WT1, the 'imaginative piece'
I am currently examining the last batch of written tasks from the old A2 course, and I'm coming across a lot of issues that are relevant for the new Language and Literature course. Essentially the core idea of the written task has not changed. But does everyone understand that 'core idea'?
Written task 1 is a unique form of assessment that students are not always accustomed to. It is not a book report. It is not an essay. It is also not a creative writing assignmet. So what is it exactly?
First of all, for a detailed description, I recommend checking out the written task introductory page on this Subject Site. You will noticed I recently added the following hand out, which should help everyone define the nature of this assessment.
WT1: what it is and what it is not
The written task 1 can be difficult to write, if you do not understand the nature of the task. Here is a table to clarify this form of assessment.
| What it is not | What it is |
| A creative writing assignment WT1 is not the opportunity to write a fantastical short story, a hypothetical play script or a cryptic poem. If you want to write a new ending to a novel or a missing chapter, it has to be in the spirit of the author’s intentions. WT1 is not solely the product of your imagination. | A type of text Instead, you have to show that you have understood a ‘text type’. Each text has structural conventions. For example, if you write a speech, it has to have rhetorical devices that are characteristic of speech writing. Be sure that the text type lends itself well to the content you are writing about. Study a few examples of the text type that you want to write. |
| Out of context It is not enough to state in your rationale, “I’m writing a opinion column about advertising.” In which magazine or newspaper does your column appear? Is it in the style of a particular columnist? | In context Place your WT1 in a context. For example, if you want to write an opinion column about advertising, write about a particular ad campaign that has received attention in the news. Imitate the style of a famous columnist. What would he/she say in response to a topic? |
| A persuasive essay WT1 is not a test of your opinion. This is not your chance to vent your frustrations about a particular topic that you feel passionate about. | An understanding of course work Instead, WT1 is a test of the course work. How will you demonstrate your understanding of language and/or literature? Is your written task rooted in a particular text? |
| A summary Examiners are not interested in reading the summary of a text that you read. This is not a ‘book report’. | An interpretation There should be some evidence of critical thinking. For example, writing a letter from one character to another provides you the chance to show that you’ve understood the work thoroughly. |
