My decision to study English Language is based on my desire to further my understanding of the language that I and the people around me use and encounter on a daily basis, and through this, understand our society a little better. The study of Linguistics

My decision to study English Language is based on my desire to further my understanding of the language that I and the people around me use and encounter on a daily basis, and through this, understand our society a little better. The study of Linguistics will complement this, giving me the chance to apply precise analysis to language data. As something I have never directly studied before, I see this area as a new way for me to look at language, with a more precise and scientific approach. Within school, I am part of the editorial team for the school magazine. I really enjoy the chance this gives me to write for an audience, and it has greatly improved the confidence I have in my own work. It has been a learning experience in other ways too, as I have gained valuable experience in working both as part of a team and as an individual in order to produce the finished piece. Due to my role in the presentation of the magazine, my ICT skills have also improved. Last year, I volunteered as a library assistant within the school library. Again, this was something I greatly enjoyed, as I was able learn more about how a small library is run, as well as working closely with students of all years. Outside of school, I have a part time job as a sales assistant for a busy branch of Claire’s Accessories. Through this, I have gained more confidence in myself and more independence. This has also given me a working knowledge of money management, albeit on a very small scale, which can be built on to help me during university and in later life. In my spare time, I listen to music to help me relax, and I attend concerts wherever possible. Reading a wide variety of newspapers helps me keep up with current affairs and politics, something important to me, as the everyday lives of all people are directly affected by this. It also gives me an insight into how different news institutions can use language to present a different viewpoint on the same event.