I've introduced this section of the exam much earlier in the year than past years. As a result I'll expect that there will be a gradual but significant improvement in your performances as the year develops. At this stage in the year don't be too concerned if your grades in this unit are low. I think the more you practise these past papers the more familiar you will become with the process and the better marks you will get. It's good to make the mistakes now. In the exam there will be no time for them. Doing the 3 way comparison homework is absolutely vital if you want a good grade in this exam.
Remember that this section of the exam is a synoptic question. This means it's a question that draws together all the different skills you have acquired throughout this A Level.
Some homework handed in was too short. I recommend that you write between 5 and 6 sides of writing.
Remember to focus all your attention on audience, purpose and genre. Also the main topics of each text, the sub topics and attitudes towards the main subject. And of course similarities and differences between the three texts. This is the absolute core of this task.
Avoid description. Instead focus on analysis. Only describe in your introduction by summarising each text in one or two sentences. As well as identifying audience, purpose and genre really concisely.
Your analysis generally is quite superficial at the moment. And it will be a juggling act getting the right balance of getting the quality of analysis and making sure you cover all three texts adequately. But try to analyse in as much depth you can. Take every opportunity to identify a rage of language and literary features and then comment on the effect of these on the audience. This is why practise is so important for this exam task. Doing the homework is essential.
An example introduction
"The three texts are linked generally by the theme of birds but specifically the three texts refer to bird characteristics - both gentle and violent, breeding patterns, the surroundings of the birds. Text A is a transcript from a popular wildlife television broadcast. In which two television personalities discuss Avocets. Its purpose is to entertain and inform. It's aimed at a family audience who are interested in the natural world. Text B is a poem by Ted Hughes. It's a free verse, dramatic monologue in which the narrative voice of the poem is that of a hawk. The hawk expresses its power and control over nature. It is presented as ruthless and single minded. The poem's purpose is to entertain and its audience is generally for people interested in wildlife and who enjoy poetry. Text C is an article from a specialist magazine for people interested in nature and bird life. The Song Thrush is the article's main subject and covers the bird's challenges to its survival and its feeding habits.
Its main purpose is to inform and raise awareness. But it might also entertain. Its audience is the general public. Especially those with a keen interest in birds and wild life. All three texts convey admiration and respect for the birds being described. The birds are described as valuable and are highly respected." The texts use low and high frequency lexis and there are formal and informal registers used throughout.
What do you consider good about this introduction?
