AO4: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in
using language appropriately for a variety of purposes and audiences, drawing on
insights from linguistic and literary studies (15%)

A01:

Select and apply relevant concepts and
approaches from integrated linguistic and
literary study, using appropriate
terminology and accurate, coherent written
expression (10%)

A02:Demonstrate detailed critical
understanding in analysing the ways in
which structure, form and language shape
meanings in a range of spoken and written
texts (7.5%)

A03: Use integrated approaches to explore
relationships between texts, analysing and
evaluating the significance of contextual
factors in their production and reception (7.5%)

Pre-reading set texts

Introductory activity 1: students read paired extracts written one hundred years apart. In pairs students note similarities & differences in subject matter, formality, attitudes / values (of characters or of author) and differences in spelling, lexis, syntax, sentence type and length and any other features. Feedback leads to a list of features which they will revisit when studying the set texts.

Introductory activity 2:

Analysis of character of the detective in the opening of The Speckled Band, the opening of three modern detective novels and in the opening of the film Seven and a modern television detective programme.

Reading of set texts

Reading of key Poe stories in class. Discuss plot, setting, characters, themes, structure, attitudes & values. Vary whole class discussion with pair & individual work. Introduce language terminology as features are noted - see glossary for students .

Focus on close analysis of short extracts, using laptop & projector to annotate extracts.

Students complete reading of the stories for homework. Short tests / quizzes may be used to check reading and understanding.

Topics may be given to students who prepare presentations for the group. These could be on setting, characters, themes, context and author's aims.

Students should be able to read all (or most) of the second text independently.

Compare and contrast paired extracts (which contain some similarities). Continue to introduce / revise terminology where appropriate.

Ensure students are able to discuss key aspects of talk in the texts: e.g turn-taking, adjacency pairs, Grice's maxims, simultaneous talk.

Post reading

Film versions of the novels could be used to enhance their reading of the texts. Discuss interpretations and changes.

Students choose paired extracts which relate to the theme of justice and complete their first coursework essay.

Students are introduced to the second part of the coursework question - the creative task and complete short, practice tasks before deciding on their final choice.

Coursework pieces are revised and submitted.

Selected Tales, Edgar Allan Poe

The Big Sleep, Raymond Chandler

AQA Specification

Support material from AQA (see website)

Wider reading related to detective fiction: Sherlock Holmes stories, television and film portrayals (e.g. Seven)

emagazine (one copy in department & one in sixth form library)

emagazineplus (website) - password & username needed

'The English Review' (one copy in department & one in sixth form library)

Literatureonlinewebsite - password & username needed'

Film adaptation of The Big Sleep

Guide to talk terminology on www.teachit. (Test also available.)

'Teaching AS Language & Literature (revised edition)' Heinemann

Wider reading related to detective fiction: Sherlock Holmes stories, television and film portrayals (e.g. Seven)

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Students will be able to read and analyse two literary texts and to compare plot, characterisation, themes and structure.

Students will be able to comment on the ways in which different authors treat similar themes and ideas, both in class discussion and in writtten responses.

Students will be able to use a combined literary and linguistic approach to texts.

Students will be able to comment on how language choices reveal attitudes and values.

Students will be able to comment on language change over time at word, sentence and whole text level, in class discussion and in written responses.

Students will be able to write clearly and accurately, using appropriate literary and linguistic terminology (including some talk terminology).

Students will be able to contribute to pair work and class discussion, as well as making presentations to the group, if appropriate.

Students will demonstrate the assessment objectives in two coursework essays: one analysing two extracts and one creative piece relating to one (or both) of the set texts.