© 2007 Steve Campsall
© 2007 Steve Campsall
| grammar and other analytical methods or 'frameworks' |
Grammar - a useful method for analysing many texts
If you're not taking A-level English Language you can skip this page by clicking here!
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.
!!TOP-TIP!! Each year, very many students choose to ignore grammar when analysing texts for coursework and exams. This means they give up the chance to gain many extra marks. Grammar can seem very complex but that's why this guide was written - to give you just sufficient grammar for your A-level course.
So... please...
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. |
It is an error to think you need to apply all methods to all texts. Choose only those that seem to you to yield a subtle and sophisticated analysis.
Many teachers advise their students to take special care with graphology as it can easily yield a simplistic analysis that gains very few marks. This is not bad advice except that when applied effectively, a graphological analysis has the potential to yield a highly subtle and sophisticated analysis that will achieve very high marks indeed. Remember that your focus needs to be on the language aspects of graphology not on a text's visuals and images; remember: the very first aspect of a text that registers with its audience is its graphological aspects.
