INTRODUCTORY SKILLS

Introduction

This module should be read in conjunction with the Programme of Study.

The Programme of Study lists the topics that are in the module and gives you the relevant page references for your textbook. This module aims to give you more direction as you work through the various topics. It will aim to highlight the most important items in the topic, as well as areas that need particular care. It will also point you towards the resources you should be using.

Remember to double-check the syllabus to make sure you cover all the items that you need to.

Module Overview

In English Literature, whatever text you are studying, the same basic rules apply for effective essay writing. The purpose of this module is to guide you through the various assessment criteria required to write a good essay, including tips and examples of good practice so you can hone and develop your writing skills. If you studied AS with Wolsey Hall, much of this material will be familiar to you already, but please note that some new, AL-specific material has been included here, because a fifth assessment criterion is introduced at AL: AO5 (Evaluation of opinion). This requires you to discuss and evaluate varying opinions and interpretations of literary texts. You will find advice and guidance on this in Topic 0.9, but it is also important to review all of the essay-writing skills provided in this module at regular intervals. Students who keep working on these skills throughout the course tend to perform better in their final exams.

Topics

Topic One (0.1): Introduction to AL English Literature – Examinations and Course Structure

Topic Two (0.2): The Assessment Criteria and Mark Schemes Explained

Topic Three (0.3): Exam and Assignment Questions Explained

Topic Four (0.4): Successful Essay Writing – Style Tip 1: Writing Well

Topic Five (0.5): Successful Essay Writing – Style Tip 2: Using Quotations

Topic Six (0.6): Successful Essay Writing – Style Tip 3: Close Textual Analysis and PQC

Topic Seven (0.7): Successful Essay Writing – Style Tip 4: Effective Introductions and Conclusions

Topic Eight (0.8): Successful Essay Writing – Style Tip 5: Using Context

Topic Nine (0.9): Successful Essay Writing – Style Tip 6: Using Critical Perspectives (New for AL)

Topic Ten (0.10): The Perfect Essay – Breaking It Down

Topic Eleven (0.11): Literary Terminology