Skills revision

Question 1

How long should you spend preparing texts?

Answer 1

30 minutes

Question 2

Give the five steps to planning a question 1/2 response.

Answer 2

1. Consider the topic shared by the texts. Then look at what is being said and how the different views are presented.
2. Identify the MAFF of each texts. Consider generic convention here. This should form the basis for the main paragraphs.
3. Find 5-6 hotspots in each text. These hotspots should convey the clearest, most useful ideas. They should represent the topic in a way that can be analysed.
4. Explore meaning and analyse language choices (Language levels and AO1 terminology)
5. Cover a range of different language points with particular focus on those best suited to the topic.

Question 3

Which language features are best when considering the topic of a person or celebrity?

Answer 3

Adjectives and how they modify nouns, use of metaphor.

Question 4

Which language features are best when considering the topic of an event?

Answer 4

Verb choices, use of tense/ aspect.

Question 5

Which language features are best when considering the topic of an issue?

Answer 5

Abstract noun patterns, overall discourse structure.

Question 6

What key issues of context should be considered in a question 1/2 answer?

Answer 6

Consider genre and its conventions.
Engage with the text.
Consider the bigger picture/ wider discourse.
Think about the way writers represent themselves, and their relationship with both the audience and the topic.

Question 7

Give level five performance characteristics of a question 1/2 answer.

Answer 7

AO1 (10)
Patterns (e.g. repetition, semantic fields).
The way language levels work together (two or more to succeed level three).
Follow a convincing line of argument.

AO3 (15)
Response is focused on context and representations first.
Consider how language is adapted for a specific audience.
Connect language with context and meanings in a detailed and thoughtful manner.

Question 8

How long should be spent writing a question 1/2 response?

Answer 8

30 minutes

Question 9

How long should be spent writing a question 3 response?

Answer 9

20 minutes

Question 10

Give the three steps to structuring a question 3 response.

Answer 10

1. Consider how and why the two texts handle the same theme in different way?
2. How does use of language convey this?
3. What role does MAFF and context play in the handling of these topics?

Question 11

Give the key intentions of a question 3 response.

Answer 11

Maintain focus on language levels to facilitate comparison.
Always consider audience.
How are features illuminated by language and how can we draw comparison from them?
How does language facilitate context and vice versa?
Must use linguistic focus to access level three.

Question 12

Give top tips for a question 3 response.

Answer 12

Link linguistic devices to comparison. Analyse the effects of the same language level used differently.
Analyse how language reflects context. Evaluate connection to wider historical context.
Consider why writers handle the same topic in different ways and how intention is indicated through language.