Commentary Writing

Objectives:  MUST: identify comments that focus on significant decisions made in the writing process of the exam text.  SHOULD: assess sample commentaries using AOs, mark scheme and advice list.  MAY: amend commentaries already written for a past paper.

Which of these points are effective significant writing decision comments?  Layout/ graphological features.  Your use of pronouns, adjectives etc (listed and described).  Your aim is repeated from the question on the paper.  Description of what you did, not why you did it and no examples to support.

 Selection of source material & how it was edited.  How you achieved your purpose.  How you meet the needs of your audience.  Genre conventions & their effects/ purpose.  How you made your text cohesive.  How & why you created a particular voice.  How your text relates to the context in which it will be used.

What is the examiner looking for in your commentary?  AO4: HOW & WHY you created your text the way you did. Tips:  A successful commentary will emerge from careful reading and planning of the exam question.  PEA (point, evidence, analyse).  Clear paragraphs and sentences.

Sample questions and commentaries  Can you identify the significant writing decisions from the exam questions?  How would you plan a response?  Assess the sample commentaries. Consider:  Their focus on the task  Clarity of explanation  AO4  The mark scheme