Exam Practice Paper 1 AO1: Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written expression. AO2: Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use. AO3: Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning. AO4: Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic concepts and methods. AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways.

Questions 1 and 2: Analyse how Text A uses language to create meanings and representations. Assessment objectives covered: AO1 (10 marks) AO3 (15 marks) Total marks available: 25 (each q) Question 3: Explore the similarities and differences in the ways that Text A and Text B use language. AO4 (20 marks) Total marks available: 20

Strategies for answering questions 1 and 2: Begin by considering key characateristics of text, context and purpose (SPAT/PAT) Multiple audiences/ contexts/purposes? Comment on style and tone: standard English or non standard English? Formality? Offer exemplification. Grammatical analysis: clause analysis, sentence function, modification Touch on all your language levels (lexis and semantics, grammar, discourse structure, phonology, orthography etc). Use terminology. Be accurate when identifying language features.

An Introductory Paragraph: Can we improve? Text A is an online blog aimed at a broad cross section of the population, some of whom may subscribe to the blog. Others may not subscribe but have read-only priviliges. The conversation is written, and the purpose is to narrate accounts of journeys. This makes the purpose to entertain as well as transactional as it’s about giving information. The writer uses a type of shorthand as some of the sentences are ellipted. The layout is similar to a written diary or journal which adds a relaxed, casual feel to the post; the writing is informal and uses non- standard English to tell their stories. The lexical choices are simple and the language used is suitable for all participants – there is no lexical field of sophisticated travel writing language.