and Learner guides from April 2019 onwards through our School Support Hub .

Endorsed resources

View the latest resources that are being developed for the Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language syllabus (9093).

Helps students gain an understanding of how language works for different audiences and purposes. Improve reading skills through analysis of different text types – from blogs to letters – and create imaginative, discursive and critical writing.

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Build skills and knowledge in a clear sequence and help students to apply skills to a range of language tasks, with up-to-date coverage of the syllabus topics and a stimulating range of international texts.

Read more on the Collins website

Important notices

Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.

For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.

We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.

School Support Hub

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language. Follow the links below to find lots more useful advice on writing great essays.

• How to write dazzlingly brilliant essays
• How to write more original essays
• Techniques from creative writing that can improve your essays

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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English Podcasts for Learners [2024 Edition]

Did you know English podcasts can help you improve your English language skills?

To improve your English listening comprehension, you need to go beyond textbooks and start hearing how the language sounds.

In this guide, I’ll show you 22 great English podcasts that will help you level up your listening comprehension skills in an easy and fun way.

Recommended English Podcasts

The english we speak, podcasts in english, englishclass101, learnenglish, splendid speaking, better @ english, voice of america learning english, business english pod, culips esl podcast, speak english with eslpod, luke’s english podcast, this american life, the past & the curious, news in slow english, freakonomics radio, radiolab: pickle, what if world, dramas from bbc learning english, stuff you should know, global news podcast from bbc, scientific american podcast: 60-second science, how to use english podcasts to improve your listening skills, listen as background first, listen a second time, but now pay close attention, read the transcript, if it’s available, repeat words and sentences out loud, pick up new vocabulary and grammar from the podcast, continue studying the new information you learned, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Apple | Google | Website

Level: Intermediate

This English language learning podcast series from the BBC focuses on everyday phrases and slang — the kind of English that native speakers use.

These podcasts are published weekly, and each one is only about three to four minutes long.

Examples of common English expressions explored in the series include “use your loaf,” “skeletons in the closet” and “take the mickey.”

English is spoken at a slightly slower speed in these podcasts to make following along easier. Every syllable is enunciated (pronounced) clearly.

The podcast usually features two presenters having a conversation with each other. Sound effects are also used so it feels like the teachers/speakers are in different locations.

Apple | Website

Level: Beginner to Upper Intermediate

Podcasts in English is an English language learning podcast series that features English spoken in a variety of settings.

The short lessons are spoken entirely in English and feature conversations between two English language speakers.

The lessons cover a broad range of topics. Some of the subjects you may hear being discussed are the Winter Olympics, horseback riding experiences and Facebook.

The podcasts are supported by transcripts, worksheets and vocabulary tasks.

Level: Beginner to advanced

This podcast series by Innovative Language lets you choose between four learning levels: absolute beginner, beginner, intermediate and advanced.

The podcasts are presented by hosts who also act out different scenes. Once a scene has been performed, it’s repeated at a much slower speed.

The next section of each episode provides cultural information. This is followed by a focus on vocabulary and phrases, while the last section covers important grammar points.

Level: Beginner to intermediate

The hosts of this very helpful English language podcast take the listener through a number of different scenarios.

These are acted out in dialogue and are the kind of situations people experience every day. The podcasts also include broader discussions of some of the topics.

The presentation is lively, upbeat and engaging, and the English dialogues are spoken at near normal speed.

There’s a lot of good material available to accompany the podcast, some of which can be read beforehand to help you make the most of each lesson.

Level:  Advanced

Splendid Speaking offers an interesting approach to learning English.

Each lesson features interviews and discussions with non-native English language speakers. The recordings also include expert feedback about their performances.

Not only is this a very effective way to learn, but it’s also fun to hear how other learners are coping with the language. You may even be able to spot some of their mistakes!

Level: Intermediate and above

Better @ English offers a variety of English language podcasts featuring real conversations with native speakers.

Episode topics range from the serious to the silly and everything is spoken at a normal speed.

Listening to real, natural-sounding conversations is a great supplement to classroom and textbook learning. This familiarizes the student with the pace of the language and some of its idioms and common expressions.

Better @ English is suitable for the intermediate student and above, or for the beginner who really wants to challenge themselves. These English language podcasts are accompanied by transcripts and vocabulary notes.

Level: Intermediate to advanced

Voice of America is an English language news and information service that includes a variety of programs.

There’s a weekly global news program, a science documentary section, programs about the history of America and a series on American English idioms.

All the programs are narrated in English and spoken at a reduced speed. Each podcast is divided into segments and uses music and sound effects to provide an engaging audio experience.

Voice of America is a learning tool that adds variety to structured lessons and conversation exposure.

