Take note: This article was written before the new H2 Literature syllabus this year for Paper 3, hence while most of the writer's general advice is still applicable, 2024 J1 readers are advised to read A Level Syllabus 9539 for the updated reading list and themes covered for Paper 3.
The Literature in English syllabus comprises three papers. Paper 1, “Reading Literature”, is compulsory, while the school will choose either Paper 2, “The English Renaissance” or Paper 3, “The Mind and Self in Literature”, to be the students’ second paper. When studying Literature in HCI, you’ll most likely have to take Paper 3, the topic-based paper.
Syllabus
Paper 1, “Reading Literature”, which is known colloquially as the more general paper, is not restricted to a certain theme. Over the two years of learning Literature, you will be exposed to poetry, prose, and drama. The exam will include three sections, the first of which will be an unseen poetry comparison. For those who have not had prior exposure to the subject of Literature, “unseen” analysis basically means that you will be analysing a random piece that you would not have prepared for in your previous studies (thus, this tests your ability to think on the spot during the exam). For the next section, you’ll be able to choose between an essay or passage-based question for your prose set text. The last section is similar, but with your drama set-text and only essay questions instead.
Paper 2 is a period-focused paper. This time, it focuses on “The English Renaissance (1509-1660)”. As it is unlikely that HCI will opt for this paper, I will move on to Paper 3.
Paper 3 focuses on the Mind and Self as the central theme. It is, in short, how your subconscious mind and the external pressures of society can affect your internal identity and external actions. Once you have grasped the two concepts and the difference between the “mind” and the “self”, the paper becomes a simple matter of applying these concepts as much as possible to your analysis. However, your scores will still be affected very much by the depth of your understanding of the set texts—which was why many people in the 2023 J1 batch (including yours truly) were “saved” by their scores in the unseen portion of the Promotional exams.
Why would you want to take H2 Literature?
The best determinant for whether you should take Literature in JC or not should depend on these 2 factors:
One, do you like the set texts being taught? If you are not passionate about fiction— specifically the fictional texts that will be set for the A Levels, then taking this subject will be more or less meaningless, unless you are extremely passionate about studying Literature specifically in the future. For the 2023 batch, our texts are “Hamlet” (J1 Paper 3), “Frankenstein” (J1 Paper 1), “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (J1 Paper 3), “Age of Iron” (J2 Paper 3, when we will learn to compare it to “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”) and “Playing for Time” (J2 Paper 1). Not all of them may carry on into the 2024 batch, though.
Two, do you foresee yourself using the analysis skills and sensitivity to words that studying Literature will bring in your future career/direction? It could be journalism (in which case you’d be a perfect fit for PubSoc!), creative writing, English, even Law, or any other language or writing-related course. Even if you plan on taking a Science combination, Lit could be the perfect contrasting subject for you if you enjoy it!
Tips to ace H2 Literature!
So, now that you’ve already been convinced about the appeal of taking on Literature as a subject, let us move on to the Lit study tips that some of you may have been looking forward to! The most crucial point that most people forget to do — while it is exceptionally obvious — is to Study. Your. Texts! This was my biggest regret this year, in terms of H2 Literature. Even the best “smokers” (you know what I’m talking about) could get their marks pulled down because they did not know where to find the most appropriate quotes in the short time frame of the exam.
When it comes to studying for a set-text, the second best tip I can offer is to start compiling quotes and analyses right from the first Literature lesson you take in JC. Alternatively, take down notes on your annotated copy when the teacher goes through the text. Then, some time before your exam, reread your annotated copy of the text and compile your notes based on your annotations.
Sorting the quotes by their themes is probably the most effective and widely-used method. Categorising them with respect to what they reveal about characterisation and how they contribute to a motif or recurring image is really useful too. You should also take note of other aspects of the text, such as their structural and stylistic features.
This is the structure I go by for the notes I make for my set-text: Background, Motif/Symbols/Imagery, Form/Structure, Characters, Setting, Intertextuality, Criticisms, Themes and Overview of Chapters. Points you make in one part of your notes can and will be repeated in another so there is no need to worry; it can be a sign that you’re doing things right by connecting different elements of the text.
“Background” consists of foundational information about the author/playwright/poet’s life, as well as the relevant characteristics of the time period the text was written or set in.
“Motif/Symbols/Imagery” consists of the recurring images identified in the text. In addition to noting down the quotes in which the specific motif/symbol/image was used, connect each motif/symbol/image to a theme or character.
“Form/Structure” consists of elements of the text’s format and organisation.
“Characters” consists of a list of the characters, their traits, and the relationships between characters.
“Setting” consists of the features of the settings in the text.
“Intertextuality” consists of a compilation of literary allusions which might have been littered throughout the text
“Criticisms” consists of some main points derived from journal articles and essays about say, feminist readings, Marxist readings and psychoanalytic readings, etc.
“Themes” consists of the possible topic sentences which can be derived from a thematic concern, accompanied by quotes befitting them.
“Overview of Chapters” consists of a summary of the content for each chapter/section, for a quick and easy reference.
Also, in order to improve your overall literary analysis and writing style, consider searching for example essays to analyse. Especially if you find that your essays almost never get received well by your teachers, study the example essays they provide for you with care, taking note of the things which earn the writers little ticks, and incorporating all these elements into your own writing.
And as simple as you think it might be, accurately identifying and sticking to the question’s requirements could also make or break your essay—or at least bring you down a tier in the rubrics, so watch out for how the best writers consistently link back to the question and quote only the most relevant content from the text.
To sum it all up, Literature is incredibly fun to study and we have a competent teaching department who will guide you along the way. If you are passionate about Literature or find it really fun to study, consider taking Lit whether you are an Arts or Science student!
Written by: Yang Jiayu (23A10), Cheah Le Han (23S79)
Edited by: Yap En Ting (23A11)
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