Most students will now take GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. These are two separate GCSE ratings. Both subjects are evaluated by examination only. In short, there are many different aspects to consider when deciding which topic is most important.
In terms of the skills you'll learn, both the English language and literature are equally valuable. However, from an academic point of view, it is important to know that it is mandatory to pass GCSE English language with a grade 4 or higher. This does not apply to GCSE English literature. Obviously, with that said, GCSE English language and literature passes will be useful, and passes in as many GCSE subjects as possible (especially core subjects such as English) will be desirable for employers, sixth grades, and universities.
Any essay-based subject, specifically humanities, will require skills similar to those of Level A English, so they would be very complementary to any Level A English subject, as you can apply techniques from several subjects to improve your writing. This could be one of the reasons why the GCSE English language is often considered more difficult than literature, even though it is “more important”. If you're struggling with GCSE English, you may want to spend a little more time reviewing the English language rather than English literature, as this is the subject you really need to pass. To find a balance between putting more work into the English language and maintaining passing grades in other subjects, you should create a review calendar that leaves a little more room for English language review than other subjects.
In short, English language and literature are equally important for studying English at Level A, but the grades requested will vary depending on where you choose to study, so always check the university or sixth grade website. The main way to review the English language is to practice text analysis and do previous work, so traditional review materials won't be much help. There are three different English options in A-Level: English literature, English language, and English literature and language combined. Although you must aspire to pass grades (grades 4 and above) in all of your GCSEs, you will not be required to retake any tests other than GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths.
You will need to earn grade 4 or higher in GCSE English Language; otherwise, you will need to retake the test the following year. You can find more useful information about the GCSE English literature and how to review it in this helpful article. In addition, because it is only necessary to pass the English language, some students who have academic difficulties will not enter the GCSE English literature exams, which represents part of the largest number of students who entered the English language tests. The most frequently asked question about English literature and language is which one should pass.
