What is Junior Secondary English Language & Literature ?

1. Curriculum Focus and Key Features

The Junior Secondary English Language and Literature curriculum in Hong Kong’s international schools combines language proficiency with literary appreciation. It prepares students for advanced programmes such as IGCSE English and the IB English A or B courses, emphasizing critical reading, effective writing, and independent thinking.

Key Curriculum Features:

• 📖 Dual Focus on Language and Literature
  Covers grammar, writing, and the study of both classic and contemporary literary texts.
• 🌏 Cross-Cultural Literary Exposure
  Texts selected from English-speaking cultures across the UK, the US, Asia, and Africa.
• 💭 Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Creativity
  Develops students’ ability to form independent perspectives and express themselves through language.
• 🔎 Inquiry-Based and Thematic Learning
  Units are structured around central themes, combining reading, writing, and speaking activities.

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2. Curriculum Structure (Years 7–9)

Year	Unit Focus	Learning Highlights
Y7	Narrative and Descriptive Texts	Novel reading, character analysis, descriptive settings, creative story writing
Y8	Poetry and Drama	Language rhythm in poetry, figurative language, intro to Shakespeare (e.g., A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Y9	Argumentative & Non-fiction Texts	Editorial analysis, persuasive writing, speech techniques, tone and viewpoint comparison

📚 Sample Core Texts:

• Classic Novels: Of Mice and Men, Animal Farm, The Giver
• Modern Poetry: Maya Angelou, Carol Ann Duffy
• Drama: William Shakespeare, Susan Hill
• Non-fiction: Speeches (e.g., Malala Yousafzai), News Articles, TED Talk excerpts

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3. Assessment Components

Assessment Type	Weight	Description
Reading Comprehension & Literary Analysis	30%	Analysis of character, theme, tone, and literary techniques (e.g., metaphor, symbolism)
Writing Tasks (Narrative & Argumentative)	30%	Includes personal narratives, commentaries, persuasive articles, or creative responses
Speaking & Listening Assessments	20%	Presentations, role play, group discussions, and spontaneous response practice
Inquiry Projects & Participation	20%	Group research reports, debates, literature magazines, character interviews

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4. Effective Learning Strategies

4.1 Reading Analysis Techniques

📌 PEEL Paragraph Strategy:

• Point: State a clear idea or interpretation
• Evidence: Provide a quote or textual support
• Explain: Analyze the effect of the language or technique used
• Link: Connect back to the theme or expand the insight

4.2 Writing Skills Development

• Narrative Writing: Focus on plot tension, character motives, and vivid setting descriptions
• Argumentative Writing: Clear thesis, supported by examples, consistent tone, and handling counterarguments
• Creative Writing: Mimic authorial styles and include rhetorical devices like metaphor, irony, or foreshadowing

4.3 Speaking and Listening Enhancement

• 🎤 Three-Minute Speech Challenge: Develop concise, impactful viewpoints with rebuttals
• 🎧 Active Listening Drills: Use podcasts or TED Talks to practice listening for tone, purpose, and structure

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5. Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Suggested Strategy
Shallow Literary Analysis	Create a “Literary Techniques Notebook” to track devices and example phrases
Weak Persuasive Writing	Practice the Three-Point Persuasion Method: Claim + Evidence + Rebuttal
Repetitive or Basic Vocabulary	Expand vocabulary weekly with 5 powerful verbs/adjectives and organize by theme

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6. Academic Progression and Enrichment Opportunities

6.1 Progression Pathways:

• IGCSE First Language English or IGCSE Literature in English
• IB English A: Language & Literature (HL/SL)
• IB English B (for ESL learners)

6.2 Recommended Activities:

• 🎙️ Join the English Debate Team or participate in Model United Nations (MUN)
• ✍️ Submit work to online platforms like Write the World for peer feedback
• 🎭 Act in school English drama productions or poetry recitals

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7. Recommended Resources and Monthly Learning Goals

📆 Monthly English Learning Plan:

• 📚 Read 1 novel: Track characters, themes, and language highlights
• ✍️ Write 1 narrative + 1 argumentative text (~500 words each)
• 🎧 Listen to 1 TED Talk: Summarize key ideas and analyze the speaker’s tone

🔧 Useful Tools and Platforms:

Resource Type	Tool/Platform	Purpose
Vocabulary Building	Quizlet, Magoosh	Thematic word banks and sentence practice
Reading Extension	CommonLit, Newsela	Leveled texts with comprehension and critical thinking questions
Writing Practice	Write the World, Storybird	Creative writing community and inspiration tools
Speaking & Listening	BBC Learning English, TED	Improve pronunciation, listening comprehension, and presentation skills

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Disclaimer: The above curriculum overview is for general reference. For official guidelines, visit the IB website.
This article was initially drafted with AI assistance. Edited by Prof. Kwok-Wai Chan. Chief Editor: Yi-Leung Kong.