Language Analysis Questions

[JamieLeaf]

Hi Guys,
I have a couple of concerns regarding language analysis which my teacher hasn't properly answered.

1. In a language analysis do we need to write a linking sentence (like a text response) where we link back to the contention/topic sentence?
2. Since comparative language analysis are a requirement in SACs how much comparison do we need to make between two different texts? Would a 2 or 3 sentences discussing the differences be ok?

Thanks!!

[dashnog]

In any analysis or other form of writing you should habitually refer back to the topic sentence, as it links back what you meant and makes sure that the reader understands where your expanded points went. It also ensures that you haven't strayed too far from the question.

"Between two different texts", to what length are these texts? Two or three sentences comparing anything to do with English seems really small, and I'd only expect something like that in a really small question to outline differences in style, audience or some other small aspect.

[meganrobyn]

1. In LA you don't have a contention, so you don't need to worry the same way about making sure your points link back to it. You don't have arguments, and you don't have contentions. People structure their LAs differently, depending on what they like. In my opinion the most effective topic sentences are those that identify one noun and one authorial attitude towards that noun (which can be expressed in terms of desired reader response towards the noun). The paragraph then shows a bunch of things the author does, and each sentence finishes with how that thing demonstrates the attitude you've identified. So, what they did and why they did it. Finishing everything with a general link back to the overall topic of the piece - or, heaven forbid, a general statement of "therefore encouraging the readers to agree" or the like - is repetitive and unnecessary.

2. Again, it depends on your BP structure. The Assessment Report last year said that *meaningful* comparisons were beneficial. You can integrate the texts in every paragraph, or you can have a few meaningful connections done in another way. It's flexible. There are over 40,000 students sitting the exam, and they won't all do it the same way.

[OZLexico]

You don't really need linking sentences like the ones you'd use in a text response, however, I think its a good idea to make a link between two articles that you are comparing.  This can make an effective transition between the distinct parts of the analysis of the two articles (rather than just stopping discussion of the first article and launching straight into analysis of the second one).  The amount of comparison is difficult to comment on as it will depend on the length and complexity of the second article.  2-3 sentences sounds a bit too short to me too.  Don't overlook aspects like contrasts and comparison between the two articles, or techniques both authors have in common (eg. like the use of statistics) that support a counter-argument to aspects of the first article.