How to introduce the AQA English Language NEA Investigation to enable students to handle their own chosen material with confidence.
This guide focuses on the second section of the AQA A Level English Language NEA unit 7702C. Teachers of other examination board units will, however, hopefully find the guide easily adaptable to their own requirements, for example the Language Investigation parts of Eduqas Unit 4 and OCR Component 3.
Most students need support and guidance in setting up their investigations so that they will produce the best analysis and results of which they are capable. Whatever their level of ability and enthusiasm, they can find the challenges posed by this unit daunting. Although this Unit is examined at A level, it can be helpful to introduce the concept in year one.
Stage 1
Introducing the skills necessary – practising meanings and representations analyses for Unit 1 is ideal for this as the activity of examining paired texts under a given heading and not simply analysing top to bottom is a vital skill for the Investigation. This can be done initially in groups or “musical chairs” carousel style where similar texts (e.g. advertisements or different types of conversation) are laid out on tables with paper for comments. The point of comparison is stated, e.g. persuasive purpose or specific audience. In pairs or small groups the students spend two or three minute on each pair of texts writing down points of comparison before moving on. Each group aims to add something to what has already been noticed. These activities…
