Analytical Commentary

[PhoenixFire]

Hi guys! So I have a analytical commentary on formal language coming up and our teacher hasn't been all that helpful in how to actually write one...
How would you structure this? My teacher advised against splitting it into subsystems... And what would you include in the paragraphs?
We know that the text will either be legal, politics or religion
Thanks!

[Reus]

Well I always structure it as follows:

First paragraph:

• Introduce the discorse, writer/speaker, context etc.
• State the mode
• Comment on the primary and secondary functions of the text
• Mention the semantic field, register, and formality

Second-fourth paragraph:

• Discuss the different subsystems utilised throughout the text, structured in their own paragraphs.

Last paragraph:

• This should be your basic discourse analysis
• Coherence, including inference, ordering, formatting, consistency and conventions
• Cohesion, including information flow, deictics, collocation,etc
• Referencing which include anaphoric and cataphoric
• If written, try to fit in a sentence on the paragraphing or structure of the text

ALWAYS remember to relate back to the function the writer/speaker is seeking to achieve.

Hope this helps! 
Good luck 

[PhoenixFire]

Thanks!

[sparklingwater]

Hey!

Does anyone know the difference between primary and secondary function of a text?

[PhoenixFire]

I suppose the primary function is the more obvious one? lol I don't know

[Reus]

Hey!

Does anyone know the difference between primary and secondary function of a text?

Not much in it, you are just able to depict which is the primary and which is the secondary function. Generally the primary function is for 'self interests' whereas the secondary function is inclusive.
For example an advertisement, primarily their purpose is to attract potential consumers towards the product up for sale. However they also are promoting their specific product and any connotations that may derive of it.
 eg. Tourism:

• Primary function: Appealing to customers in order to maximise profit
• Secondary function: Promote tourism in the 'country'

P.S hey I may be wrong! this is just my interpretation

[Zealous]

Hey!

Does anyone know the difference between primary and secondary function of a text?

A text may serve multiple functions. I tend not to use "primary" and "secondary" but I'd say the primary function would be the function which you believe is most important to the text - the function that you feel the linguistic features are supporting the most.

If you do decide to mention one function as being "primary" and one "secondary" then you should make sure that you support the primary function with linguistic evidence and make sure you are not overstating the secondary function to the point where you undermine your initial point.

Well I always structure it as follows:

First paragraph:

• Introduce the discorse, writer/speaker, context etc.
• State the mode
• Comment on the primary and secondary functions of the text
• Mention the semantic field, register, and formality

I definitely agree with the first paragraph, being the paragraph that sets up the analytical commentary for the reader but I feel that you can structure the rest of the paragraphs how you see fit.

You could split paragraphs based on each of the subsystems (which is usually a very good way as you mentioned), you could have paragraphs based on the certain functions of the texts (to persuade, to inform, to advertise, to build social rapport) or you could even have your paragraphs based on things which contribute to various macro-functions (ideational, interpersonal, textual) - make your commentary feel natural and allow it to develop as you work through the piece.

[sparklingwater]

So, is this like purpose and social purpose? Actually, what's the difference between them two because my teacher says to make mention of them two...

[JHardwickVCE]

Purpose and social purpose are quite similar, I guess the main difference is that social purpose comprises of things such as reducing social distance and creating/maintaining an image, whereas general purpose may be to inform or persuade an audience