Written Tasks

Written Tasks 20%

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.

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 1000-1500 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.

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.

TYPES OF TEXTS Poetic Communication Mass Communication Professional Communication

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

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

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

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

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)

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.