I am a Unicorn's Englang Question Thread

[Redoxify]

how would you relate it to the function of this text, which would be to entertain the audience?

[Mieow]

how would you relate it to the function of this text, which would be to entertain the audience?

tbh in order for us to give you the best answer possible we'd need to see the transcript so that we have a better understanding of the whole context and relationship between the interlocutors.

[I am a unicorn]

Hi
What subsystem does tense (e.g. Past tense, present tense) go under?
Sometimes I want to describe it in analytical commentaries but I don't actually know which paragraph it put it in

Thanks

[zsteve]

I think it belongs in syntax... not too sure about that though. It seems to incorporate both aspects of lexis (e.g. past participle forms) as well as syntax (verb phrases). If I were you, I'd first see if it was important enough to comment on (e.g. if it plays a major role in supporting some function/purpose) and then maybe I'd use a different approach to analysis, if I could think up 3 points encompassing the text on which to build 3 paragraphs (you don't need to structure your AC by subsystem!).
For example, I could mention tense in a paragraph on the informative function of some text, claiming that the tense reflects the temporal relevance of the ideas expressed.
Other than that, personally I wouldn't group it into syntax paragraphs

[I am a unicorn]

For essays, how many times should we refer to the stimulus material?

Thank you

[MrsNicoleB]

I would only refer once to it - many students rely heavily on the stimulus material which weakens their responses.  Everyone has access to it - therefore everyone refers to it - and you will make yourself stand out more if you use your own examples.  By all means look at it, as it will point you in the right direction in terms of the topic.  I would encourage you to discuss the topic, use one of their examples then add your own relevant evidence too 

[I am a unicorn]

I would only refer once to it - many students rely heavily on the stimulus material which weakens their responses.  Everyone has access to it - therefore everyone refers to it - and you will make yourself stand out more if you use your own examples.  By all means look at it, as it will point you in the right direction in terms of the topic.  I would encourage you to discuss the topic, use one of their examples then add your own relevant evidence too 

Thank you