Forum login

Not registered? Sign-up here it's free.

External links

• NCEA on TKI
• NZQA website

3.4 Respond critically to oral or visual text studied

Achievement criteria

You will write one essay of over 500 words on a visual or oral text you have studied in class. The essay will provide opportunities to gain achievement, merit, and excellence grades. You will be assessed on your ability to evaluate and analyse ideas, language, and evidence from the text to support a clear, controlled, and logical discussion.

On this page: Achievement | Achievement with Merit | Achievement with Excellence

Achievement

• Develop a critical response to specified aspect(s) of written text(s) using supporting evidence.

Make sure you:

• thoroughly plan to answer all parts of the question by constructing a discussion or argument in response to a specific question
• state your argument in the introduction, extend your argument by covering a number of well supported points in 5–6 clear paragraphs, state your final thoughts in the conclusion
• make it clear which text type you are writing about by using appropriate terminology to examine features accurately
• know the content thoroughly so you can use accurate quotations, examples, and details from the text(s) to support your analysis and evaluation of the text(s)
• show you have examined and understood the main ideas, events, and characters in the text(s)
• identify how the text(s) makes you feel or what it made you think about
• show some level of personal interest or enthusiasm for the text(s)
• understand the roles of both director (or creator) and the viewer or listener
• make links between supporting evidence and generalisations about the writer(s) or aspects of your chosen text(s)
• write over 500 words clearly, logically, and accurately.

Back to top

Achievement with Merit

• Develop a convincing critical response to specified aspect(s) of written text(s) using supporting evidence.

Make sure you:

• Reach Achievement
• respond to all parts of the question equally and develop a direct and full discussion or argument around the text and the question
• thoroughly examine the text(s) by close reading significant parts so you can make valid conclusions about writer's purpose and craft
• show how the writer's style relates to purpose and audience as well as the qualities and characteristics of the genre
• support your study by reading other critical academic articles about your text to help clarify ideas
• distinguish and/or evaluate how certain effects, ideas, and elements are presented and why they were presented in that particular way
• integrate evidence of production techniques and quotation to show an appreciation of the wider text(s)
• examine how production techniques have been used to shape the viewer's or listener's point of view
• make relevant and mature conclusions based on personal response and understanding to show how issues raised by the text(s) are relevant to you and make value judgements
• think across and beyond the text(s) and reflect on society, the implications for characters and/or show an appreciation of craft
• use mature expression of ideas and thought throughout your essay
• write over 500 words clearly, logically, and accurately.

Back to top

Achievement with Excellence

• Develop an integrated and perceptive critical response to specified aspect(s) of written text(s) using supporting evidence.

Make sure you:

• reach Achievement with Merit
• know how to read and deconstruct a question and produce answers that demonstrate a deep and full understanding of the text
• select material to develop a critical argument explaining how all elements of the text(s) (plot, setting, character, and style) work together to support the writer's purpose in an integrated way
• consistently evaluate the effectiveness of how language techniques have been used to communicate a message
• choose a main theme or character that can be fully discussed and linked to other themes in the text to further your argument
• show accurate, frequent, and confident use of terminology when explaining your ideas connected to the writer's purpose
• use insightful analysis to make mature and valid observations and respond personally by evaluating the implications of the text in the wider world
• make conclusions and judgements throughout the essay about the author's purpose and use of language to give a balanced and insightful response
• write over 500 words in a succinct discussion or argument using accurate and sophisticated language.

Back to top