Language and literature are important for a person in order to exchange the knowledge and ideas with the public and use the experience of generations effectively. Therefore, the subject of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing can be discussed as an important step for the A-Level learners who need to learn the English language and literature at the new stage of their academic progress. Focusing on this subject, a person learns how to use the language in order to convey the meaning in a profound manner; how to use the literature heritage of generations; and how to use the literature forms in order to express opinions and emotions in a thoughtful manner (Harris, Graham & Mason 2006, p. 295; Kaufman & Kaufman 2009, p. 24). From this point, the subject of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing provides a person with many skills necessary to communicate and discuss ideas; evaluate and analyse information; think critically and creatively; express ideas orally and in a written form; share the opinion and create the meaning (Willett, Robinson & Marsh 2008, p. 54). These skills are essential for the practice in writing, and they are important to be discussed because according to Magnifico, “Writing has become central in the workplace, in education, and to our personal lives” (Magnifico 2010, p. 167). Choosing this subject, a person can not only develop the knowledge of the English language and literature but also learn how to examine literary works, write texts, create powerful messages and meaning, use the broad vocabulary, and understand the variety of contexts in which the language exists and develops.
Thus, the reason to choose English Language, Literature and Creative Writing is based on the person’s desire to discuss the literary works at a professional level and to practice in creative writing with the focus on the future career. Furthermore, it is also possible to speak about the overall significance of the subject for developing the individual’s outlook as an important reason to choose the discussed subject. Many persons study the English language and literature without focusing on the theoretical background and without emphasising the opportunities of studying these aspects for further creative writing (Donnelly & Harper 2012, p. 89). In this context, it is important to use a chance for developing the world view and skills in presenting the personal vision in the attractive written form that is accurate and rather persuasive.
The reason to choose the subject is also connected with the knowledge acquired during the study. The subject of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing deal with the complex knowledge, and it is important to distinguish between the knowledge necessary to succeed in the study of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing and the knowledge obtained as a result of the learning process. The knowledge of the English language provides a person with a range of opportunities to express oneself, to accept and share the ideas of other people, to communicate, and to feel confident not only in the local community but also in the world community because English is the main source of communication for millions of people (Willett, Robinson & Marsh 2008, p. 90). Therefore, in order to be able to express one’s ideas and thoughts effectively, it is necessary to study the available means and forms of expression in the English language and literature. In this case, skills not only in critical thinking but also in creative writing are necessary to expand the boundaries of the person’s perception and expression. From this point, the chosen subject deals with the aspects of the English language in terms of its vocabulary and structure as well as its role for communication and for articulating the new knowledge and ideas (Brill 2004, p. 83). Furthermore, studying this subject, a person receives the great knowledge of the literature development; begins to understand how literature can enrich the life with the focus on the previous experience; focuses on literature as the way to deepen the understanding of the society; and chooses the literary forms as the means to communicate the message (Cao 2014, p. 26; Garrett-Petts 2013, p. 59). In addition, the subject is also focused on creative writing, and it is a wide area for a person in order to develop the knowledge of writing the literary work, develop imagination, and see the world from the other perspective.
From this point, the wide areas of knowledge become available for a person who focuses on studying English Language, Literature and Creative Writing. The profound knowledge of the language seems to be composed of such elements as the knowledge of the spoken word, written word, and forms to express the personal vision of the world. In this context, the study of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing is an important step to gain the knowledge of how to use the English language effectively in order to understand the cultural and historical literary heritage and convey ideas and share opinions in everyday life, in the professional life, and as an aspect of the creative writing process (Brill 2004, p. 83; Woolf 2005, p. 87). However, in order to succeed in the study of the A Level subject, it is important to gain some knowledge in such areas as written communication; composition of an argument; and understanding of literary and cultural contexts.
Furthermore, the subject of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing also develop a range of skills necessary for a person who plans to utilise the profound knowledge of the English language and literature in the everyday and professional life. While focusing on the aspect of the English language, it is possible to state that the subject develops skills in understanding and using English grammar, style, and vocabulary. Language is a complex system, and a person should have developed skills in using this system in order to participate in the academic discourse, convey ideas, and communicate effectively (Kaufman & Kaufman 2009, p. 34; Woolf 2005, p. 89). The next group of skills developed during the study of the subject skills in analytical thinking and critical writing. While reading literature, a person develops the emotional self, and while studying literature, a person develops intellectual potential. This subject helps a person to critically examine the literary works, to focus on different forms of literature, to develop the independent judgement, to analyse the theoretical aspects of the literature, and to focus on different perspectives in the analysis of the literary work (Garrett-Petts 2013, p. 101). In addition, the subject is also important to develop a person’s skills in creative writing as the practical use of principles studied with the focus on the English language and literature. Skills in experimentation with the style, form, and tone are important not only for the persons who plan to become professional writers but also for those people who understand the importance of developing skills in creative thinking.
