Written Assignment NOTES AND TIPS FOR STUDENTS

 MarksLevel descriptor 0The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 1–2The essay shows some knowledge but little understanding of the work used for the assignment. 3–4The essay shows knowledge and understanding of, and some insight into, the work used for the assignment. 5–6The essay shows detailed knowledge and understanding of, and perceptive insight into, the work used for the assignment. Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding How effectively has the student used the topic and the essay to show knowledge and understanding of the chosen work?

  Show thorough knowledge of the text by using original quotations, and not only the obvious ones.  Take a risk in your analysis – dare to make a statement which has the reader sit up and take notice of what you are saying.  There should be no factual mistakes in your work. ( e.g. names of characters, plot misunderstood)  Do not retell the plot, but select only the important aspects to substantiate your argument. Teachers’ Tips on Knowledge and Understanding.

  Construct an argument, and develop it logically; do not just narrate or retell the plot.  Provide evidence from the work to make your argument clear.  Constantly connect your arguments and examples (quotations from the work) to the topic of your paper, making it clear how you connect what you are saying with your understanding of the topic itself.

 MarksLevel descriptor 0The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 1–2There is some mention, but little appreciation, of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. 3–4There is adequate appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. 5–6There is excellent appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. Criterion C: Appreciation of the writer’s choices To what extent does the student appreciate how the writer’s choices of language, structure, technique and style shape meaning?

  Focus here is not solely on the content, but how the work is presented.  Know your literary techniques, but do not just identify them, rather analyse their effect on the work.  Literary techniques also include sentence structure.  Discuss and consider word connotations (the emotive implications of language used in the work).  Look at the language – is it simple, old fashioned or formal?  Think of the tools the writer has used, and the effect it has on the reading of the text.  Include at least one mention of the writer’s technique per paragraph – tone, setting etc. Teachers’ Tips on Writer’s Choices

 MarksLevel descriptor 0The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 1There is some attempt to organize ideas, but little use of examples from the works used. 2Ideas are superficially organized and developed, with some integrated examples from the works used. 3Ideas are adequately organized and developed, with appropriately integrated examples from the works used. 4Ideas are effectively organized and developed, with well-integrated examples from the works used. 5Ideas are persuasively organized and developed, with effectively integrated examples from the works used. Criterion D: Organization and development How effectively have the ideas been organized, and how well are references to the works integrated into the development of the ideas

  Stick to the word limit.  Mention the work and author in your introduction.  Include your thesis statement at the end of the introduction.  Start paragraphs with argumentative claims.  Connect paragraphs with linking words as this helps to logically build up your argument. Teachers’ Tips on Organization and Structure

  The argument should be presented logically; make sure everything you mention is clear and helps to develop your argument.  You must use quotes and integrate them seamlessly into your writing – double check that when this is done the grammar of the sentence is still correct.  Avoid large chunks of quoted text. Short integrated quotes show your skill in writing essays

  Your conclusion is not a summing up or just restating of your essay.  Your conclusion should refer to your essay question and take it to a more philosophical level without adding any new ideas. (No I, you or we!)  Try to make an impact on the reader.  You should have come “full circle”: address your initial thesis statement in an original and profound way. The Conclusion

 MarksLevel descriptor 0The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 1Language is rarely clear and appropriate; there are many errors in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction, and little sense of register and style. 2Language is sometimes clear and carefully chosen; grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction are fairly accurate, although errors and inconsistencies are apparent; the register and style are to some extent appropriate to the task. 3Language is clear and carefully chosen, with an adequate degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction despite some lapses; register and style are mostly appropriate to the task. 4Language is clear and carefully chosen, with a good degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are consistently appropriate to the task. 5Language is very clear, effective, carefully chosen and precise, with a high degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are effective and appropriate to the task. Criterion E: Language How clear, varied and accurate is the language? How appropriate is the choice of register, style and terminology? (“Register” refers, in this context, to the student’s use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and terminology appropriate to the task.)

  Write formally – the language should be precise, academic, but not full of verbosity. ( Big words used to only for the sake of being big words.)  Use the correct choice of literary language for the genre – novel or drama. (e.g. work not book, plot not story, audience not reader.)  Be careful of sweeping statements or statements that do not say anything (e.g. The writer’s word choice is effective – be specific.)  Do not praise or criticize the work without clear evidence. ( e.g. This is the most important work of Sophocles) Teacher’s Tips on Language

  Always use present tense when discussing literature.  Do not use any contractions.  The title of the work (novel or play) is in italics.  (the assault is an event; The Assault is a text)  Your language should be formal in the sense that you avoid informal expressions, clichés and coloqualisms (e.g. not kids but children.)  Spell check is there for a reason.  Do use appropriate literary language such as protagonist, audience, setting, climax and conflict, etc.

  Let your work “rest“ for a day or two and approach it again with a fresh and objective mind.  RE-READ YOUR WORK CAREFULLY !!  Clarity of argument  Grammar and sentence construction  Logical build up of your argument  Spelling Finally:

  You have to hand in two printed copies of your Written Assignment to your lovely teacher on or before the due date.  Double check the checklist to be sure all formatting and procedures are followed correctly.  You will be given a coversheet at a later stage to fill in, and to indicate that the work is all your own. Submitting