How to Write a Written Task 1 Rationale

Written tasks

• The old course (2013 - 2020 exams)
• Assessment (2020 exams)
• Written tasks

Throughout this course, you will build a portfolio of written tasks. There are two types of written tasks, known as written task 1 (WT1) and written task 2 (WT2). These are very different in nature.

Written task 1 is an 'imaginative piece' in which you demonstrate your understanding of the course work and a type of text. For example you could write a letter from one character to another character from a novel that you have read for Part 3 or 4. Or you could write a journalistic review of a speech that was studied in Part 1 or 2. Because the possibilities are endless, it is easy to write irrelevant work. Therefore it is important that you look at several samples and several tips for guidance on the written task 1.

Written task 2 pertains to HL students only. It is a critical response to a text or texts, written in light of one of six prescribed questions from the IB Language A: Language and Literature guide. These questions can be answered using texts from all parts of the syllabus.

Remember: An essay is not an acceptable type of text for the written task 1. Students are encouraged to step into someone's shoes, explore a different role and practice writing different types of texts. The Paper 2 and the written task 2 provide opportunities for students to practice essay writing.

WT1 basics

	Part 1	Part 2	Part 3	Part 4
Minimal in portfolio	1 (+1)*		1 (+1)
To submit to IB	1
Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1	1
To submit	1*		1*

* At SL students must have written at least three written tasks 1s. One must be on Parts 1 and 2, one must be on Parts 3 and 4, and the other can be on any part. Again this is a minimum requirement.

* One of the two tasks submitted at HL is a written task 1 and the other is a written task 2, meaning that HL students submit either 'possibility 1' or 'possibility 2' from the table below.

HL only	Parts 1 & 2	Parts 3 & 4
Possibility 1	written task 1	written task 2
Possibility 2	written task 2	written task 1

		Part 1	Part 2	Part 3	Part 4
SL	Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1
	To submit	1
HL	Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1	1
	To submit	1*		1*

		Part 1	Part 2	Part 3	Part 4
SL	Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1
	To submit	1
HL	Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1	1
	To submit	1*		1*

 WT1: what it is and what it is not

The written task 1 can be difficult to write, if you do not understand the nature of the task. Here is a table to clarify this form of assessment.

What it is not	What it is
A creative writing assignment WT1 is not the opportunity to write a fantastical short story, a hypothetical play script or a cryptic poem. If you want to write a new ending to a novel or a missing chapter, it has to be in the spirit of the author's intentions. WT1 is not solely the product of your imagination.	A type of text Instead, you have to show that you have understood a 'text type'. Each text has structural conventions. For example, if you write a speech, it has to have rhetorical devices that are characteristic of speech writing. Be sure that the text type lends itself well to the content you are writing about. Study a few examples of the text type that you want to write.
Out of context It is not enough to state in your rationale, "I'm writing a opinion column about advertising." In which magazine or newspaper does your column appear? Is it in the style of a particular columnist?	In context Place your WT1 in a context. For example, if you want to write an opinion column about advertising, write about a particular ad campaign that has received attention in the news. Imitate the style of a famous columnist. What would he/she say in response to a topic?
A persuasive essay WT1 is not a test of your opinion. This is not your chance to vent your frustrations about a particular topic that you feel passionate about.	An understanding of course work Instead, WT1 is a test of the course work. How will you demonstrate your understanding of language and/or literature? Is your written task rooted in a particular text?
A summary Examiners are not interested in reading the summary of a text that you read. This is not a 'book report'.	An interpretation There should be some evidence of critical thinking. For example, writing a letter from one character to another provides you the chance to show that you've understood the work thoroughly.

WT2 basics (HL only)

		Part 1	Part 2	Part 3	Part 4
SL	Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1
	To submit	1
HL	Minimal in portfolio	1	1	1	1
	To submit	1*		1*

How to Write a Written Task 1 Rationale

Source: https://www.thinkib.net/englishalanglit/page/2536/written-tasks

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