Recast text feedback
- It's really important to address the genre of an online article.
- Using hyperlink titles to other websites at the beginning of an article is a good start
- Leaving a bordered empty space with a label as a photograph or video embedded within the text can be effective
- Include an empty space and label it as an animated graph or animated potted history can help with context
- Links to highlighted words might also be effective
If you are going to use 2 or 3 of the above make absolutely sure you refer to them in the recast commentary.
- It is vitally important that you engage with the task as fully as you can. Try to develop an angle on which to approach the subject as a whole. One straightforward way of achieving a sense of engagement is to use what appear to be insignificant details in the extract.
- Avoid general, vague and superficial statements.
- Wherever possible write specific and detailed points.
- Using your own words will also help bring a sense of a genuine and engaged response to the task
- Try and write as clearly and accurately as you can. You will be nervous. You will be holding a pen in your hand for two and a half hours.
- Try to hold the pen lightly when you are writing
- Put the pen down and rest your writing hand - even for a few seconds will be useful - between questions.
- Practise the correct spellings of a range of language, literary and spoken language features, like 'onomatopoeia', 'frequency', 'fluency', 'metaphor', 'simile', 'repetition', 'repetitive' and 'connective'. These are just sum of the words I found spelled incorrectly in this round of marking.
- Use the breathing exercise I've shown you before the exam.
- Use headings and sub headings as you would in a hard copy article
- Don't make the recast commentary longer than the recast text itself.
- Remember that there are 25 marks for the recast text and 15 marks for the recast commentary.
- Remember the exam time table. 9.30 - 10.10: read, annotate, plan, write and edit the recast text. 10.10 - 10.30 plan, write and edit the recast commentary.
- The recast text should be 340 long maximum. The recast commentary should be longer than 250 words but probably no longer than 300 words.
- Avoid at all cost repeating a point you have already made especially if you are going to use another example to make the same point. Once you have made a point move on there are new marks available for repeating a point.
Recast commentary feedback
- Timings are absolutely essential in this task. You must write a complete recast text and recast commentary.
- I think writing an introduction to your recast commentary is mandatory. However I strongly recommend that you do not write a recast commentary conclusion.
- However if you feel you must then write just one summary sentence to round off your work. If you write a long conclusion the examiner will assume you have nothing more to add and you are just wasting time.
- I recommend that you write 4 sections to your recasting commentary. They are:
- A concise summary statement that identifies your audience, purpose[s] and genre
- Do not use quotations at all but you could list a selection of the language features you used in the recast text
- The second, third and fourth paragraphs should cover audience, purpose[s] and genre. One paragraph per topic.
- Each of these paragraphs must contain references to the topic, identify about 5 different language or literary techniques, identify techniques and comment on the impact of these on an audience.
- Aim to include 15 different language / literary features in your commentary.
- Avoid at all cost repeating a point you have already made especially if you are going to use another example to make the same point. Once you have made a point move on there are new marks available for repeating a point.
Click here for a link to a guide on the recast text and recast commentary. I strongly recommend that you read this before the next piece of timed work.
