We came up with and debated the merits of a number of definitions of English and why we study it. For first lesson on a Tuesday morning, I think we managed to come up with some impressive ideas and began to use the skills of questioning, critiquing and evaluating opinions. All of this will stand us in good stead for our studies this year.

I have included here the varied definitions of English and the reasons for studying English, for you to think about in your spare time. It is worth considering how the definition of what English is often has an implied sense of why we study it. Also the differing definitions ranged through from the practical to the more theoretical, which demonstrates the depth of the subject and its application. Fascinating stuff!

  • English is great books of all genres
  • English is the study of literature and shows us how different people use different techniques when giving their views across
  • English is understanding what the author/writer means
  • English is a way to share information with people. Poetry, books or even an article written in a newspaper require the skills of English to be written well
  • English is going into depth and exploring the words
  • English is the study of all types of written pieces
  • English is the study of the English language and eventually this makes you wiser
  • English is the study of famous writers and authors
  • English is also the ability to speak to people and to share ideas
  • English is understanding contexts
  • English is the study of literature
  • English is a craft practised by most but perfected by few
  • English is the study of literature from the past and/or the present. It’s a small insight into the history of one of the world’s most spoken and important languages
  • English is philosophy, history, classics. It is logic and it is chaos, reason and madness
  • English is all about the use of writing techniques by different authors
  • English is the study of various texts
  • English is a medley of skills and talents
  • English is broadening your mind
  • English is an analysis of techniques and language used in a written piece
  • English is exploring new ideas in new ways
  • English is the study of the English language
  • English is the realisation that you can aspire to be like a major author
  • English can be seen as art
  • English is the study of different literature from around the world
  • English is the study of literature
  • English is writing and explaining your assumption/theory
  • English is enriching your mind through reading about other people’s worlds
  • English is about studying words and books
  • English is an international language
  • We study English because it effects the type of person that you are
  • We study English because language is power
  • We study English to broaden our minds
  • We study English because as British citizens we need the English language in our everyday lives
  • We study English so that our own views may be contested
  • We study English because it broadens your vocabulary and your mind
  • We study English so that we can study our language in depth