© 2007 Steve Campsall

grammar and other analytical methods or 'frameworks'

Grammar - a useful method for analysing many texts

If you're taking an A-level in English Language, then you'll be introduced to a range of different methods for analysing texts. Previously your exam board called these 'analytical frameworks', a term that has been dropped in new syllabuses since 2008. You'll have guessed by now that an important one of these analytical methods is grammar: it's a fundamental aspect of all texts.


ANALYTICAL METHODS
As well as grammar, you'll be learning about several other useful analytical methods or 'frameworks'. Although this guide focuses on grammar, to help you, you'll find a brief explanation of each method below, along with a hyperlinked explanation if you need it. Even better, if you haven't already, don't miss out on the two excellent and comprehensive free guides to textual analysis available by clicking on the two Adobe logos below.


Download your two free guides
to textual analysis

GRAPHOLOGY This is an analysis and discussion of the important stylistic textual aspects made at the level of a text's form, layout and visual appearance.
LEXIS ...analysing and discussing important stylistic aspects relating to word choice. From 2008-9, in many exam syllabuses, lexis is now combined with semantics (see below).
GRAMMAR ...analysing and discussing important stylistic aspects of a text's syntax and morphology.
SEMANTICS ...analysing and discussing important stylistic aspects at the level of word, phrase and sentence meaning. From 2008-9, in many exam syllabuses, lexis is now combined with semantics.
PRAGMATICS ...analysing and discussing the importance of contextually and socially implied meanings.
DISCOURSE ...analysing and discussing a text at a cultural, social , historical and ideological level.
PHONOLOGY ...analysing and discussing a text at the level of word sounds.
DISCOURSE STRUCTURE ...discussing aspects of a text's fluency, coherence and unity.

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