Going to a junior college in Singapore? You may find the questions below familiar.
Which humanities subject/s should I take?
H1 Literature or H2 Literature?
Should I even take Literature as an academic subject?
I'm down to my choice of my last subject: Literature or another humanities subject?
No worries, let us help you gain some clarity.
Here are 5 reasons to take Literature at A Levels:
Benefit #1 - Master Literature, Master H1 General Paper (GP).
Everyone, barring students of H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (epistemology, a branch of philosophy), has to take H1 General Paper in junior college (some say it is IP English on steroids).
At A Levels, you have to start making meaning to the examples of current affairs and analyse them. Literature helps you with exactly that: To find significance to your observations, and make sense of these observations in the grand scheme of things and events.
Even in GP, you cannot escape the reach of Literature itself. There is a rising trend of literary-based questions in the Short Answer Question section of the comprehension paper, Paper 2.
Speaking of comprehension, as Literature students, you learn how to read smarter, read quicker and read deeper.
Besides, the national distinction rate for General Paper at A Levels averages consistently at about 25%, with most distinctions monopolised by a select handful of students from a select handful of schools.
Do yourself a favour and differentiate yourself. Take literature today!
Benefit #2 - Become a Maestro of Language, Master of Thought.
Your use of language in GP and Literature scripts is like the invisible hand of the free market. You may not perceive its presence, but it is cardinal to the presentation and performance of your essay. Allow the literary sensibilities of Literature to diffuse into your writing. Stir the souls of your examiners in GP and Literature, you’re halfway to your A.
Questions in A Level Literature are broad and open-ended. At times, even slightly odd as the topic given comes across as obscure, or even, strange. You will also learn to consider a certain subject, or perspective, or interpretation through a variety of angles and adapt them to suit your circumstances. You will thus learn how to think on your feet and be flexible yet sharp in thought. A felicitous skill to have in the real world, isn’t it?
Learn how to frame your arguments and observations in the most palatable, enticing and convincing ways. You’ll make excellent pitches and proposals in the real world! Now, who said that literature has no utility or practical use?
Benefit #3 - Open-Book Examinations.
Bad at memorising? Don't like to memorise? Fret not. A Level Literature is open-book. Yes, you’re allowed to bring your set-texts into the examination hall!
All you need to do is to know the text well enough and where the quotes are (approximately). Quote memorisation begone!
Only underlining, highlighting or the use of vertical lines is permitted. Nothing else/no words should be written in the texts. Separate pieces of paper such as post-its and tape flags are not allowed. (You thought you could write notes in the texts? Haha, dream on. But seriously, tell me which subject allows for open-book examinations?!)
Benefit #5 - Cultural Literacy and Empathy.
Become culturally literate and enlighten yourself with stories, people and events across time and space.
As Dr Suzanne Choo from the English Language and Literature Academic Group in NIE explains, “Empathy requires you to look at things from someone else’s perspective. Literature often zooms in on individual lives". Literature fosters a concern about the lives and experiences of other people, people whom may be foreign, alien, and "other".
You will meet people that you never thought you would meet, in the universe of the text. You may even dislike them, what they stand for, or look at them with complete bewilderment. However, as Literature students, you will learn to engage meaningfully with people and ideas that are so very different from yours. Just as how Elizabeth Bennet of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice realises her misjudgement of Fitzwilliam Darcy as arrantly prideful (when in fact, Darcy's aloofness belies a warm heart), you will learn to consider different perspectives before revising or continue supporting your original stance with greater evidence and faith, as a mature and sensitive adult would.
Perhaps you just dislike a particular set-text, prima facie. With time however, you may begin appreciating its literary merits and thematic significance in our world. Learn to differentiate personal fancy and mature appreciation and you are all set for making informed and mature discourse in the future.
The literary text is thus, as Dr Choo puts it, "an entry point into the world". We agree with Dr Choo and we would like to offer our insight too: literary texts are inscriptions of our humanity.
Why Literature in English over other subjects?
The analytical, observational and language finesse you gain from studying Literature possess the greatest flexibility and is the most applicable across all realms and specialities, from academics to real-life dealings. This is not something easily found in other subjects!
Also, don't forget, mastering Literature usually helps enhance your General Paper writing skills!
What is the difference between H1 and H2 Literature in English?
tldr:
H2 has 5 texts, H1 has 2 texts.
The difficulty and nature of the set-text essays for the compulsory paper, Paper 1, are exactly the same.
The skill of critical comparison between literary texts is not taught and not tested at H1, only at H2.)
H1 is not easier than H2 for the same sections/essays. H1 Literature has one less paper, which means 3 less essays than H2 Literature.
As a rule of thumb, the work-load for H2 is heavier than that of H1.
Disclaimers:
You should not take A Level Literature if reading and/or the written word is your source of affliction.
If you are alright with reading and writing, or even, love reading and writing, then consider the benefits of studying A Level Literature in English. Reading Literature as a subject is a wise investment in your future, for its soft skills stay with you forever, and will refine with time (given that you continue reading and honing them). If only the stock market had such wonderful returns…
Jokes aside, please do not conflate Literature with an easy A. Neither is Literature easy in general. In fact, distinctions for Literature in school-based examinations are low, although the distinction rates for Literature in national examinations (A Levels) are comparable with other humanities subjects such as Economics and History.
Moreover, benefits above are not certain promises. It depends on how well you are taught, how felicitous your school environment is to the cultivation of your sensitivity to literary language, and above all, how willing you are to work on yourself.
To conclude:
The study of Literature in English may be difficult, but it is deeply rewarding. Above all, it can become easier or more enjoyable with the right guidance. A Way With Literature (AWWL) is here to help you smoothen your literature journey. Be it through our free blog posts or our bespoke tuition classes, you will be in good hands. Consider literature coaching at AWWL today!
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