1. Written Tasks

2. Written Tasks
20%

3. Written tasks What’s the point?
The written tasks allow candidates to write in a range of styles and registers. In doing so candidates demonstrate their understanding of those styles and registers as well as their understanding of the appropriate features of given types of texts. Candidates are also expected to make use of course material in a manner that is appropriate to the purposes and contexts of their chosen tasks, both in terms of content and style.

4. Written Tasks Formal Requirements
Complete two externally assessed written tasks
One task = cultural option studied in the course One task = literary option
Combined length of both tasks: between words
One task can be 1000 words and the other 500 words.
Each task must be taken from a different area of communication.
Each task must be a different type of text. Only those texts listed in the syllabus details are permitted.

5. WRITTEN TASKS RATIONALES
Candidates must explain the link between their task and the option studied during the language A2 course, as well as the appropriateness of the type of text to the stated purpose.
The rationale also includes information about the implied audience and the subject of the task.
Without a clear and complete rationale the examiner may have difficulty assessing a candidate’s work.
Rationales are not included in the word count.

6. TYPES OF TEXTS Poetic Communication Mass Communication
Professional Communication

7. POETIC COMMUNICATION Autobiography Parody Biography
Cartoon Diary Drama
Essay Novel
Novella Pastiche
Poetry Short story
Song lyric Travel Writing

8. Mass Communication Advertisement Manifesto Appeal News report Brochure
Opinion column
Editorial
Speech
Interview
Journalistic review
Letter to editor
Magazine article

9. Professional Communication
Guide
Letter
Letter of application
Police statement
Report
Set of instructions or guidelines

10. Sample Option Media and culture Area of communication
Mass communication
Type of text
Brochure
Subject
Television watching
Purpose
To inform teenagers how to establish good television watching habits
Audience
Teenagers

11. Teacher Restrictions
According to the IBO: Teachers may make general comments about the first draft of each task but must neither correct nor write comments on the drafts themselves. After making general comments about the first draft, teachers should not provide any further assistance. (Language A2 Guide, exams 2004)

12. Timeline Written task proposals due on Thursday
Feedback on proposals: Monday, 2 May
First draft due: Monday, 23 May
Final Written Tasks + rationales due: Wed. 1 June
Plan your work time accordingly and balance your work load between the seminar presentation and the Written Task.