Written by the authors of the current syllabus, this book will help address all the requirements of the new course at both standard and higher level. It will actively engage students in language and literature, allowing them to become informed and critical learners through understanding and producing language of a wide range of works, from poetry to political speeches to simple advertisements or graffiti. The range of exciting literature offers a fresh look at unfamiliar texts so that students are able to confidently encounter works and topics and develop and communicate understanding. Through interesting activities and model works, students will learn about the most current approaches to critical language in areas such as mass communications, language in cultural contexts and literature - in line with the new syllabus. Support is given for the assessment, including the oral commentary.