English Language Arts 30-1
Advanced English exploring literature, writing, and critical analysis through diverse texts and expository/persuasive essays.
Exam at a Glance
📋 Exam Format
Part A: Reading & Viewing (multiple choice + written response). Part B: Writing (original composition).
Duration
Part A: 2.5 hrs · Part B: 2.5 hrs
Sessions
January & June
Calculator
Not permitted
✅ Allowed in Exam Room
- ✓ English print dictionary (no annotations)
- ✓ English print thesaurus (no annotations)
- ✓ Pencils, pens, and eraser
🚫 Not Allowed
- ✗ Electronic devices of any kind
- ✗ Highlighters
- ✗ Annotated books or notes
- ✗ Electronic dictionaries or translators
⚠️ General Exam Rules
- • Government-issued photo ID or valid school ID required at check-in
- • Students must arrive 15 minutes before exam start
- • No food or beverages unless pre-approved medical accommodation
- • Written response must be in the answer booklet provided
- • Rough work must be crossed out if not intended for marking
💡 Study Tips
Read a wide variety of texts daily. Novels, short stories, poetry, and opinion articles all sharpen analysis skills.
Practice timed essay writing (aim for 1.5-2 hrs) to simulate real exam conditions.
Build and memorize a literary devices reference sheet with definitions and example sentences.
Analyze past diploma essay prompts - understand what the question is really asking before you write.
Read Alberta Education's scoring guides and model essays to understand what "excellent" looks like.
Annotate texts while reading: circle key words, note tone shifts, mark important quotes.
⚡ Tips & Tricks
For multiple choice: eliminate obviously wrong answers first, then look for the "most correct" answer.
Spend at least 10 minutes outlining your Part B essay before writing | A strong plan equals a strong essay.
Use transitional phrases between paragraphs to show logical flow and writing sophistication.
Specific textual evidence is always better than general claims without quotes.
In Part B, aim for 600+ words with at least three well-developed body paragraphs.
Vary your sentence structure to demonstrate range: simple, compound, and complex sentences.
📊 Mark Weighting
Final mark = (school × 0.7) + (diploma × 0.3)
🗂️ Quick Access
📁 Resources Available
📌 Official Source
For official released exams and the most up to date information about diplomas, visit the Alberta Education website.
Alberta Education - Diploma Exams⌚ Last updated
This subject was last updated on June 6th, 2026.