AQA · A-Level · English Language
Course version: 7702 · Version from Sept 2017
The folder submitted should contain: a piece of original writing, an…
Full specification wording
Original writing: The folder submitted should contain: a piece of original writing, an annotated style model, a reflective commentary, references (paper and web-based).
This guidance explains the required contents of the folder you submit for the original writing component.
Checked against the AQA 7702 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This guidance explains the required contents of the folder you submit for the original writing component. The folder must include four elements. First, a piece of original writing that demonstrates your own crafting of language for a clear purpose and audience. Second, an annotated style model: the text you selected and analysed in detail, marked with notes that identify techniques and their effects. Third, a reflective commentary in which you explain and justify the choices you made in your original writing, linking them to your analysis of the style model. Fourth, references listing all sources you consulted, covering both paper-based and web-based materials, presented consistently. Ensure each element is clearly labelled and that the folder is complete and organised. The folder is submitted as a whole, so missing any component weakens the submission.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Misunderstanding: the reflective commentary can be a general description of the writing process.
Put it right: It should analyse specific language choices and link them to the style model and intended effects.
Misunderstanding: references are only needed for web sources.
Put it right: References must include both paper and web-based sources.
Misunderstanding: the annotated style model is the same as the original writing.
Put it right: The annotated style model is a separate text you have analysed, while the original writing is your own piece.
Exam tips
- Create a checklist of the four required components and tick each one off before submission.
- Label each section of the folder clearly (original writing, annotated style model, reflective commentary, references) so the assessor can navigate it easily.
- In your references, use a consistent format and include full details for both print and online sources, such as author, date, title and URL where applicable.
Try the lesson
The start of the Original writing: The folder submitted should contain: a piece of original writing, an annotated style model, a reflective commentary, references (paper and web-based). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following must be included in the folder for the original writing component?
Listen
This guidance explains the required contents of the folder you submit for the original writing component. The folder must include four elements. First, a piece of original writing that demonstrates your own crafting of language for a clear purpose and audience. Second, an annotated style model: the text you selected and analysed in detail, marked with notes that identify techniques and their effects. Third, a reflective commentary in which you explain and justify the choices you made in your original writing, linking them to your analysis of the style model. Fourth, references listing all sources you consulted, covering both paper-based and web-based materials, presented consistently. Ensure each element is clearly labelled and that the folder is complete and organised. The folder is submitted as a whole, so missing any component weakens the submission. A common slip: Misunderstanding: the reflective commentary can be a general description of the writing process. Instead, it should analyse specific language choices and link them to the style model and intended effects. Exam tip: Create a checklist of the four required components and tick each one off before submission.
Key words
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Folder completeness and organisation
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Original writing as crafted language
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Referencing across paper and web sources
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See every definition
- Folder completeness and organisation
- The folder is submitted as a whole, so each of the four elements must be clearly labelled and present, as missing any component weakens the submission.
- Original writing as crafted language
- A piece of original writing that demonstrates your own crafting of language for a clear purpose and audience.
- Referencing across paper and web sources
- References list all sources you consulted, covering both paper-based and web-based materials, presented consistently.
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