Paper 1 Section AReading Non-Fiction & Media

AO2(iii) – Following the writer’s argument

Assessment Objective

AO2(iii) - Follow an argument

Identify the writer’s overall view Identify the different points made

by the writer that support this Explain these points and what

the writer is saying

Example of Questions

What does Fay Weldon recommend as the best way to sell chocolate bars?

What are the main points of Tony Allan’s argument about the world’s water shortages?

Explain the key points made in this item.

Framework for Reading

1. Read the questions2. Read the text3. Work out the PAFT and main view4. Identify the main points made by

the writer – number these in order of importance

5. Plan your response

Advice

Decide what the writer is trying to say to you – their overall message

Identify the different points that are made. Look at the use of topic sentences / paragraphs

Explain what is meant by the writer and what they are trying to say

Model question

Explain the main points made by the writer in this article

(6 marks) 6 marks = 12 minutes Identify the main view Identify the points that support this Explain these ideas in your own

words

PURPOSE: what job is the writer trying to do?Argue Inform Analyse ImaginePersuade Explain Review ExploreAdvise Describe Comment Entertain

PURPOSE: what job is the writer trying to do?Argue Inform Analyse ImaginePersuade Explain Review ExploreAdvise Describe Comment Entertain

FORM: type of writingLeaflet ArticleWeb page StoryLetter EmailSpeech EssayReport Advert

FORM: type of writingLeaflet ArticleWeb page StoryLetter EmailSpeech EssayReport Advert

TONE: what is the mood of the writing? How are we addressed?Enthusiastic Angry Questioning ObjectivePassionate Frustrated Doubtful SubjectiveHopeful Pessimistic Suspicious NeutralOptimistic Sad Sarcastic CynicalHumorous Annoyed Ironic Knowledgeable

TONE: what is the mood of the writing? How are we addressed?Enthusiastic Angry Questioning ObjectivePassionate Frustrated Doubtful SubjectiveHopeful Pessimistic Suspicious NeutralOptimistic Sad Sarcastic CynicalHumorous Annoyed Ironic Knowledgeable

AUDIENCE: the readerChildren ExpertsTeenagers FansParents Men Pensioners Women Workers Adults

AUDIENCE: the readerChildren ExpertsTeenagers FansParents Men Pensioners Women Workers Adults

PAFTPurposeAudience

FormTone

PAFTPurposeAudience

FormTone

Age Interests LifestyleGender Education ClassJob Hobbies Politics

PlanningMain view:

Point(Select an idea)

Evidence Explain(Your interpretation)

Assessment criteria – AO2iii Band 1 (F/G)

Little detail / unfocused Band 2 (D/E)

General, descriptive answer / spots obvious points

Band 3 (B/C) Selects and comments on range points Structured response

Band 4 (A/A*) Detailed understanding of ideas Ideas fully absorbed and shaped into an answer

Exemplar answer – full marks!

What reasons are put forward for visiting Antarctica with Trailfinders?

(6 marks)

Read the advert for Trailfinders. Read the following answer and work out why it was awarded full marks

Exemplar answer – 1

As the article aims to influence others to visit the Antarctic with Trailfinders, many reasons are put forward. Firstly the subheading ‘Over 30 years’ of experience of booking adventure travel worldwide’ suggests that this company is the most qualified for organising the trip. It suggests that from experience the company will know the best areas and most successful ways of carrying out the trip.

Connectives show structure

Clear focus on task and purpose of text

Integrated

reference

Use of analytical markers

Detailed analysis of the point made = full understanding /

conceptualised

Exemplar answer – 2

Secondly, the article gives the impression that Trailfinders is a versatile company. It suits ‘every budget, every timescale and every country…’ giving the impression that whatever the specification for the desired country this company can match it. Also when planning they will happily assist you in ‘deciding on the trip that suits you’, therefore implying that they will offer any advice needed in the planning of the trip.

Structured answer = material is shaped

Interprets message = material is absorbed

Integrated

references

Additional explanations = full understanding

Exemplar answer – 3 Finally, Item 1 gives the impression that

booking with Travelfinders will make planning the holiday relaxed and camping at the activity enjoyable. For example, the article promises the company will ‘book you on the best value flights’, ‘arrange…travel insurance’ and ‘make any additional hotel arrangements.’ In short, this company will do the majority of the planning whilst finding the best value for money. Overall, the main reason for visiting the ‘breathtakingly beautiful place’ with Travelfinders is that it will be carefree, but up to a professional and affordable standard.

Three clear points made and explored = material fully shaped

and absorbed

Summative

comments round off answer

and show a

conceptual response

Key points Full understanding of the points made Ideas are fully absorbed and then

shaped into an answer i.e. coherent analysis of selected points

References are integrated into the argument i.e. quotations are worked into sentences

Detailed and conceptualised i.e. gives the three best points, evaluating what is said, and offering your own ideas about the topic

Try and Apply

Use your plan to write your own explanation of the points made by the writer

Aim to meet the highest grade criteria

Assess your answer against the criteria