Commentary Writing Tips
AS English | 10/23/12| Week 8 SDL
While taking the AS English Exam, you will be expected to complete commentaries on passages provided. Below is a list of tips for getting the best possible grade on the exam:
15 Relevant tips for Commentary Writing: 1. Create a commentary plan – include all phrases /sentences you are to comment on. 2. Create a coherent argument 3. Give a balanced judgment which gives attention to all parts of the question 4. Go beyond the text in the discussion and evaluate it using you own evaluation/opinions. 5. Keep your response organized; comment on each paragraph in a uniform manner. For example, the first paragraph should be commented on in the early part of the commentary, and so forth 6. Create strong introductions to each paragraph or idea 7. Use quotations from the original passage and comment on each in a uniform fashion. Do not comment on a clump of vocab at once. 8. Avoid broad judgments/conclusions such as “the author uses annoying language.” 9. Be sure to comment on the genre of the passage, the writer’s purpose, the audience, the overall structure, the vocabulary and the tone. 10. Include a critical response to any main points and comment on the effects of the vocabulary/techniques. 11. Included a intelligent analysis of the awareness and intentions of the writer within the passage 12. Avoid drifting off of the topic, keep within the writer’s purpose and quotes. Stick to the point 13. Make sure your commentary is as long as the original passage; no longer, or no shorter. 14. Comment on the figures of speech within the passage 15. Notice the format of the passage; whether it is formal, informal, a speech, a narrative, a biography, a letter, an unrealistic story, a romance novel, a science fiction piece, war story, adventurous story, crime, travel experience, information on a thing, etc.
15 Helpful phrases for commentary writing: 1. “This clearly highlights…”
While taking the AS English Exam, you will be expected to complete commentaries on passages provided. Below is a list of tips for getting the best possible grade on the exam:
15 Relevant tips for Commentary Writing: 1. Create a commentary plan – include all phrases /sentences you are to comment on. 2. Create a coherent argument 3. Give a balanced judgment which gives attention to all parts of the question 4. Go beyond the text in the discussion and evaluate it using you own evaluation/opinions. 5. Keep your response organized; comment on each paragraph in a uniform manner. For example, the first paragraph should be commented on in the early part of the commentary, and so forth 6. Create strong introductions to each paragraph or idea 7. Use quotations from the original passage and comment on each in a uniform fashion. Do not comment on a clump of vocab at once. 8. Avoid broad judgments/conclusions such as “the author uses annoying language.” 9. Be sure to comment on the genre of the passage, the writer’s purpose, the audience, the overall structure, the vocabulary and the tone. 10. Include a critical response to any main points and comment on the effects of the vocabulary/techniques. 11. Included a intelligent analysis of the awareness and intentions of the writer within the passage 12. Avoid drifting off of the topic, keep within the writer’s purpose and quotes. Stick to the point 13. Make sure your commentary is as long as the original passage; no longer, or no shorter. 14. Comment on the figures of speech within the passage 15. Notice the format of the passage; whether it is formal, informal, a speech, a narrative, a biography, a letter, an unrealistic story, a romance novel, a science fiction piece, war story, adventurous story, crime, travel experience, information on a thing, etc.
15 Helpful phrases for commentary writing: 1. “This clearly highlights…”