Language Research Topic

Unit 5 A2. Candidates should undertake detailed linguistic research. The most rewarding area for a Research Topic is likely to be one where the candidate has some direct access to the subject, either on a personal level or via specific regional and idiolectic linguistic determinants. It is important also that teachers advise candidates in their selection of topics in such a way that clear progression can be seen from AS level work.

The Assessment Objectives targeted in this Unit must be met, and candidates will require judicious guidance in order to ensure a realisable outcome. A significant proportion of the completed project should be devoted to linguistic analysis, supported by commentary and evaluation. The project must address formal issues in linguistics (AO4), and analysis should be presented in a suitable framework (AO3ii). Candidates should analyse and evaluate variation in spoken and/or written language according to context (AO5ii); however, in this Unit, it is not essential to address variation over time.

While the candidate's own interests should be respected, the Research Topic must show evidence of appropriate research methodology in its organisation and execution (AO1, AO3ii); in particular, quotation, reference and bibliography should be properly handled. (Quotation, reference and bibliography must be included within the overall word limit for the folder.)