Written Task

This presentation will break down the Written Task for you--what it is, how it is assessed, etc.

What is it?

• A creative/imaginative composition. NOT a formal essay.
• Demonstrates critical engagement with the subject material
• Each task is related to a different Part of the course (e.g. If you write about The Great Gatsby, you may not write about Things Fall Apart later).

Practical details

• 800-1,000 words in length plus a 200-300 word Rationale
• Composed in class but assessed externally
• Three tasks composed
• One Task selected for external assessment by an IB examiner.
• Student may produce any appropriate text type. No Formal Essays.

IMPORTANT!!!

• You are responsible for your Written Tasks.
• The teacher may only serve as a consultant.
• The teacher may only read your work ONE time
• The teacher may not edit or otherwise modify your task

Only general feedback will be allowed (e.g. "Please reexamine whether the register fits with the text type," or "Please read through for careless errors in spelling and punctuation.")

Rationale

• 200-300 words
• Easy two points--IF you follow directions PRECISELY
• Easy loss of points if directions are not precisely followed
• Gives direction on what to expect from the task

A Rationale MUST address:

• What text type did you produce?
• What text studied (book, article, poem, advertisement, song) specifically inspired your task?
• How was that content linked to the particular part of the course?
• What learning outcome did you choose?

Your Rationale MUST address:

• What questions and curiosities were evoked by the material studied?
• How does the task address those areas of intrigue?
• Why did you choose the specific text type?
• Who is your task's intended audience?
• What is your task's purpose?

Learning Outcomes Part 1

• Analyze how audience and purpose affect the structure and content of texts.
• Analyze the impact of language changes.
• Demonstrate an awareness of how language and meaning are shaped by culture and context.

Learning Outcomes Part 2

• Examine different forms of communication within media.
• Show an awareness of the potential for educational, political, or ideological influence of the media.
• Show the way mass media use language and image to inform, persuade, or entertain.

Learning Outcomes Part 3

• Consider the changing historical, cultural, and social contexts in which particular texts are written and received.
• Demonstrate how the formal elements of the text, genre, and structure can not only be seen to influence meaning but can also be influenced by context.
• Understand the attitudes and values expressed by literary texts and their impact on readers.

Learning Outcomes Part 4

• Explore literary works in detail.
• Analyze elements such as theme and ethical stance or moral values of literary texts.
• Understand and make appropriate use of literary terms.

Criterion A: Rationale

• Criterion A: Rationale (2 pts. possible)
• 2 pts. Possible
• Does the rationale for the written task explain how the task is linked to the aspect of the course being investigated?
• If the word length does not meet the requirements of 200-300 words, 1 mark will be deducted.

Criterion B: Task and Content

• 8 pts. possible
• To what extent does the task show understanding of the topic(s) or text(s)?
• How appropriate is the content to the task chosen?
• To what extent does the task show understanding of the conventions of the text type?

Criterion C: Organization

• 5 pts. possible
• How well organized is this task?
• How coherent is the structure?
• The word length is 800-1,000 words. If the word limit is exceeded, 2 marks will be deducted

Criterion D: Language and Style

• 5 pts. possible.
• How effective is the use of language and style?
• How appropriate to the task is the choice of register and style? ("Register" in this context refers to the use of tone, vocabulary, idiom, etc. appropriate to the text type.)

Questions???