Level: Upper beginner to advanced

Business English Pod offers an audio immersion into the language of the business world, covering important language required for every business situation.

The episodes follow a simple structure with the host speaking for a few minutes on a set topic.

The English is spoken a little slower than normal native speed and is therefore quite easy to follow. There are transcripts, quizzes and vocabulary guidance accompanying each podcast.

Business English Pod provides a good insight into how business is conducted in English-speaking companies. In addition, the lessons offer valuable listening and comprehension practice.

Level: Upper beginner to intermediate

Whether you can barely say “hello” in English or can talk fluently in the language for several minutes, there are some real gems for you here!

The Culips site has podcasts of several different types.

The “Catch Word” podcast focuses on casual expressions, idioms and slang to make you sound more like a native speaker.

The “Chatterbox” podcast features real conversations between people. “Simplified Speech” is a podcast devoted to natural English conversations at a slow, easy-to-follow pace.

These podcasts are all intelligent, practical and well-made.

ESL Podcast has a vast library of episodes — more than 900 and still growing.

The host for the ESL podcast is Dr. Jeff McQuillan and the other voice you’ll often hear belongs to Dr. Lucy Tse. Both have PhDs in applied linguistics.

Each podcast features a dialogue between two characters. The rest of the episode then concentrates on key words along with their uses and meanings. Each podcast is also accompanied by a learning guide.

The English audio is spoken at about half of normal speed and is therefore easy to follow as a learner.

Luke is a qualified English language teacher and stand-up comedian who hosts this engaging and entertaining podcast series.

His intention is to “make you laugh while you learn” and he provides a rich mix of subject material.

A quick look at the titles of some of the podcasts reveals such installments as “Doctor Who Episode—Language Analysis,” “The Prawn Story” and “English Premier League Football.”

Luke has a warm, engaging voice that draws in the listener. The English is spoken at normal speed and transcripts are also available.

Apple  | Google  | Website

Level: Advanced

This American Life is one of the most popular podcasts in the United States. The podcast follows the same format as the radio show of the same name.

Each episode is themed and includes a variety of true tales of everyday people.  Past themes have included “Back to School”, “Amusement Parks” and “Fear of Sleep”.

The podcast features interviews with real Americans from all over the country. For the language student, this is a terrific way to become familiar with regional accents and the different speeds that US English is spoken. 

This American Life is also an exciting podcast.  Some of the stories are moving, funny and surprising.

Level : Intermediate

This English podcast focuses on teaching history to kids, but don’t think this is another boring history podcast.

The Past & The Curious is made especially for children and families, so it’s both entertaining (it includes songs) and educational.

Presented by Mick Sullivan, this podcast is perfect for learners of English who want to improve their listening skills and break the intermediate plateau .

Sullivan has a very clear diction, so it’s not difficult to follow what he says. He teaches historical facts in a funny and interesting way that makes you feel like you’re inside the story.

Apple |  Website

The podcast News in Slow English is an amazing option to help you to improve your listening skills.

Thanks to this podcast, you’ll learn about the world and the events that are happening around us in English.

The speakers read the news slower than usual, so it’s very easy to follow the audio. There are also transcripts available for each story so you can read along.

The News in Slow English website includes different sections that’ll help you to understand the podcasts better and practice their content.

The Grammar section explains a grammar topic from the podcast in a very clear way and with a lot of examples. The Pronunciation and Quiz tabs let you practice your speaking and listening comprehension.

Apple | Google  | Website

Freakonomics Radio is an award-winning podcast that “explores the hidden side of everything”. 

The podcast is inspired by the series of Freakonomics books and is hosted by co-authors Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.  

This podcast is an entertaining and riveting examination of many aspects of our lives.  This includes news, pop culture and political issues both global and local.

Freakonomics Radio explores subjects from different angles and in some depth. The breadth of topics covered means that you will be able to pick up English for many different facets of life.

There is a lot of light-hearted banter between the hosts which helps to ensure that concepts, issues and points of views are understood. 

Level: Pre-Intermediate or higher

From the creators of Radiolab, Pickle is a podcast where adults answer easy and not-so-easy questions for children.

The podcast has been created specifically for children, so the language is simple and the speakers talk slowly and clearly.

Pickle covers a topic in each episode and tries to answer different questions related to it.

With this podcast, intermediate learners of English will be able to learn about things such as friendship, the Romans and even moral dilemmas!

This is the perfect podcast if you want to improve your listening skills while learning interesting stuff.

Apple  | Website

Even though the What If World podcast was created for kids, I must confess I started listening to it when I was doing research for this post, and now I can’t stop!

If you’re curious about the world and you’d like to have answers to crazy questions (for example: “What would happen if clouds were made of cotton candy?”), this podcast is perfect for you.

