English Language

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SECTION A

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Audience
Key aspects that would have been chosen to appeal to the target market:

Presentation: colour, pictures, diagrams, front style and size Language: level of difficulty, variety of vocabulary, sentence structure Content and style Target audiences can be characterized by: 5/22/12

Purposes
By identifying the purpose and audience, it will be easier to understand why certain language or presentational features have been used.

Purposes of texts include: Inform Explain Describe Argue

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Reading between the lines

You need to not only analyse the words on the page but the: Use of colour, fonts and images Position or layout of particular features or information Headlines, sub-headings, pull quotes

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Selecting and using information

To support points made in your answers, you need to refer directly to the text Any ideas you put forward must come from the text itself (interpret the meaning of the text) Avoid long quotes. Use short, snappy and purposeful evidence.
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How to quote

Quotations that are fluently embedded into sentences are more stylish and sophisticated. For longer quotes, place a colon at the end of your comment. Then start a new line and indent the quotation.

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Perspective

Perspective means attitude or standpoint. You can establish the view point of a well-written text by reading the first and last paragraphs and the topic sentence of each paragraph. They should guide the reader through their argument through the careful structure of their writing.

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Reports

A report is usually written for a specific audience The purpose of a report is to pass on specific information about a particular issue or investigation, so that others may take action using the findings of the report. A newspaper report gives information
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Formal reports

Formal reports follow a clear structure:

Introduction -> explanation of the research undertaken-> summary of findings-> conclusions or points for action What to look for:
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Percentages used to emphasize strength of feelings

Newspaper reports

Newspaper reports are normally written in an impersonal style The writer will provide facts- opinions will often come from sources or people whose words are being reported through direct quotation Emotive language which engages the reader

What to look for:

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Feature articles

Feature articles provide more of a considered view or interpretation of an event or issue Pronouns we, our Strong opening sentence- shows view Emotive language Concluding sentence

What to look for:

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Advertisementspresentation

If the form of the advert is an advert, the purpose will be clearly to persuade, however the target audience will need to be considered Use of images Use of colour Font style, size and colour Use of text- layout, organisation and

Presentational features to look for:

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Advertisements
Structuring your answer
1. 2. 3. 4.

Links purpose to presentation Analyse features and their effects Explain effect of reader Show connection between presentational features and written text/ purpose

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Leaflets

Presentational features such as subheadings and bullet point lists are often used to break the information down into short pieces of text. The use of images and colour also helps to convey the message Leaflets use presentational features in order to allow the information to be read very quickly Commenting on the effect of

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Leaflets

Start by analysing the leaflets purpose and audience. Images- What do they show, how does it connect to the subject of the leaflet, does the size of the image have any significance? Information- What information is given, where is it displayed, how is it 5/22/12 displayed, does the font have an

What to look for:

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Diaries

Personal diaries are written in the first person and are informal in style. They include personal recollections. Diaries written for publication, record events of public interest and can be more formal in style but are usually in the first person. Purpose to the diary entry

What to look for:

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Blogs

Unlike diaries, blogs can have more colloquial language and the writer has a sense of the wider audience and the content and tone of the blog matches this, rather than being more personal and private

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Biographies and autobiographies

A biography will be written in third person and an autobiography will be written in first person and organisation is normally chronological. Biographies contain events from the persons past The purpose of biographical writing is usually a mixture of entertaining and 5/22/12 informing the reader.

Travel writing

Travel writing can be factual but can also give individual interpretations of the experience Travel writing entertains and informs the reader Although factual in content, there will be an element of bias in travel writing
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What to look for:

Reading reviews

The first thing to look for in a reviews is at whether it is biased or unbiased A review provides a description and an evaluation of an event, an object or publication. The purpose of a review is to provide a clear overview and an evaluative judgement or recommendation.
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They are written for a clear audience.

Web Page

A web page uses particular layout conventions and presentational features to help you skim and scan the page for specific information A webpage has to be immediately appealing and accessible otherwise the reader will just skip to another site
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What to look for:

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Images

Information texts

Often use sub-headings or other organisational features to guide the reader easily through the material Its main purpose is to provide information. The language is usually impersonal, quite direct and clearly organised. They will have a target audience
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When commenting on presentational features, heading in need to explain how Headline The main you a newspaper story, designed to draw the readers attention they Awork with headline, below the main one, adds more information each other to create Strapline second, introductory to the headline an overall effect, not just what effect Subheading Often used to summarise sections of the text or break it up into smaller they sections, allowing the reader to skim over the text and see the overall point have individually.

