AQA English Language and Literature Specification:
AS Module 3 Production of Texts

12.1 Introduction

The aim of this coursework module is to develop students’ own expertise as writers, from the level achieved at the GCSE, by requiring them to write for different audiences and purposes. Although the specification avoids prescribing any single model or definition, the following are examples of the types of original writing which candidates might choose to submit.

Writing to entertain - a short story - a stand-up comedy routine - a radio script

Writing to persuade - a piece of journalism - a moral fable - texts for an advertising campaign

Writing to inform - an account of an event - an explanation of a process - an article about an area of special interest

Writing to advise/instruct - - planning for an event or occasion making better use of computer software - advice on managing money

Candidates are advised to choose tasks that reflect their own interests and for which they perceive a realistic audience.

The tasks chosen should allow candidates to demonstrate achievement in AO4 and AO6. The accompanying commentaries should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate conceptual understanding of the methods used to create and convey specific attitudes and values.

12.2 Assessment Objectives

This module requires candidates to:

AO4 show understanding of the ways contextual variation and choices of form, style and vocabulary shape the meanings of texts (10% AS, 5% AL);

AO5 identify and consider the ways attitudes and values are created and conveyed in speech and writing (5% AS, 21⁄2% AL);

AO6 demonstrate expertise and accuracy in writing for a variety of specific purposes and audiences, drawing on knowledge of literary texts and features of language to explain and comment on the choices made (15% AS, 71⁄2% AL).

12.3 Content

Candidates will choose their own programme of coursework in consultation with their teachers.

In support of that programme and in order to develop their own styles of writing both for readers and listeners they will study:

• the use of appropriate registers and styles;
• characteristics of genres and sub-genres;
• the purposes and skills of drafting and re-drafting;
• appropriate choices of lexis, syntax and discourse strategies;
• the skills involved in analysing and reviewing the production of their own texts in the form of a commentary;
• some of the differences and interconnections between speech and writing.

Candidates will be required to submit a commentary with their writing for which they should adopt a form which will permit them to analyse and review:

• their choices of vocabulary and syntactic structures;
• their styles of writing;
• the overall structure and organisation of their texts;
• any changes made during drafting and re-drafting.

12.4 Mode of Assessment

Assessment will be by the production of a coursework folder, and an associated commentary (or commentaries if a candidate chooses to submit two shorter individual commentaries). The work will be assessed by the candidate’s teacher and these assessments will be moderated by the AQA.

The coursework folder will contain two pieces of work.

• one piece must be written primarily for a reading audience and one piece must be written primarily for a listening audience;
• the total length of the two pieces should be between 1500 and 3000 words in total;
• the total length of the commentary (or commentaries) should be between 1000-1500 words in total;
• each piece of work should be differentiated in terms of primary purpose, audience and form;
• the adoption of any form or genre.