Each episode lasts around 20 minutes and revolves around a crazy question that’s used in order to teach concepts and lessons to children.

The podcast is often performed in silly voices and covers some unusual topics, so it might be challenging for beginners.

Apple  | Google | Website

Tumble is another podcast created for kids. This means you’re listening to easy English that even a child can understand.

But even if you’re 50, you’ll learn a lot of interesting things. We’re all like little children when we start learning a new language!

Tumble is perfect for learners of English who are interested in science. Each episode is only about 15 minutes long, and it normally covers one topic related to science and its recent discoveries.

If you want to learn about smells, viruses, human DNA, the moon and even dinosaurs, you’re going to love Tumble.

Apple  | Google  |  Website

Level: Intermediate and advanced

Get ready to experience the greatest English dramas of all time, narrated in an engaging way in short five to 10-minute-long episodes!

The BBC Learning English podcast is aimed at intermediate and advanced learners of English, but I think anyone can give it a try because the episodes are really short and easy to understand with a transcript.

The scripts are available under the text, so you can read and listen to the story at the same time. If you prefer to print the text, you can also download it in PDF format.

Additionally, after the script, you can find a list of the more difficult words with their definitions or explanations in simple English.

Apple | Google  | Website 

Stuff You Should Know is an entertaining show that covers many funny and strange questions and topics.

Previous topics tackled by the podcast include: “Do zombies exist?”, “How black boxes work” and “Do objects or experiences make us happier?”

This podcast’s diverse topics and occasional use of technical language exposes the student to a rich source of vocabulary.

Global News is produced by the BBC World Service, the world’s largest international broadcaster. 

The podcast is published twice daily and is a roundup of the latest global news.  The stories have been collected from World Service news output and include interviews and location reports from BBC correspondents.

The BBC presenters and reporters are well spoken and easy to understand.  They possess an excellent command of the English language that will help students to increase their vocabulary.

Level: Upper intermediate to advanced

Scientific American is one of the world’s premier science magazines and brings the latest science news, features and analysis to the general public. 

This podcast provides daily updates of some of the most important developments in research.

The presenters speak with authority on many different scientific topics, using   language that communicates the excitement of scientific research in a way that the average person can understand. 

This is particularly useful for anyone who wants to work in science-related fields or who has a love of astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics and how nature works.

You already know that using podcasts is a great way to improve your listening skills, but do you know how to make the most (use in a way that’ll give the best result) out of them?

There are a lot of techniques you can use while listening to English podcasts that’ll help you to become a master of English listening .

To start, you should listen to podcasts in the background while you’re doing something else.

It may seem counterintuitive (unreasonable or the opposite of what you’d expect), but listening to English podcasts while you do other tasks actually helps your brain to get used to the language.

That’s because it lets you get comfortable with the sounds without worrying about understanding the words.

Now listen to the podcast a second (and even third) time and pay attention to all the words and expressions you recognize. If you feel the speaker is talking too fast, try reducing the speed of the audio to 75% (when available).

Reading the transcript while you listen to a podcast is amazingly beneficial because you’re getting the same information through two different channels: your eyes and your ears.

This helps your brain remember and comprehend more of the language.

Pause the podcast whenever you want to and go back to words and expressions that are new to you or you think are difficult to pronounce. Repeat them over and over until you get them just right.

Having good pronunciation as well as a large vocabulary is essential for a variety of situations such as using English in school or business English at work.

If you look up new words and learn and review grammar bits you hear in each podcast you listen to, you’ll likely remember them a lot easier in the future.

Plus, as you already know, learning new vocabulary and grammar is essential to growing as an English language learner.

So maybe you learned some new vocabulary words and a new grammar concept by repeating a line a few times.

You don’t want this new information to just sit in your notebook. You want to actually use it in your English language interactions.

To do that, you’ll need to keep studying everything you just learned until it’s filed away in your long-term memory.

For example, you can turn the new vocabulary words you learned into flashcards—whether you do this by hand or on your favorite flashcard app .

Another effective way to learn new language information is to see it used in context.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

Listening to English podcasts is one of the best ways to improve your listening skills, especially if you choose podcasts that cover topics you’re interested in and that are appropriate for your level of English.

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Discovering McGill's French Language Centre

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For many students coming to McGill from across Canada and other countries around the globe, one of the many advantages of pursuing a degree at McGill is that students are immersed in Montreal’s unique bilingual culture.

McGill’s French Language Centre is one of the university’s best assets in promoting learning opportunities for students in any academic program throughout the university with its course offerings of credited and non-credited courses that encompass writing and oral communication.

