Grouping

Text A - Legal & General,
Text D - Education Bill

In both texts, the writers use low frequency lexis that requires pragmatic understanding from their readers. Text A uses the low frequency noun 'performer' as a pun, and in order for readers to understand both meanings - financial and theatrical - they must have an understanding of both pragmatic meanings. The theatrical connotations of 'performer' should be understood clearly because of where the advert is found: in a programme for the Globe. Visitors of the Globe should have positive connotations of the word, as they are likely frequent theater-goers, who are affluent enough to be able to afford the experience. It is this affluence and appreciation of theatrical performances that allows Legal & General to play on this pun as a persuasive tool, gaining readers' trust and therefore their money, because they themselves are 'all-round performer[s]'.
   Conversely, text D uses highly formal low frequency terms within the lexical field of  law such as 'institutions'and 'provision' as a means of gaining clarity. The Education Bill is a legal document and so it is important that it reads as is intended, without ambiguity. Low frequency lexis allows correspondents to be clear on what the Bill means and to take it seriously. The formality implied by making reference to 'institutions providing higher education' means that whoever is reading the text will infer its importance. 'Institutions' also allows for the text to be more concise because the reader will have a pragmatic understanding of what comes under the umbrella term. Rather than listing the various forms of higher education, the writer is able to cover them quickly. Since it is a legal document, it is important that there be clarity - the reader does not need to scan over a list of institutions because they are all covered.