Clarification details
Updated September 2015. This document has been updated to address issues that have arisen from moderation.
Focus of the standard
Students will produce one piece of written media text. The focus is on students applying their understanding of conventions of media writing through a writing process from developing ideas to final copy, to meet the requirements of a set brief. This suggests that by Level 8, students are familiar with the conventions of a medium and are able to apply them confidently and skilfully.
The brief
Students are required to produce a written media text which meets the requirements of the brief. Teachers need to ensure that the brief will provide students with sufficient detail and scope to allow them to produce a media text that is suitable for Level 8 of the curriculum. Text types such as brochures and one-page press releases do not contain the complexity required for this level of work.
Teachers should ensure that the written media texts the students produce do not contain material that may be considered inappropriate for the target audience, particularly for a school audience or members of the community. This could include reference to adult themes (e.g. suicide or self-harm) and/or other sensitive topics.
Conventions of media writing
Students should demonstrate understanding of the conventions of the particular text type that the brief requires. For example, if they are writing a feature article, students need to demonstrate the conventions associated with feature articles, rather than using the term ‘feature article’ to mean any type of writing found in a magazine.
A key convention of feature writing is the importance of interviews and research. Students should ensure that they choose topics that allow them to conduct research and interviews for themselves, rather than summarize what is on the internet, e.g. medical research, depression, or stories about celebrities.
Screenwriting vs shooting scripts
A significant convention of screenplays is the use of industry-set formatting which is designed to enable the flow and understanding of the story. Screenplays should not contain camera work, editing directions or other notes for the director. A shooting script, which may contain the aspects above, is more appropriate for the Achievement Standard 91494.
Importance of revision
The process of drafting is important to avoid errors such as grammar, syntax and spelling. It is also important in helping to show the deliberate and effective selection of writing conventions required for Merit and Excellence.