Simplifying Reflection 2 of the CXC English A SBA

Students who are completing the English A SBA are asked to write three reflections. One in particular is quite challenging to many students - Reflection 2.

What does Reflection 2 entail?

Reflection 2 requires students to comment on the use of language in their chosen pieces. This requirement has plunged some students in a whirlpool of frustration. However, the experience of writing this specific reflection does not have to be overwhelming if students become more aware of what they are expected to do.

Now, it is important for students to realize that the pieces they have selected serve a specific purpose - to communicate information about the students' individual topics. Therefore, if an individual topic focuses on the benefits of social media, for example, then students may come across a poem, article and a picture that provide pertinent information on this topic. 

Reflection 2 requires students to pay attention to the language that is used to convey meaning. The word 'comment' means that students will discuss, evaluate or pass judgement on the impact or effectiveness of the language that is used to communicate meaning or information on their topic.

Quite simply, reflection 2 tests students ability to recognise the way writers write or the way speakers speak and how this is helpful in communicating meaning or the writer's purpose.

Why do students face challenges?

1. Some students might experience challenges if they select pieces that are difficult. It is recommended that they choose pieces that will make the process of identifying and commenting on the use of language in their pieces an easy one.  Avoid choosing pieces that are too long or which are composed of complex words or jargon.
2. Another challenge can be attributed to the fact that some students have not made reading and reflecting on what they have read a habit and so they are not readily able to zero in on how written, spoken and visual communication is used to present meaning. The reflection requires students to think critically and this a skill that has to be engaged consistently.

AREAS OF CONCERN

CXC has highlighted a few examples of mistakes that students have made when writing reflection 2. I have listed the main ones below.

1. Students identify the use of language but do not give specific examples.

2.  Students comment generally about the figures of speech or persuasive techniques they have identified. For example, if repetition is used in a poem, it is not enough to say: Repetition is used to emphasize the point that the writer is trying to make. What point is the writer making? Consider another example: The writer uses simile to show how the speaker is feeling.  Again, how is the speaker feeling? Here is yet another example: The speaker uses evidence to make the point he wants to communicate clearer to the  listener.  What point? In what way is it clear?

Stay away from generic/vague comments like these.

What is meant by 'use of language'?

This is not limited to the use of Standard English. For reflection 2, use of language refers to the use of literary devices, figures of speech, persuasive techniques, narrative techniques or dramatic techniques. 

You know how writers or speakers have a way with words, right? Well, reflection 2 challenges you to be attentive to the way they use these words.

Check out below specific aspects of language you should be on the look out for as you read, listen or view the artefacts you have chosen for your specific topic.

Poem: diction(word choice), tone, structure(free verse, dramatic monologue, sonnet), figures of speech/literary devices(simile, metaphor, imagery, personification, repetition, imagery etc.)

Article: statistics, facts, use of examples, definitions, expert opinions, quotes, rhetorical questions,  personal experience, text features like bold headings, bullet points, captions

Songs: diction, figures of speech (simile, metaphor, personification, imagery, rhyme, use of dialect etc), tone

Video: statistics, expert opinion, facts/evidence, quotes, headings, bullet points, literary devices and much more

Short Story: point of view, dialogue, twist, flashback, literary devices like contrast, irony etc

There are many other types of material you can source, but the ones I have shared should give you an idea of what to look out for as you go about searching for the use of language in your pieces so you can comment on or evaluate how it is used in conveying meaning.

COMMENTING ON LANGUAGE

Students are encouraged to be as SPECIFIC as possible. If the piece is on a specific topic, the commentary on language should reflect this.

SAMPLE COMMENTARIES

Note a few short samples of commentary below. 

1. Martin Carter repeats the expression 'This is the Dark Time, My Love" to highlight that the presence of the British soldiers in the country has resulted in trauma, devastation and anguish. Through the use of repetition it is seen that the citizens and country are going through a dreadful period and life as they know it has changed. (In this example, the commentary focuses on the use of a repetition.)

2. The picture on the front page of the Daily Moon captures quite vividly how devastating a hurricane has been to the community of Glendon and reinforces that it is not something to be taken lightly. The picture shows cars and houses submerged in water as a result of flooding. This image fills the viewer with horror because the picture reveals that the passage of a hurricane can result in the destruction of people's possessions or property. (In this example, the commentary is focused on the use of a picture in conveying the impact of a hurricane.)

3. The writer's reference to the study conducted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the impact of COVID-19 on pre-schools is done to provide evidence on how devastating the pandemic has been to students and teachers at the early childhood level. It establishes the information as credible because it is based on facts or research. (In this example, the commentary is focused on the use of a study.)

Word Limit: Keep in mind the prescribed word count - 150 words per reflection. This means no more than 50 words of commentary are needed for each piece. Select the strongest devices or techniques and be as clear as possible in your commentary.

REMINDER: It might be difficult to identify and comment on language in your pieces if you don't know what to look out for, so be very keen on reviewing concepts such as literary devices, text features and persuasive techniques. 

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