Topic Two (1.2): Context, Audience and Purpose: GASP

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

As discussed in the previous topic, anything you may read or hear counts as a possible ‘text’ in English Language, but every text exists within a particular context. ‘Context’ refers to any of the circumstances surrounding the text, for example the situation in which it was written or is being used, relevant details about the writer (if these are available) and the subject of the text. The amount of information about these factors varies from text to text.

There are however four key elements you should always consider when analysing a text (or which you should plan around, if you are writing your own text). A useful way to think about it is that any text has been written/should be written:

  • in a certain GENRE;
  • for a specific AUDIENCE;
  • about a particular SUBJECT; and
  • to a achieve a specific PURPOSE (very often multiple purposes).

A good way to remember this is to use the acronym GASP. Pay very close attention to this as you will use it repeatedly throughout the course.

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

You are now ready to begin working with the textbook. Read pages 3 to 7 and make notes.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Complete Activities 1 to 7 from the textbook in your notes. B. In Activity 3 (page 4) the textbook refers to ‘possessive pronouns’ when in fact it should read ‘possessive determiners’. You will learn more about these later in the module.
  • Read carefully through the Student Response on page 4.
  • Pay attention to the ‘Reflection’ activity on page 7.
  • Now read the following PowerPoint to consolidate your understanding of GASP:

READ – How to Use GASP (PowerPoint)

Top Tip Icon.png Top Tip

In the exams, you will be given various details about the context of a text in the preamble to the task, so always read and reflect on this information very carefully before beginning your response.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic and highlight these on your glossary. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.

Consolidate Icon.png Consolidate

Complete the self-assessment checklist on page 7.