Overview of language mode: Reading and Writing

The language mode of Reading and Writing refers to any text that that you will either read or write (respond to or compose). This can include any number of texts. A list is provided below. It is by no means exhaustive but does provide a guide for the type of texts that you may encounter. It is important that you realise that a text may be multimedia in which case more than one language mode can be used. To understand multimedia texts you will need to have a firm understanding of each language mode that is used.

Each of these examples, and any written text, have specific meanings and purposes. Effective written texts express their ideas in ways that enhance (improve) meaning. In this unit you will learn about and practise the concepts and language features and techniques that composers use to shape meaning.

Your goal should be to become proficient in the following skills

• Recognising and identifying features and techniques and concepts within a written text.
• Understanding and explaining how these features and concepts shape the meaning of the text.
• Gaining experience through the meaning expressed in texts.
• Placing these texts within a context and evaluating the effectiveness of the text.

At the same time you need to be able to use the following skills.

• Use features and techniques and concepts within your own compositions to enhance meaning.
• Express your own experiences, opinions and ideas through compositions.
• Write effectively according to text, form, purpose and audience in a wide variety of contexts.