What are presentational features and how do you use them to answer analyse texts?

Presentational features refer to the way a text is set out on a page, which can include for example the use of images and colour, logos, slogans, shapes, font style and size etc. You need to demonstrate to the examiner that you have the ability to critically evaluate these features and not just identify them- what I call 'feature spotting'. Feature spotting and lack of justification/ an explanation immediately limits you to a lower band in terms of grades and marks. If you are analysing an advert, ask yourself why have these specific presentational features been used? What may be the intentions of the advert creator? Who are they targeting? When was the advert created? Are the presentational features you have identified relevant to these and other contextual factors?Refer to G.A.S.P (Genre, Audience, Subject and Purpose) to draw subtle and varied links to the presentational features, and convince the examiner that you are fully engaging with the data.Use the P.E.E.L (Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link) system to do this and create a well-structured response. 

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Answered by Safiyyah H. English Language tutor

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