Students from McGill’s various professional schools, such as the School of Social Work, and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, turn to the FLC for crucial French language training that will benefit them not only during their time at McGill but beyond when they leave to pursue professional careers in Quebec.

Beginner Level Courses for All McGill Students 

For students across academic disciplines, from the Faculty of Arts to the Faculty of Engineering, the FLC offers placement tests to ascertain a student’s level of comprehension and skill in the French language and offers 5 different levels of courses, which follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, a global standard for grading language proficiency. The levels on offer range from level A1, absolute beginner, to level C1, which is a full command of the language.

Alida Soucé has been a Faculty Lecturer at the French Language Centre for close to ten years now, and, along with the Centre's other instructors, is responsible for creating, coordinating, and teaching beginner level French courses at the FLC. Alida currently coordinates and teaches the near beginner course, FRSL 103 and the elementary French course, FRSL 206/207.

“These courses are built and based on research in applied didactics,” says Alida. “Most of our instructors are constantly reflecting on improving course offerings so that students have access to the most innovative academic courses in the field of French as a Second Language.”

Living and learning in a bilingual city such as Montreal gives students the opportunity to use their newly acquired French skills in a multitude of settings on and off campus.

“We equip students with solid, academic French courses that are centered in a Montreal context” says Alida. “Thanks to our exceptional setting in Quebec, the courses we teach can help students whose goal is to become bilingual.”

“We also organize many extracurricular activities in which students can further strengthen the skills we teach in the classroom,” says Alida.

The FLC organizes a series of cultural outings such as a historical and cultural tour of popular Montreal neighborhoods like the Mile End and Old Montreal, and events such as a French Improv Night, conversation workshops and a series focusing on French in the workplace, all of which give students the opportunity to develop their oral skills in informal settings with other students enrolled in FLC courses.

Alida prides herself on being able to offer her students a personalized approach to learning and her courses are often filled with a strong sense of community.

In some anonymous student feedback received by Alida, many students attest to the excellent learning environments they experienced in her classroom.

“It’s always been one of my goals to speak French, and it’s in part why I moved to Montreal,” says one student who took a FLC course this winter. “My anxiety always got in the way, and it wasn’t until [Alida’s] class that I was able to work through that productively, something I'll be taking with me when I move to London this fall and continue working towards fluency.”

Another student noted how thankful they were for the extra time Alida devoted to providing detailed feedback on tests and writing/oral practice. “[Alida’s] encouragement and support [inspired] me to keep participating and improving my French skills in my daily life.”

Teaching French for Specific Purposes 

Ariel Mercado came to McGill with over 20 years of experience teaching French and English as a second language in Spain. It was in Spain that Ariel developed his interest in teaching language for a specific purpose, such as teaching English and French for the tourism industry and in the healthcare sector.

Ariel later moved to Quebec to pursue his studies, and it was during his PhD in Linguistics that Ariel’s interest in healthcare and languages solidified.

Working closely with the administration of the FLC, Ariel created French courses for health sciences and social work , which are offered during both Fall and Winter semesters, as well as a May intensive course. The courses are designed to give written and oral communication skills to students from a variety of disciplines in the health and social work sectors, as well as French skills for students studying dietetics and nutrition.

These courses are offered through a partnership with Dialogue McGill, which is funded by Health Canada under the Action Plan for Official Languages, which aimed to “build and maintain the capacity of bilingual health and social services professionals in Quebec.”

“My focus in these courses is especially oral communication with patients, with caregivers and with other professionals, and to prepare students for that,” says Ariel. “Writing skills are also important- students have to know how to write a chart for another professional or in layman’s terms for the patient.”

The Centre works closely with the Professional Schools Committee, which includes representatives from the various McGill schools in healthcare. The courses are formulated with the feedback of doctors, social workers and dieticians so that the courses are tailored to specific skills and requirements students will encounter in their future professions.

“We have around two meetings per semester in which I participate,” says Ariel. “I have had ideas for courses from these meetings. For example, they tell me we need our students to know how to write a chart in French, I ask for material that they can share (without personal identification details) so that the examples we give students are accurate and can be adapted to their learning levels and needs.”

Focusing on real tasks that they will have in their professional lives is an important objective in Ariel’s courses. In order to pass the courses and to be able to work in their respective fields in Québec, students must pass the French exam for their discipline which is designed and administered by the Office Québécois de la langue française ( OQLF).

“I know the OQLF exam very well and I try to integrate in-class activities for the exam,” says Ariel. Ariel runs around 2 or 3 dedicated workshops to prepare his students for the OQLF exam.

“I tell students that this or that in-class activity is similar to a section of the OQLF exam so they know what to prepare for,” says Ariel.

To learn more about course offerings at the FLC and its event programming, you can consult their website and follow them on Facebook .

Department and University Information