Communications

=F1KY 09 Digital Communication Methods and D01B 10 Communications=

These core units are fairly similar so teaching a bi-level Int 1 / Int 2 class should be possible. Digital Communications has the focus on reading non-fiction texts about a method of digital communication, whereas the Communications unit just specifies a non-fiction text. It is possible to use more advanced texts about digital communications for the Communications unit to make teaching bi-level easier.

Both units have similar structure: Outcome 1 is reading, Outcome 2 is writing and Outcome 3 is speaking.

**Performance Criteria**
(a) Select a digital communication method to investigate from a limited range supplied and explain reasons for choice. (b) Read a brief text about the digital communication method chosen. (c) Identify the significant ideas or main points of information in the text. (d) Make a basic evaluation of the text supported by a single piece of evidence.

The text will be brief, clearly presented and contain several items information about a digital communication method. The content will be expressed in a uncomplicated way and the key points will be explicit. Sentences will be simple in structure vocabulary used will be familiar to the candidate. Candidates are required to highlight or main points in the text and evaluate the relevance of the text using two simple criteria provided to the candidate.

The candidate’s investigation of a digital communication method should include a variety graphical and pictorial representations which offer a range of reading demands, The type could include reference books; instruction leaflets and/or product manuals on-line or paper-supported (where applicable) by simple photographs; short video clips or podcasts.

**P** **erformance Criteria**
a) Identify the purpose of a communication and justify in terms of the main conventions used. b) Identify significant information, ideas and supporting details and provide a basic explanation of their relationships. c) Draw inferences from the communication about the writer’s point of view and justify with reference to the text. d) Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication in meeting its purpose.

**E** **vidence Requirements**
Written and/or spoken evidence that on one occasion the candidate has understood, analysed and evaluated an appropriate non-fiction text and has achieved all the performance criteria. All the performance criteria must be met within one task.

**Accessible written communication**
Non-fiction texts must be used. Texts will be accessible and deal with content which the candidate may have encountered through personal experience, an area of study or the work setting. The communication will combine factual content with analysis or present a sustained point of view or central argument. The text may sometimes feature unfamiliar, abstract ideas and some complexity in tone. Complex sentences and some complex/specialist vocabulary will be used and paragraph structures will allow for exemplification and analysis.

Non-fiction texts must be used. Candidates’ reading should include a variety of texts and graphical and pictorial representations which offer a range of reading demands, e.g. books; newspapers and magazines; pamphlets; notices; advertisements; instructions; graphs; diagrams; tables; charts; and reports. The text may be related to the candidate’s personal interests or to an area of study or the work setting. The text should convey several sets of information/aspects of content. Texts <span style="word-spacing: 0px; font: 13px/19px 'Times New Roman'; text-transform: none; color: rgb(0,0,0); text-indent: 0px; white-space: normal; letter-spacing: normal; border-collapse: separate; text-align: left; orphans: 2; widows: 2; webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; webkitborderhorizontalspacing: 0px; webkitborderverticalspacing: 0px; webkittextdecorationsineffect: none; webkittextsizeadjust: auto;">can include newspaper/journal feature articles; brochures advertising services or facilities (e.g. financial, health, leisure); reports or articles relating to a work setting; extracts from longer works of non-fiction; letters. Texts may also include images, e.g. diagrams, maps, charts, tables, sketches or photographs.

The // purpose // of the communication can be to present and analyse information and/or develop a point of view. The communication may have more than one purpose, e.g. to inform or report; to discuss; to persuade; to express feelings or reactions; to share an experience; to entertain; to evaluate.

Conventions : candidates should not only identify purpose by referring to the main content, but also to likely audience and these aspects of the form which make clear what type of text it is. In practice, candidates may reasonably be expected to mention aspects of layout, including any graphic material, key phrases that help to identify the purpose and words that convey an appropriate formality. In // evaluating // the text, the candidate should analyse its strengths and weaknesses and comment on the effectiveness of the communication in meeting its purpose. At this level //, // reference to the text should not only focus on content but should involve comment on tone, use of vocabulary and register.

Performance Criteria
(a) The report structure lists the key features clearly and concisely. (b) The report is appropriate for the needs of the audience. (c) Spelling, punctuation and syntax are sufficiently accurate to convey meaning.

Performance Criteria
(a) The key features are clearly and concisely presented. (b) Delivery of the presentation is appropriate for the needs of the audience. (c) Use a digital presentation tool effectively to deliver the presentation. (d) Responses take account of the contribution of others.

P **erformance Criteria**
a) The techniques are appropriate to the writer’s purpose and audience and are used consistently and effectively. b) All essential ideas/information contributing to the main purpose of the communication are expressed accurately and coherently. c) Structure takes account of purpose and audience and clearly delineates the points it presents. d) Spelling, punctuation and syntax are consistently accurate; sentence structure, paragraphing and vocabulary are varied to suit purpose and audience.

**E** **vidence Requirements**
One piece of written evidence or a portfolio of thematically linked pieces which show that the candidate has achieved all the performance criteria. The piece, or pieces taken together, should amount to no fewer than 500 words. Where a portfolio of evidence is used, it should consist of one main piece of well-structured written communication. Further linked pieces ofwriting should be included to show the development of the main piece.

**Well structured written communication**
The candidate will produce well structured written communication which either presents and analyses information with the selection and highlighting of the most significant or develops opinions and/or ideas with supporting evidence. The communication will be organised into a logical structure and layout. Word choice and any use of graphics or pictures will be appropriate to purpose, context and target audience. Appropriate techniques and structures will be used accurately with some use of complex/specialist vocabulary. Sentences will show accurate handling of clauses and linkages between sentences will be clear. Paragraphing will reflect a developing line of thought. Although a few errors may be present, these will not be significant in any way.

**Performance Criteria**
a) Use of vocabulary and a range of spoken language structures is appropriate to purpose and audience. b) The communication conveys all essential information, opinions or ideas with supporting detail accurately and coherently. c) Skill in sequencing and linking information, opinions and/or ideas is shown. d) Delivery takes account of situation and audience. e) Responses take account of the contributions of other(s).

**E** **vidence Requirements**
All the performance criteria must be met in one spoken interaction (discussion or presentation) involving significant contributions and interaction with one or more people. A brief note of context and source will accompany the evidence, which could take the form of a checklist or recording. An individual presentation should last for a minimum of four minutes with additional time for questions.

**In a spoken interaction at this level:**
The candidate will convey all essential information, opinions or ideas with sequencing and linking appropriate to purpose and situation. The use of vocabulary, register and structure will meet a clear purpose and be varied as necessary. Some specialist vocabulary may be included where appropriate to purpose and audience. Delivery will be audible with pace, toneand modulation adjusted to the needs of the group or audience. Appropriate use will be made of non-verbal conventions. The candidate will respond to points of view and/or questions from others.