English Language Competency of the Post Advanced Level Students in Comparison with their Ordinary Level and Advanced Level English Examination Results

Abstract

This paper intends to discuss on the contradiction of the competency of the English knowledge of the post.Advance Level students with the results that they have obtained for the subject of English in G.C.E Advance Level (G.C.E A/L) Examination and G.C.E Ordinary Level (G.C.E O/L) examination. It is evident that more than 75% of the post A/L students have a drastic diminution in the competency of English after the O/L Examination. The problems that this paper intends to inquire are: does competency of English Language of the post A/L students contrasts with their results that they have obtained for English Language examinations: the reasons that results in the diminution of English Language competency after O/L Examination and A/L Examination, and, the impact that it has on the higher education and career life. It is the objective of this research paper to discuss on the above stated problems and find remedies that can be done in order to overcome these problems. To achieve the objectives of this research, it was adopted the quantitative research methodology and data were analysed using mathematically based methods. Data were based mostly on the statistics on the results of English Examination, and analysis of English examination results by the National Institute of Education. Questionnaires were also used to collect data. Further structured interviews were conducted amongst a selected sample of people. The result that was attained from this research was that the students pay less attention on the subject of English during the A/L examination period and pay more attention on their main subjects. Therefore their knowledge on the English Language weakens. Furthermore since the usage and the interest on English lessen, students do not pay attention on the language and thus further diminishes the fluency of English. It is proposed in relation to the results that was obtained from this research, English should be made a main subject for the Advance Level Examination. Thus the fluency of English could be elevated.