a-levels
a-levels — noun
1. a set of exams that older secondary students across England and Wales sit, usual
a set of exams that older secondary students across England and Wales sit, usually around age 17 or 18, after two years of subject-specific study; universities use the results to decide admission
Naoko spent two years preparing for her A-levels in biology and chemistry.
collocation: prepare for + A-levels
Students in England usually take A-levels at the end of their final school year.
collocation: take + A-levels
Rafael studied every weekend to do well in his A-levels.
The A-levels are marked by external examiners, not by the student's own teachers.
Ari felt nervous before the A-levels but managed to stay calm during the exams.
- Advanced Level qualification
the formal name for the certificate
- GCE A-level
the official examination board name
- A2 exam
sometimes used for the second-year exam only, not the full A-level
文法句型
take + A-levels (study for them)
do well in + A-levels
pass + A-levels
用法筆記
This is the most common meaning. A-level exams are split into two parts: AS-level (first year) and A2-level (second year). The full qualification requires passing both parts.
常見錯誤
2. the certificate or grade that a student receives after passing A-level exams, us
the certificate or grade that a student receives after passing A-level exams, used by universities in the UK as a requirement for admission to degree programmes
Owen needed three A-levels to apply for his chosen university course.
collocation: need + A-levels + to apply
Sade achieved top grades in her A-levels and got into medical school.
collocation: achieve top grades in + A-levels
Harper's A-levels in maths and physics earned her a place on an engineering programme.
Many universities ask for at least three good A-levels from applicants.
Without passing A-levels, students cannot enter most UK universities.
- Advanced Level
the formal name
- GCE Advanced Level
the full official title
- university entrance qualification
describes its function rather than naming it
文法句型
have + A-levels
need + A-levels + for + noun phrase
A-level + in + subject
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (the exam itself): this sense focuses on the qualification as a credential rather than the process of taking the test. Universities will say they 'require three A-levels' — meaning the qualifications, not the exam papers.
常見錯誤
3. the academic standard or stage of education that corresponds to having passed, o
the academic standard or stage of education that corresponds to having passed, or studying for, A-level exams; considered the highest level of secondary schooling in the UK
Gabriel found the jump from GCSE to A-level work quite challenging.
collocation: jump from GCSE to A-level work
Teaching at A-level requires a deep understanding of the subject.
prepositional phrase: at + A-level
The school offers extra support for students struggling with A-level study.
Stefan thought the reading material was at the right level for A-level study.
- Advanced level study
emphasises the learning stage
- sixth-form level
the school year group associated with A-levels in England
- Level 3 qualification
the official government classification in England
- GCSE level
the preceding, lower level of secondary education, typically taken at age 16
文法句型
at + A-level
study at + A-level
A-level + noun (e.g. A-level standard)
用法筆記
Unlike senses 1 and 2, this sense is uncountable and refers to the level of difficulty or stage of education, not the exam or qualification itself. You can say 'study at A-level' but not 'take an A-level' when using this sense.
4. a structured programme of study in a particular subject, typically lasting two y
a structured programme of study in a particular subject, typically lasting two years in a secondary school or college, that prepares students to take the A-level examination in that subject
Arjun decided to take an A-level course in art and design at his local college.
collocation: take an A-level course in + [subject]
Beatriz found the A-level course in economics very demanding.
Students choose their A-level courses based on the subjects they enjoy most.
The college offers A-level courses in twenty different subjects.
Erik completed his A-level course in mathematics a year early.
- Advanced Level course
the formal name
- sixth-form course
named after the school years in which A-levels are studied in England
- A-level programme
alternative phrasing
文法句型
an A-level course + in + subject
take an A-level course
do an A-level course
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: 'take an A-level course' means you enrol in the programme of study, whereas 'take A-levels' means you sit the exams. A student can be on an A-level course for two years before actually taking the exams.