How to Write a Reflective Commentary

for A Level AQA English Language

Notes, exercises and examples to help your students develop the right tools for analysing their own writer’s process, to approach the NEA reflective commentary with a clear grasp of what's required, an opportunity to gain confidence and to enjoy the process of reflecting on their own work.

Makes teaching commentaries suddenly seem pretty easy....

...The author has done every teacher a big favour.

R Lodge, HoD & Peer Reviewer (previous edition)
Covers:
  • How to approach the commentary and different ways into self-critiquing
  • Writing the commentary for the Power of Storytelling, Persuasion or Information: covering prose fiction, poetry, dramatic scripts, radio dramas, screenwriting, prose non-fiction and more!
  • How to reference and how to construct a bibliography

Don’t miss!

Example reflective commentary with annotations included

Plus!
  • Useful vocabulary and key terms for specified genres
  • Recommended reading list
  • Drafting chart, reading log, quotation log and commentary checklists
  • Additional exercises on narrative and clichés

What do teachers say about this resource? (12166)

The use of published writers' experience of the process of writing is helpful and would make students feel that their task is important and raise their game. I like the way it breaks down the task in the early stages, for example by asking students to identify broad features of mini-texts, and the charts to encourage reflection on redrafting... [I like] the encouraging tone - students often feel personally attached to their piece, and so struggle with criticism, but this pack counteracts that. I also liked the way it encourages them to consider purpose carefully. Good on helping students to write about genre... This would be valuable for weaker students and would help all students with the broader picture. It would help them to reflect usefully on their process which would help with their commentary writing. It offers a good checklist for the big picture.

M Courtney-Holt, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

I loved the way it develops the commentary/rationale from a writer's point of view. It really encourages the student writer to reflect on the process of the craft of writing.

R Hill, Teacher & Peer Reviewer

Superb content! I was pleased to see pages dedicated to commentary style, and examples given that allow students to craft their writing. I like the charts and logs on, this is a great way to lay out students’ progress and get them to consider how their changes have an overall effect. I really like the writing tips and quotations from authors and philosophers - this really gets students identifying with writers and considering their own potential impact. The sections on referencing and bibliographies are great for encouraging good practice… A carefully developed, sophisticated guide that would help to level the playing field for students from an analytical point of view.

Penglais English Department (Previous edition)

Makes teaching commentaries suddenly seem pretty easy. The author has done every teacher a big favour. It gives clear and precise advice on how to do a commentary. Lots of examples and particular guidance. Would save anyone teaching the syllabus a lot of work. Anyone teaching this syllabus should get a copy of this resource. It will save them hours of work!

R Lodge, HoD & Peer Reviewer (previous edition)