Unit 1 – Understanding Non-Fiction and Media Texts

1. Unit 1 – Understanding Non-Fiction and Media Texts AO3(i) Read and understand texts, selecting material appropriate to purpose

2. Studying written language Assessment Objectives • Read and understand texts, selecting material appropriate to purpose, collating from different sources and making comparisons and cross references as appropriate. • Develop and sustain interpretations of writers’ ideas and perspectives. • Explain and evaluate how writers use linguistic, grammatical, structural and presentational features to achieve effects and engage and influence the reader.

3. Assessment Objective AO3(i) – Read and understand texts, selecting material appropriate to purpose • Identify the writer’s overall view • Identify the different points made by the writer that support this • Explain these points and what the writer is saying

4. Example of Questions • What does Fay Weldon recommend as the best way to sell chocolate bars? • What are the main points of Tony Allan’s argument about the world’s water shortages? • Explain the key points made in this item.

5. Framework for Reading • Read the questions • Read the text • Work out the PAFT and main view • Identify the main points made by the writer – number these in order of importance • Plan your response

6. Advice • Decide what the writer is trying to say to you – their overall message • Identify the different points that are made. Look at the use of topic sentences / paragraphs • Explain what is meant by the writer and what they are trying to say

7. Model question • Explain the main points made by the writer in this article (6 marks) • 6 marks = 12 minutes • Identify the main view • Identify the points that support this • Explain these ideas in your own words

8. Age Interests Lifestyle Gender Education Class Job Hobbies Politics

9. Planning

10. Structuring your answer • The main view of the writer is… • Firstly… • Secondly… • Finally… Remember to use the PEEL Chain to structure your points!

11. Assessment criteria – AO2iii • Band 1 (F/G) • Limited evidence of understanding or engagement • Band 2 (D/E) • Some evidence of understanding and engagement • Some relevant quotations • Band 3 (B/C) • Clear evidence of understanding and engagement • Relevant and appropriate quotations • Band 4 (A/A*) • Full and detailed understanding • Sophisticated interpretation • Relevant and appropriate quotations support understanding

12. Exemplar answer – full marks! What reasons are put forward for visiting Antarctica with Trailfinders? (6 marks) Read the advert for Trailfinders. Read the following answer and work out why it was awarded full marks

14. Exemplar answer – 1 Clear focus on task and purpose of text Connectives show structure As the article aims to influence others to visit the Antarctic with Trailfinders, many reasons are put forward. Firstly the subheading ‘Over 30 years’ of experience of booking adventure travel worldwide’ suggests that this company is the most qualified for organising the trip. It suggests that from experience the company will know the best areas and most successful ways of carrying out the trip. Integrated reference Use of analytical markers Detailed analysis of the point made = full understanding / conceptualised

15. Structured answer = material is shaped Interprets message = material is absorbed Exemplar answer – 2 Secondly, the article gives the impression that Trailfinders is a versatile company. It suits ‘every budget, every timescale and every country…’ giving the impression that whatever the specification for the desired country this company can match it. Also when planning they will happily assist you in ‘deciding on the trip that suits you’, therefore implying that they will offer any advice needed in the planning of the trip. Integrated references Additional explanations = full understanding

16. Three clear points made and explored = material fully shaped and absorbed Exemplar answer – 3 Finally, Item 1 gives the impression that booking with Travelfinders will make planning the holiday relaxed and camping at the activity enjoyable. For example, the article promises the company will ‘book you on the best value flights’, ‘arrange…travel insurance’ and ‘make any additional hotel arrangements.’ In short, this company will do the majority of the planning whilst finding the best value for money. Overall, the main reason for visiting the ‘breathtakingly beautiful place’ with Travelfinders is that it will be carefree, but up to a professional and affordable standard. Summative comments round off answer and show a conceptual response

17. Key points • Full understanding of the points made • Ideas are fully absorbed and then shaped into an answer i.e. coherent analysis of selected points • References are integrated into the argument i.e. quotations are worked into sentences • Detailed and conceptualised i.e. gives the three best points, evaluating what is said, and offering your own ideas about the topic

18. Try and Apply • Use your plan to write your own explanation of the points made by the writer • Aim to meet the highest grade criteria • Assess your answer against the criteria