AQA A-Level English Language Text Analysis Notes

Assessment Objectives, Method for Analysis, Language Levels & Word Classes

AO1: Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written expression

•        Needed in both papers
•        When evaluating a text or data, I need to make sure I use terminology
•        Everything needs to be clear and make sense

AO2: Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use

•        Needed in both papers
•        Show I understand the ideas and concepts of the terminology I have used
•        Give a definition
•        Challenge this definition (strengths but mainly weaknesses of it)

AO3: Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning

•        Needed in both papers
•        Consider context in my analysis and say how it relates to these theories/ terminology
•        Acknowledge the meaning of a text or utterance depends on the context

AO4: Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic concepts and methods

•        Needed in both papers
•        Compare how texts use language
•        Show similarities and differences and give reasons for this

AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways

•        Needed only in paper 2 (language diversity and change)
•        Devise solutions to problems

Things to consider in an essay

Genre:

•       Type of text: Letter, novel, transcript, newspaper, website, leaflet
•       There can be intertextuality (a process where texts borrow from or refer to conventions of other texts for a specific purpose and effect

Register:

•       How formal?
•       Register is assessed using situational characteristics (a key characteristic of the time, place and contexts in which communication takes place)

Audience:

•       Women, adults, children, religion, occupation
•       Who is the text producer?
•       Who is the text receiver?
•       Often text producers have an implied reader (constructed…