Editorial Writing

1
Editorial Writing

• An Introduction

2
Editorial Writing

• This module is also known as ENB5
• It requires you to write in a particular mode and
  genre, using material from a range of sources
• You also need to consider audience and purpose
• The key thing is to be aware of genre conventions
• The best way to achieve this is to read a range
  of genres
• You are required to use a range of the material
  from the pack, but to create a new text.

3
Editorial Writing

• You are given the source packs (2) about 7 days
  before the examination
• Each pack is about 20-25 pages in length
• It contains a range of (sometimes quite random!)
  information
• You can take this apart, make notes on it,
  highlight it, etc
• Try to read each one at least twice

4
Editorial Writing

• The exam lasts for two and a half hours
• You are given two questions on each pack
• You only answer one question
• So, one from the four given. You are expected to
  write approximately 800-1000 words
• You must also write a commentary of about 250
  words
• Use 2 hours for the piece, and half an hour for
  the commentary

5
Editorial Writing

• Preparation
• When you get the packs, read them through at
  least twice.
• You can get together to work on these packs, but
  you cant discuss them with your teacher
• Make a contents page
• Make a grid, telling you where the illustrations
  are etc
• This will help you to find things quickly in the
  exam

6
Editorial Writing

• Usually, but not always, there will be a spoken
  task as well as at least one written one
• This means that you need to listen to a range of
  genres (radio programmes, trailers, interviews,
  etc) as well as reading
• This awareness is the key to success

7
Editorial Writing

• Think about the key aspects of your Original
  Writing folder here
• This means considering audience, purpose and
  genre
• You will be given specific instructions on these
  aspects, and marked on them, so consider them
  carefully before you begin writing

8
Editorial Writing

• The commentary consists of your discussion and
  evaluation of the choices you have made
• For example, what graphology did you choose for a
  web-page, what language did you choose for a talk
  to 10 year olds, etc

9
Editorial Writing

• Preparation
• Read, read and read..
• Try keeping a log-book of the things you have
  read and listened to over the day
• List the genre conventions of these pieces
• Evaluate the effectiveness of these
• Try to read/listen to something different for 20
  minutes each day

10
Editorial Writing

• Well begin by writing mini-tasks, then build up
  to writing full ones
• Youll need to do at least 2 full, practice ones,
  preferably 3
• Be careful to re-write, or edit information
• Dont bring in information from any other sources
• You can use some information directly (verbatim)
  from the pack, but keep this to a minimum.