Font Capitals Caption Standfirst Pull-quote Bold, italics, underline Slogan Style and colour can vary throughout a text. Often it us possible to draw conclusions from the choice of colour-scheme or font style Capitals are often used to stress and reinforce particular words or phrases The text under a photograph or diagram which explains it The introductory in an article or report, which could be in bold print or with the first word capitalised A quotation which is lifted from the article and set apart, in larger or bold type Different ways of making certain words stand out A memorable word or phrase, designed to create interest

Analysing presentational features

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Inference

There are a variety of ways in which language can be used to infer meaning other than the surface meaning. One technique to look for is IRONY. Irony can be created through: Rhetorical techniques Exaggeration and understatement
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Quotations

Inference

Another technique to look for is HUMOUR. Language Structure and organisation of text Pictures and other presentational features. Pictures and the layout of text can 5/22/12 imply meaning the same way that

Ways to infer meaning:

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Analysing language- Key features

Language features to analyse
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Sentence and paragraph types Significant vocabulary Punctuation Imagery Imagery and other linguistic devices Style of language
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Analysing languageSentences

Short sentences can suggest speed or excitement e.g. He ran forward. The ball fell at his feet. He shot. They can also indicate surprise or despair e.g. Her inspiration stopped. Her career ended. Long sentences can indicate calm e.g. The sergeant reported that right along the river, teams of men and 5/22/12 women were at last preparing to

Analysing languageParagraphs

Very short paragraphs can be used to attract the readers attention, to attract the readers attention, to pick out the main details in an article or to offer a punchy idea. Popular newspaper articles often have short paragraphs so that they can be read more easily. Longer paragraphs provide more detail and analysis. Articles in more 5/22/12

Analysing languageSignificant vocabulary

The kind of vocabulary can tell you about the purpose of the text Imperative verbs such as follow and begin suggest instructional or advisory writing Connectives like since and because are typical of explanatory writing because these connectives link ideas together
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Connectives such as however,

Punctuation TEENAGER TORTURED TO The inverted commas indicate it may not DEATH have happened, but show that someone has
offered that opinion

Lets focus on improving Ellipsis indicates that there are many things your home we could do. An ellipsis can also end a
sentence leaving the conclusion to our imagination.

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HOLLY HITS OUT!!

The double exclamation mark is to attract attention and suggest excitement, humour or even surprise.

Look for similes, metaphors, alliteration and onomatopoeia.

Similes, metaphors, linguistic techniques and style

Text can have a formal or informal style Rhetoric Emotive language Irony (subtle mockery)
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Stylistic techniques
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Comparing language
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When comparing language, consider: Levels of difficulty The different tones The different kinds of language features required for different purposes Decide how the writer has used language to meet the needs of the form, purpose and audience. Look at: 5/22/12

Comparative responseparagraph structure

- The conclusion should NOT be long and should sum up your ideas whilst still focusing on the question

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Connectives
Comparative connectives
Similarly Whereas In contrast The second text While the first text Just as Likewise But On the other hand In comparison

When we turn Also to

So However The second text, Because So Therefor Thus Cause, effect, emphasising and Alternatively illustrating though e Consequentl For y example

connectives

Such as For instance

As revealed In the case Above all In by of particular Especially Significantl Indeed y Notably

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What to expect

The whole paper is 2 hours 15 minutes long. It is divided into 2 sections Section A is the reading section You will be given 3 sources in an extract book and asked to answer 4 questions using the source material Questions 1-3 are worth 8 marks and focus on 1 f the source texts. You 5/22/12 should spend 12 minutes answering

Types of questions

The questions will usually test your ability to: Find information (Information retrieval) 8 marks Write about presentational features 8 marks Analyse what is being suggested or inferred 8 marks Compare how language is used in two texts 16 marks

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APPLE- General analysis of non-fiction texts

A audience- who is it for? How do you know P purpose- Why has is been created? What message(s) is given? P presentation- Features, images, layout. How do they relate/ support the text? L language- Consider vocabulary, tone, stylistic devices, phrasing used and structure audienceE effect onof sentences.Has the writing
achieved its purpose for the audience?
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A alliterat ion F ac ts O pinio ns R repetit ion E exaggeration and S

A FOREST- Language Devices to look for:

Emotive language statis tics tripl 5/22/12

C colou rs Oorganisa tion D data/ diagrams F font/ Italics/ Bold I images/ Pictures S slogans/ catchphrases H headings/sub5/22/12

CODFISH- Presentational features to look at:

headings

FIFAT- How reliable and authoritative is the text

Very 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Very Opinionated Personal (Biased) Informal Unreliable Untrustwort hy

F I F A T

Factual Impersonal (Unbiased) Formal Authoritativ e Trustworthy

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Find nonfiction texts such as articles, adverts, flyers, leaflets etc. and practice using this grid to find how reliable and

SECTION B

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What to expect

You will be asked to complete 2 nonfiction writing tasks; the first worth 16 marks and the second 24 marks Aim to spend 25 minutes on the shorter writing task and 35 minutes on the longer task. A clear purpose, form and audience will be given in each task, however if no audience is mentioned, then use 5/22/12 examiner as your audience the

Structure and paragraphs

Start each new paragraph with a topic sentence. The remaining sentences in the paragraph should develop the idea in more detail Link your paragraphs using connectives to make the shift from one idea to the next smoother Start by introducing what you intend 5/22/12 to discuss in tour writing in a way

