3. The question…
Outline the functionalist theory of society and
apply their thinking to the family
Outline = command verb
Apply = examinable skill
Their first piece of extended
writing…not a lot of content to
‘select’ at this point. Therefore
the task was left fairly open-
ended.
Less complex that an exam question;
shorter, no requirement to evaluate.
Should be approximately one side of
A4.
4. Once the first draft was
written students were
provided with a ‘writer’s
palette’
5. Checklist. Students
tick off to show
they have used the
key vocab
Support for depth &
complexity of writing
style and demonstrating
the examinable skills;
understanding,
application,
interpretation, analysis &
evaluation
6.
7. Additions made to the first draft which was then written up as a final piece.
8. EXPECTATION: Every piece of
written work handed
in/completed in controlled
conditions must have a plan
and a draft handed in with
it.
9. The benefits…
• They are handing in an already improved piece of work.
• There should be fewer superficial mistakes to mark as they should
pick up on these; spelling, punctuation, grammar, misused words,
easy mistakes e.g. writing quantitative instead of qualitative.
• Reflective process; does it make sense, is this my best work, is there
something else I can add, did I miss a link?
• They become their own critical friend
• Reinforces the need to ‘work at’ a piece of work, not just rush it and
hand it in because there’s a deadline.
• Reduce marking load; there is still a dialogue happening and the
work has been improved…you might not need to make any more
suggestions or can leave an ‘FF’.
• Feedback is anticipated therefore there is less chance of typical
mistakes becoming engrained
Potential drawbacks…time, assessment…but…‘well-planned answer’
11. EXEMPLAR:
1) Given out without commentary prior to writing the essay in controlled conditions. This gives
them an idea of style and expectations.
2) given out with commentary at the end of controlled conditions so that they can compare
with their own and make any tweaks (in a different coloured pen), before handing in.
Next time; they can provide
the commentary
12. The benefits…
• Sets high expectations from the outset.
• How do they know what the best is unless
they’ve seen it?
• Command verbs and examinable skills in
practice; it’s very hard to explain what analysis
looks like, but much easier to show.
• Exemplars make great revision tools.
