English

A brief history of words

Marilyn Rankin

Did you know that ‘knife and fork’ haven’t always been a pair? ‘Knife’ comes from the Old Norse ‘knifr’, whereas ‘fork’ comes from the Latin ‘furca’. Both words have grown from separate histories to meet in the English language.

Here, Marilyn Rankin, co-author of our Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language series, provides four classroom activities for your A Level English Language students.

There are lots of opportunities to spark learners’ imaginations in your Cambridge International AS & A Level English language lessons. From the curious etymology of words – to the changing meaning and popularity of words over time. Experienced teacher and author, Marilyn Rankin has created these activities to stimulate interesting discussion and thinking in your English language lessons.

Each activity helps develop teamwork and vocabulary learning through classroom discussion. Students are able to build key life skills, such as investigation and independent learning, through researching language.

Download your A Level English Language activities here 

If you like these activities, you might enjoy our Cambridge International A Level English Language series.


About the author:

Marilyn Rankin is an experienced teacher who is the co-author of our Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language. She has also co-authored the teacher’s resource guide and has written training material for the board. She has taught extensively in the UK and in New Zealand.