Sri Lanka G.C.E. Ordinary Level English Language
This course invites you to develop a competent command of the English language for both effective communication and academic success. You will refine your reading skills by engaging with a variety of texts ranging from poems and notices to descriptive articles while learning to extract specific information and understand implied meanings. The curriculum focuses heavily on writing proficiency where you will learn to construct clear and grammatically correct sentences for different purposes including personal and official letters, essays, and dialogues. You will also develop the ability to interpret visual data such as graphs and charts and translate them into written descriptions. Crucially, you will strengthen your grasp of essential grammar and vocabulary to ensure technical accuracy. By mastering these language skills, you will be equipped to express your ideas with confidence and interact effectively in a global context.
Subject Content: Four Main Competencies
The written examination tests skills relevant to reading, writing, listening, and speaking, focusing on accuracy and functional communication.
Reading and Vocabulary
Involves comprehension questions on passages/advertisements, information transfer to tables, matching exercises, finding **synonyms**, and **fill-in-the-blanks** using word lists.
Grammar and Language Functions
Focuses on correct use of **verb forms, tenses, parts of speech** (nouns, adjectives, adverbs), **prepositions, conjunctions, and articles**. Includes sentence transformation (e.g., reported speech, active/passive voice).
Writing
Covers **personal and official/business writing**, including **letters, emails, notices, and posters**. Focuses on compositions in descriptive, argumentative, and expository styles, emphasizing an accurate and independent writing style.
Skill Development Focus
The course aims to develop essential language strategies for effective personal and professional communication.
Linguistic Competence
Enhancing knowledge of **grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure** for clear expression.
Critical Thinking & Written Communication
Analyzing and interpreting various texts, and using English **creatively and innovatively** in written work.
Functional Communication
Using English effectively for both **personal and official/business purposes**.
Assessment Structure
The examination consists of two compulsory written papers, totaling 3 hours and 100 marks.
- **Duration:** 1 hour
- **Weighting:** 40% of total marks.
- **Focus:** Basic grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and short, guided writing tasks (e.g., notes, notices, 50-word paragraphs).
- **Duration:** 2 hours
- **Weighting:** 60% of total marks.
- **Focus:** Advanced grammar (reported speech, passive voice), longer comprehension (poems, stories), and extended writing (formal/informal letters, essays, speeches).