Challenge 101016

Using a ‘writers’ palette’ and exemplar work to introduce

challenge

THE WRITER’S PALETTE & THE IMPORTANCE OF DRAFTING WORK

The question…

Outline the functionalist theory of society and apply their thinking to the family

Outline = command verbApply = examinable skill

Their first piece of extended writing…not a lot of content to

‘select’ at this point. Therefore the task was left fairly open-ended.

Less complex that an exam question; shorter, no requirement to evaluate. Should be approximately one side of

A4.

Once the first draft was written students were

provided with a ‘writer’s palette’

Checklist. Students tick off to show

they have used the key vocab

Support for depth & complexity of writing

style and demonstrating the examinable skills;

understanding, application,

interpretation, analysis & evaluation

Additions made to the first draft which was then written up as a final piece.

EXPECTATION: Every piece of written work handed in/completed in controlled conditions must have a plan and a draft handed in with it.

The benefits…• They are handing in an already improved piece of work.• There should be fewer superficial mistakes to mark as they should pick up on

these; spelling, punctuation, grammar, misused words, easy mistakes e.g. writing quantitative instead of qualitative.

• Reflective process; does it make sense, is this my best work, is there something else I can add, did I miss a link?

• They become their own critical friend• Reinforces the need to ‘work at’ a piece of work, not just rush it and hand it in

because there’s a deadline.• Reduce marking load; there is still a dialogue happening and the work has

been improved…you might not need to make any more suggestions or can leave an ‘FF’.

• Feedback is anticipated therefore there is less chance of typical mistakes becoming engrained

Potential drawbacks…time, assessment…but…‘well-planned answer’

USING EXEMPLARS

EXEMPLAR: 1) Given out without commentary prior to writing the essay in controlled conditions. This gives

them an idea of style and expectations.2) given out with commentary at the end of controlled conditions so that they can compare

with their own and make any tweaks (in a different coloured pen), before handing in.

Next time; they can provide the commentary

The benefits…

• Sets high expectations from the outset.• How do they know what the best is unless

they’ve seen it?• Command verbs and examinable skills in

practice; it’s very hard to explain what analysis looks like, but much easier to show.

• Exemplars make great revision tools.