Sentences

Use a mixture of sentence structures; simple, compound, complex, questions and exclamations Can be used one after another to add excitement Can be used to build tension Can also relieve tension A simple sentence after a series of

Simple sentences
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Compound sentences
Compound sentences
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A compound sentence is 2 simple sentences joined together with either a semi-colon or a conjunction. Each part of the sentence could stand on its own. The second part of a compound sentence is linked to the first part by the subject matter as well. It is used 5/22/12 to add extra information about the

Complex Sentences
Complex sentences
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A complex sentence has one main clause, which contains the main point of the sentence, and at least one subordinate clause. A subordinate clause links to the main clause but cannot stand on its own as a sentence. It often starts with who or which

5/22/12 e.g. The boy, who was alone at last,

Questions, commands and exclamations

Questions, commands and exclamations should be used sparingly, so that they have an impact. They can be used very effectively in writing to argue, persuade or advice. In a piece of writing to argue, persuade or advice, you should try to 5/22/12 open or end the piece with a

Punctuation
Commas
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Used to separate a list To add clauses or phrases To separate a phrase that adds extra information or detail. Punctuation at the end of speech is placed before the final speech mark
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Speech marks
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Punctuation
Apostrophes
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Used to show possession To show a contraction (cant) Used to introduce a list Introduce an explanation e.g. Im sorry I didnt show up: I had a heavy cold and my head hurt.
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Colons
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Punctuation
Ellipses
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Used to create an idea that a situation will continue forever.

e.g. It seems that tis cycle of bullying will continue forever - To allow the reader to decide what might fill the space
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Language to engage reader

Select vocabulary that is appropriate to the form, the purpose and the audience. Use a wide range of vocabulary Use a range of connectives Use adverbs to provide more information Try to avoid nouns and verbs that sound very general 5/22/12

Using language creatively

Imagery
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Similes make a comparison using like or as Metaphors state things that are not literally true, but the comparison has a strong effect Personification is a particular type of metaphor, giving inanimate objects life, often human characteristics

5/22/12 Clichs

Using material which seems factual and the result of research really makes your writing sound powerful

Evidence, statistics and quotations, Rhetoric and humour

Rhetoric and humour - Using humour engages your reader and is very effective in writing to argue and persuade as it helps to break down any barriers between you and the reader Rhetoric is used to engage and
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Rhetorical devices

Rhetorical questions Lists of 3(sometimes adjectives for powerful effect) Direct address with use of the inclusive pronoun we and us Assuming your audiences agreement Appearing to agree with, or flatter, your opposition to help win them the 5/22/12

The opening and ending

Try to open your writing with: A short piece of conversation An anecdote A description A rhetorical question Your final paragraph should always leave your reader with a clear impression of your ideas and your 5/22/12 point of view. It should link back to

Writing letters

Put your address at the top right hand side Put their address on the top left hand side If you are writing to someone you dont know, you should use Dear Sir/Madam and end with yours faithfully

Signing off
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Writing reports

A report is usually a mainly factual account of a recent event or set of circumstances It should be a mixture of facts and opinions

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Writing articles

An article has a clear purpose: to discuss or express ideas, usually from a particular point of view You should also consider layout and presentational features such as a headline, strapline and subheading

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Writing to argue

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Writing to persuade
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Use techniques such as: Effective structuring of ideas Emotive language Examples and anecdotes Rhetoric devices

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Writing to persuade

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Writing to persuade

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Writing to inform
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You should concentrate on: Choosing information to suit your purpose Organising your ideas into clear Writing an effective opening and ending Including facts and opinions Creating the right tone for your audience and purpose 5/22/12

Writing to inform
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CREATE A STRONG OPENING Begin with humour to engage your audience Or an account from personal experience which gives a context for your writing

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Writing to explain

Give reasons for what happened, or how you feel, or why something is important.

As a result of this

It might be

This meant that The reason could have been You need to use casual connectives This is because It may be that such as: As a consequence Perhaps

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Therefore

Possibly

Writing to review

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Writing to review
Positive Irresistible Hilarious Classic Hype Imitation Captivating Impressive General Plot Type Form Unbelievable Suspense Typical Scenes Negative Bewildering Disappointing Superb Effects Mood Clichd Excessive

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Writing to advise

Your tone needs to fit your purpose and audience. YOU ARE ADDRESSING YOUR READER DIRECTLY Language Features you can use Commands e.g. Make sure you add Dont forget to visit Verbs like must and should which encourage the reader to act Softer verbs like can and may or could and might which give suggestions If. (then) sentences shows what would happen if you follow the advice.

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RHETORIC- Used to engage and persuade

RRhetorical questions HHyperbole E Emotive Language T Triples OOpinion as fact RRepetition I Involve the audience C Comments from 5/22/12

A Alliteration C Colours O Onomatopoeia A Assonance S Similes T Triples

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A COAST MAP- Used for writing and analysing a piece to describe

M A Adjectives P Personification
Metaphors