Component 2 – Written language development: Vocabulary choices (lexis) and sentence structures (syntax) in early writing

This topic explores how children develop vocabulary (lexis) and sentence structures (syntax) in their early writing, typically from ages 5–7. You'll examine the transition from spoken to written language, focusing on how children move from simple, speech-like constructions to more complex, literate forms. Key theorists include Perera (1984) on syntactic development and Kress (1994) on the influence of genre and context. Understanding this progression is crucial for analysing children's writing samples in the exam.

Why does this matter? Early writing reflects cognitive and linguistic growth, and it's a window into how children learn to organise thoughts for a reader. You'll study features like coordination, subordination, and lexical density, and how these change with age. This links to broader debates about literacy acquisition and the role of education in shaping language. In the exam, you'll apply these concepts to unseen texts, so knowing the typical milestones and variations is key.

This topic fits within Component 2's focus on language change and development. It connects to spoken language acquisition (e.g., phonological and grammatical development) and to later writing stages, such as adolescent and adult writing. By mastering early writing, you'll see the foundations of all written communication, which helps in analysing any text's style and effectiveness.