Develop an informed understanding of literature and/or language using critical texts
You need to pick a piece of literature or language topic you're curious about, find critical texts (like literary criticism, theory, or expert analysis) that discuss it, and use those texts to develop your own deep, well-reasoned interpretation or understanding. Your job is to synthesise ideas from different critics or theorists and show that you've thought critically about the topic, not just summarised what others have said.
You develop a coherent interpretation backed by details and examples from both the primary text and critical sources, showing clear engagement with multiple critics or theorists.
Your interpretation is discerning and thoughtful, showing that you've carefully weighed different critical viewpoints and made judicious choices about which ideas strengthen your argument.
Your interpretation is sophisticated and insightful, offering original connections or revealing layers of meaning that go beyond what the critics you've read have already stated.
Standards typically taken alongside or after this one. Same subject, grouped by level.