hi i just want to get some sort of explicit confirmation as to whether what my teacher expects in an la essay is true
basically if you are two or more texts, you have to focus on comparing the texts ie comparative analysis so he completely opposes blocking and wants integration structure. He used the 2016 vcaa report where there was an example of students offering 'astute insights' through comparison. Even though he references this he ignores the fact that there is no 'explicit expectation' to do this.
The criteria for our sac emphasised on how we compared the two texts given and I used block so I'm definitely not getting the mark i want.
the way he insists on his view makes me think i've been approaching la wrong but i doubt it since the task is to analyse langauge not compare.
Could I get some clarification on this for the end of year exam please? Is it okay to use blocking since its the most convenient for two or more articles?
Thanks
This is just my opinion of course, but i think the integrated style works more effectively when there are two or more things to discuss. The opportunity for comparison is looking at how the authors have similar/different contentions, or the way they attempt to persuade, even compare their different audiences.
By comparing these features you show a better understanding of how they are both attempting to persuade. I think an integrated approach allows for side by side contrast which helps with this. A block approach can be effective but is less sophisticated (usually) than the integrated.
However, usually it's just one 'main' article and one or more smaller segments (comment or cartoon, ect) which means you mostly focus on one piece anyway. Points of comparison would be when you analyse a sub topic of the issue at hand that is addressed by both pieces.
Personally I break my paragraphs down by points of discussion (sub-arguments/topics) then analyse the langauge used to convey those points by the authors, and the subsequent effect.
Overall, to appease your teacher I'd stick with what he wants, but on the exam I'd expect them to be less fussed.