Nevertheless, the success in studying English Language, Literature and Creative Writing also depend on the level of the basic skills’ development. These skills are associated with proficiency in reading, writing, and analysing texts. Thus, it is important for a learner to be able to work with different types of texts, organise ideas in texts, and understand the role of the language in communication. The challenging aspect of the subject is the focus on creative writing, and a learner should have the developed basic language skills in order to broaden the knowledge and proficiency regarding composing and writing (Cao 2014, p. 67). In spite of the fact that certain skills are required in order to succeed in English Language, Literature and Creative Writing, the obtained skills are extremely important for developing the person’s potential in viewing the language as the means to reflect the world phenomenon, use the generations’ experience, and present the personal visions in the form of poems, short stories, or novels.
When all the important skills in understanding literature and creative writing are developed, it is time to think about the career. The future career is one of the most controversial questions associated with the discussing the profits of studying such a subject as English Language, Literature and Creative Writing. On the one hand, those persons who choose to study the English language and literature along with creative writing are discussed as preparing themselves for the career of the professional writer, linguist, or philologist (Donnelly & Harper, 2012, p. 57). On the other hand, such a view is rather limited, and there are many areas where learners of the discussed subject can demonstrate their proficiency and receive the important experience. The knowledge received as a result of studying English Language, Literature and Creative Writing is important in such spheres as journalism, publishing, public relations, and marketing. Thus, having succeeded in English Language, Literature and Creative Writing, a person is able to write different types of texts and articles, to analyse and evaluate the texts written by different authors, to create attractive and effective messages and to communicate in a written form. The advantages of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing are in the fact that a leaner improves not only the theoretical knowledge in the field, but he also develops practical skills and abilities.
It is almost impossible to state that the career opportunities for the person interested in languages, literature, and writing are limited by the composition of the literary texts that later should be found on the bookshelves. The opportunities to use the profound knowledge of the English language and literature are numerous because language and literature are the fundaments of the social and cultural communication and interactions. From this point, a person can go far beyond using his or her knowledge only in the sphere of journalism, public relations, and marketing. The chosen subject helps the learner to understand the idea that it is possible to demonstrate creativity not only while writing large literary texts but also while writing different advertisements, analysing literary works, editing, and copywriting. Specialists in writing effective texts in different contexts and from various perspectives are required in different areas of the modern developed business world. According to Magnifico, “writing skills are becoming more vital than ever in the technology-rich environments that have begun to infuse all spheres of our lives” (Magnifico 2010, p. 167). As a result, the person’s ability to write creatively, interestingly, and attractively is important in the modern social world, and developed skills in these sphere can become essential for building an impressing career.
The study of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing can become a real challenge for a learner because of the variety of linguistic, literary, and cultural concepts that need to be understood and applied to practice. Therefore, this subject can be chosen by the A-Level learners who are ready not only to open the rich world of literature but also become the part of this world while writing the first short stories, poems, or short plays. The acquired knowledge is important to improve communication, enhance the personal vision and appreciation of literary works, and to practice in writing following the patterns in many literary genres. From this point, the study of English Language, Literature and Creative Writing is a significant step on the path to understanding the literature referring to many thematic perspectives and to creating the individual literary work. When the development of skills in writing is emphasised in the course, a learner becomes encouraged to create something new and unique. These skills are important for a person to develop the individual voice and tone of the creative and academic writer. The next stage is the progress in the career of an editor, marketer, or a specialist in public relations. The learners also become equipped to start as researchers, critics, or writers who have a profound knowledge of language structure, text planning and organisation, literary analysis, and creative writing. English Language, Literature and Creative Writing are chosen by persons who focus on the analytic vision of literature and on the creative approach to writing.
Reference List
Brill, F 2004, ‘Thinking outside the box: imagination and empathy beyond story writing’, Literacy, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 83–89.
Cao, S 2014, The variation theory of comparative literature, Springer Science & Business Media, Boston.
Donnelly, D & Harper, G 2012, Key issues in creative writing, Multilingual Matters, London.
Garrett-Petts, W 2013, Writing about literature: a guide for the student critic, Broadview Press, New York.
Harris, K, Graham, S & Mason, L 2006, ‘Improving the writing, knowledge, and motivation of struggling young writers: effects of self-regulated strategy development with and without peer support’, American Educational Research Journal, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 295–340.
Kaufman, S & Kaufman, J 2009, The psychology of creative writing, Cambridge University Press, New York.
Magnifico, A 2010, ‘Writing for whom? Cognition, motivation, and a writer’s audience’, Educational Psychologist, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 167–184.
Willett, R, Robinson, M & Marsh, J 2008, Play, creativity and digital cultures, Routledge, London.
Woolf, J 2005, Writing about literature: essay and translation skills for university students of English and foreign literature, Psychology Press, London.