1. English Language and Literature
Component Three:
Investigating and Creating Texts
The Commentary

2. Overview
Your coursework folder will consist of two assignments (three pieces of work):
Assignment 1: two pieces of original writing, one piece of fiction writing and one piece of creative non-fiction writing;
Assignment 2: one analytical commentary reflecting on the studied texts and the original writing you have produced.
The total advisory word count for the coursework folder is :
for the original writing; and
for the analytical commentary.
The coursework folder is marked out of 60 – 36 marks for the original writing and 24 marks for the commentary.

3. Assignment 2: Commentary
You will produce an analytical commentary to accompany your original writing. In the commentary, you will reflect on the writing process for both pieces.
You should evaluate:
● the findings of your initial research into the topic and texts;
● the influence of your studied texts and how they are reflected in your written pieces;
● the linguistic and literary features used in the style models that you have adopted in your own writing;
● the specific language choices you made, through the drafting process, to achieve effects appropriate to the chosen function and target audience.

4. Level 5: Critical Evaluative Approach
If you are looking for a high grade, make sure that your commentary: ● Presents critical application of language analysis with sustained examples. Uses sophisticated structure and expression with appropriate register and style, including use of appropriate terminology. ● Exhibits critical evaluation of linguistic and literary choices in own writing. Evaluates their effects on shaping meaning. ● Critically examines context in own writing by looking at subtleties and nuances. Examines multi-layered nature of own writing. ● Evaluates connections between stimulus texts and own writing. Critically applies concepts and methods.

5. Preparing your Commentary
What links can you make between your first piece of original writing and texts you have studied? Note as many examples as possible.
What was your style model for your first piece of original writing? How does your style model use the conventions of its genre? Note specific examples.
What language devices have you used in your first piece of original writing in order to achieve your purposes and address your target audience? Note specific examples.
…And repeat for your second piece of original writing.

6. Commentary Plan
Part One: Briefly introduce your chosen topic and texts; why you chose them; why you responded to them in your original writing in the way you did. Part Two: Explain how your studied text(s) influenced your first piece of original writing. Give specific, perceptive examples. Part Three: Compare the language devices used in your style model to those you use in your first piece of original writing. Give detailed analysis of specific examples from your writing. Part Four: Explain how your studied text(s) influenced your second piece of original writing. Give specific, perceptive examples. Part Five: Compare the language devices used in your style model to those you use in your second piece of original writing. Give detailed analysis of specific examples from your writing. Part Six: Evaluate your writing process. How has your understanding of your topic or your writing been enriched? How would you develop any of the work you did?