Identify relevant lexicogrammatical features found in two texts
In this assignment you are asked to find relevant lexicogrammatical features within texts and write up an interpretation of your findings.
Before you start this assignment, refer to the general guidance on writing assignments in the Assessment Guide, including the marking grid in Appendix 2. All seven marking criteria apply to TMA 01. While the TMA contains different steps, you will be given a holistic mark for the assignment.
Step 1: Identifying relevant lexicogrammatical features
Step 2: Writing your interpretation
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Part 1: Reading the texts
The first step in this TMA is to read the texts in order to gain an idea of the nature of the two texts you are going to analyse. The texts are provided at the end of this assignment. Text 1 is an adaptation of a BBC online article about the role of a carrier pigeon in the rescue of airmen during World War II.
Text 2 is a transcript of a conversation between two sisters on a talk one of them attended on the use of carrier pigeons during World War II.
Part 2: Interpretation
Step 1: Identifying relevant lexicogrammatical features
For this step, you are asked to identify relevant lexicogrammatical features in Text 2 so that you can compare it with Text 1. In the column for Text 2, and for each register variable (field, mode and tenor), list two or three lexicogrammatical features along with some examples from the text that you believe are characteristic of the text and that combine to construe the text as:
1) being about a particular topic or involving a particular activity (field)
2) written or spoken (mode)
3) being directed at a particular audience or involving different participants (tenor).
(As discussed in Book 1 – chapter 4)
Note that you should identify just two or three lexicogrammatical features for each register variable. You will draw on this analysis when you compare the two texts in Step 2, so it may help to look out for features in Text 2 that contrast with those that have already been identified for you in Text 1.
Step 2: Writing up your interpretation
Write up an interpretation of the differences between the two texts, as identified in Step 1. This interpretation should be a maximum of 500 words.
It should compare the two texts with reference to field, mode and tenor. Support your interpretation with evidence from the lexicogrammatical features you identified in Part 2, Step 1, and any additional features you identify for both texts. Bear in mind, however, that you will need to be selective as 500 words will not allow you to write about all the texts’ lexicogrammatical features.
Make sure you also provide specific examples from the texts of the lexicogrammatical features you identify; line and paragraph references alone are insufficient.
You may want to consult the example of a register analysis in Book 1, Chapter 4, Activity 7, Table 4.3. You should refer to module – and any other – material where relevant (see the Assessment Guide on referencing).
It is good academic practice to write in a concise way so please do stick to the given word limit. Please note that there is no 10% leeway for the word limit for this TMA. Your tutor will not mark beyond the word limit so may not read your conclusion if you write over the limit.
