11 June 2016

Literature has been relatively unpopular as a GCE O-Level subject. Since 2006, less than 20 percent of students each year have taken the Literature O-Level examination, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

This is a cause for concern for Dr Suzanne Choo, Assistant Professor of the English Language and Literature Academic Group at the National Institute of Education (NIE), who worries that students are not being sufficiently equipped to read literature critically.

While proponents of literature teaching see clear benefits in studying the subject, students perceive reading literature as an opportunity cost. The academic focus of students and parents is on practical subjects like Math, Chemistry or Economics.

Highlighting how literature can develop skills that are usable in a range of careers could be one way to unlock its appeal for students, according to observers. Until the appeal and usefulness of the subject can be made clearer, studying literature may continue to decline.