Writing skills... Prep for your mock

Valentine’s day: good or bad? Discuss!

SPaG How and when do you use an apostrophe? What is a simple sentence? What is a complex sentence? What is a compound sentence? What is parenthesis? Write me a sentence starting with an adverb Write me a sentence starting with a verb What are the definitions of there, they’re and their? When do you use a semi-colon? When do you use a colon?

Common issues with writing in exams: Lack of order and written control (stream of consciousness!) Random points Going OTT in letters Little attention to writing construction Writing like you speak Lack of reasoning to support your points Incorrect judgement of GAP Lack of creativity in entertainment writing Sloppy errors with paragraphing and SPaG Poor linking between paragraphs

QUESQUESFOARR Quotes Use of direct address Emotive language Sentence length (short for impact, long for detail) Questions Use of triplicates/rule of 3 Emotive pics (for articles etc) Statistics Facts Opinions Anecdotes Rhetorical question Repetition

How can we address these?

7 golden minutes! Minute one: idea one with evidence/reasoning Minute two: idea two with evidence/reasoning Minute three: idea three with evidence/reasoning Minute four: idea four with evidence/reasoning Minute five: idea five with evidence/reasoning Minute 6: order you points Minute 7: recap key assessment details/tick list

Let’s have a go at the 7 golden minutes A student once said ‘Valentine’s day is an absolute waste of time, it just makes everyone miserable’ Write an article for your school newspaper expressing your view on Valentine’s Day

Genre requirements Letter article text for a leaflet text of a speech essay

Audience The exam board tell us that the audience will always be formal! How can we recognise audience in the way we write? Vocabulary choice Relevant references to the audience Address them if relevant! The complexity of style

Purpose Consider why you are writing your piece: Using language for impact  writing to explain  writing to instruct/advise  writing to argue  writing to persuade They will always be encouraging you to give your viewpoint, however the approach you use to do this will change.

Structure of ALL non-fiction texts Zoom out... A general hook and introduction to whatever you are writing about Zoom in... Look at a range of points and arguments Supported by evidence And explanations... sound familiar?! Bring your ideas together with a final flourish!

Write a letter to your local newspaper where you argue for or against a recent statement in the paper that claimed ‘Giving to charity is futile’

Developing a paragraph: All paragraphs should aim to develop points with clear reasoning/evidence/proof: see the example below that uses an expert view Whilst it is clear that people intend to do the best thing when giving to charity, the shocking thing is they are actually facilitating poverty. When people rely on others they lose their own intrinsic motivation to make a change. They have no reason to take action and improve their lives for the better. This is supported by US-Senegalese rapper Akon who has launched an ambitious energy project in Africa.  He states: “I think [charity] just holds the people down longer than it should. I think the only way to build Africa is to build for-profit businesses that create opportunities and jobs for the people locally.” He claims that money should be used to start up projects run by Africans for Africans and through this jobs and opportunities will open up allowing Africa to thrive from increasing internal motivation rather than external intervention. This is surely more sustainable and valuable?

Finally ensure you hook in the reader and leave them satisfied! Your writing should be line a great meal You need to hook in your reader with a starter. Try a statistic or a question if an article or speech. In a letter instantly hook the reader by a clear focus on topic, You then have your main course. This should have substance. No one wants just the bread or the side salad! Ensure you have lots of detail and depth and garnish with appropriate techniques. Finally you have dessert! This is where you seal the tip! Therefore end on a pow and a flourish...