Ab initio Written task

[Awi]

Could somebody tell me about the written task in Ab initio. What can you write about? How much?etc. Thank you so much

[vals]

Extracts taken from the Language Ab Initio syllabus (2013 onwards):

Written assignment: Students are required to adhere to a word limit of 200–300 words. Students who fail to write the minimum number of words or who exceed the maximum will be deducted 2 marks from
criterion E: language. If the word limit is exceeded, the assessment will be based on the first 300 words.

Objectives

• To develop intercultural understanding by reflecting on differences and similarities between

cultures

• To describe aspects of the target language culture(s)

• To compare aspects of the target language culture(s) with similar aspects in the student’s culture(s)

• To develop language competence

Requirements

The requirements of the written assignment are as follows.

- Length : 200–300 words

- Sources : 2–4 sources in the target language

- Communicative purposes : Description, comparison and reflection

The written assignment should take the form of short written responses under three separate headings in

the target language: A—description, B—comparison, C—reflection.

• Section A: A description of the chosen topic

• Section B: A comparison of the differences and/or similarities between the chosen topic in the target

culture(s) and the student’s culture(s)

• Section C: A reflection related to the chosen topic

The reflection must include answers to all of the following questions.

• Which aspect of your chosen topic surprised you?

• Why do you think these cultural similarities/differences exist?

• What might a person from the target culture(s) find different about your chosen topic in your

culture(s)?

Students who fail to write the minimum number of words or who exceed the maximum will be deducted

2 marks from criterion E: language. If the word limit is exceeded, the assessment will be based on the first

300 words.

You can find all this and more details concerning the written assignment for every Ab Initio target language in the Ab Initio Language guide (easy to find and downloadable, look it up on Google!)

[Guest Marioti]

What language are you taking? If it's spanish I can explain I bit more, but I'm not sure if other languages are the same or not