Language: Textual Variations
Textual variations is the A-level English Language study of how texts differ according to their mode, genre, purpose, audience and context, and how these factors shape lexical, grammatical and graphological choices. It underpins the analytical and comparative data-response questions found across A-level English Language exam papers.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Identify the mode of each text: is it spoken, written, or a written representation of speech such as a transcript?
- Identify the text's purpose, e.g. to inform, persuade, instruct, entertain or represent, and its intended audience.
- Note the text's genre and any relevant context of production, i.e. who produced it, when, where and why.
- Analyse lexical and semantic choices, considering how word choice reflects register (formal or informal) and field.
- Analyse grammatical and, where relevant, phonological or graphological features, linking each to mode, purpose or audience.
- Use precise linguistic terminology throughout and support every point with a short, accurately quoted example.
Worked example
Text X is a formal email from a headteacher to parents announcing a new uniform policy; Text Y is an informal message between two parents reacting to the news. Compare how mode and purpose shape each text's register.
- Identify mode: both are written, but Text X is a formal, planned institutional email; Text Y is informal, unplanned digital messaging.
- Identify purpose: Text X aims to inform and instruct; Text Y aims to express reaction and maintain a social relationship (phatic talk).
- Compare lexis: Text X likely uses formal, institutional vocabulary; Text Y likely uses colloquialisms and emotive lexis.
- Compare grammar: Text X likely uses complete, complex sentences and formal phrasing such as 'parents are requested to'; Text Y likely uses ellipsis and minor sentences.
- Link findings to audience: the headteacher addresses parents as an institutional authority, while the parents address each other as social equals, explaining the contrasting registers.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Read this short extract from a formal job rejection letter: 'We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful on this occasion.' Identify one linguistic feature that constructs formality and explain its effect.
Compare the likely lexical choices of a formal charity appeal letter and an informal social media post on the same topic, both asking for donations after a flood. Give two lexical differences and explain each.
Two texts report the same event: a formal news article and an informal spoken retelling between friends. Analyse how graphological features of the news article and discourse features of the spoken retelling might differ, using appropriate terminology.
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