Assessment objectives key terms

AO1

AO1 is a method cue for Linguistic methods, terminology and expression. Use it when working on "AO1: Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written expression." and state the specific calculation, notation, or reasoning role it plays rather than treating it as a loose label.

terminology

In AO1, terminology means precise linguistic labels such as lexis, modality, discourse marker or clause type. Strong answers apply terms to evidence from the data and explain their relevance, rather than dropping technical words into a sentence without analysis.

AO2

AO2 is a method cue for Concepts and issues in language use. Use it when working on "AO2: Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use." and state the specific calculation, notation, or reasoning role it plays rather than treating it as a loose label.

concepts

In AO2, concepts are the wider ideas used to interpret language, such as prescriptivism, standard language ideology, language change, representation or attitudes. Students must show critical understanding by weighing how the concept explains real language use.

AO3

AO3 is a method cue for Contextual factors and meaning. Use it when working on "AO3: Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the construction of meaning." and state the specific calculation, notation, or reasoning role it plays rather than treating it as a loose label.

context

Context in AO3 means the situation that shapes meaning, including audience, purpose, genre, mode, producer, receiver and social setting. It becomes analytical when linked to specific language features and their effects.

AO4

AO4 is a method cue for Connections across texts. Use it when working on "AO4: Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic concepts and methods." and state the specific calculation, notation, or reasoning role it plays rather than treating it as a loose label.

connections

Connections in AO4 are explicit links between texts, data sets or examples. A strong comparison uses linguistic concepts and methods to explain similarity, difference or pattern rather than placing two separate analyses side by side.

creativity

creativity is a method cue for Expertise and creativity in English. Use it when working on "AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways." and state the specific calculation, notation, or reasoning role it plays rather than treating it as a loose label.

AO5

AO5 assesses expertise and creativity in using English to communicate. It is shown through deliberate control of audience, purpose, form, genre, mode, register, structure and language choices in original writing or directed writing.