Just when you think it can’t get anymore difficult.... Another Mountain to Climb Just when you think it can’t get anymore difficult....

Section B: Writing

So – What does it involve? You will be given a choice of four titles to write about. For example: (a) A tough day (b) It was beautiful (c) Write about a time you were at a Christmas party (d) Write a story which begins: If only I could go back in time... You select ONE to write about

The Finer Details Your writing will need to be a piece of creative prose -this means writing a story! The story will need to be about 500-600 words. You will have 45 minutes to plan and write it. There are 40 marks available (24 marks for communication and organisation and 16 marks for Vocabulary sentence structure, spelling and punctuation)

The Mark Scheme

Let’s take a look at some examples:

What is the recipe for success? You will need to:

Let’s Focus on A06 Punctuation Sentences Vocabulary Spelling

Punctuation Perfection

Punctuation Perfect Punctuation mark Why is it used? Full stop Comma Speech marks Quotation marks Ellipsis Apostrophe Dash Colon Semi colon Exclamation mark Question mark

Spectacular Sentences Sentences are key when developing plot and characters. They help to communicate thoughts and feelings and take the reader on a journey. To secure good marks for A06 you need to show that you can: Vary your sentences for impact and effect. Construct sentences that are controlled and accurate.

Variety is the Spice of Life Simple sentence : contains one main clause English is amazing. 2. Compound Sentence: contains two main clauses connected with a conjunction e.g. and, but, etc English is amazing and everyone at Cardinal Newman loves it. 3. Complex Sentence: contains one main clause and one subordinate clause Whilst there are many subjects to study, English is by far the most amazing.

Let’s take a Look Her eyes faced the lighted exit. I saw her fear. The children were sitting down. None of them had ever touched a live snake. They were hushed with fear. They were waiting for the drama to begin. One or two looked afraid. The attendant took a green snake out of a basket. It was about three feet long. He made a swift movement. He draped the snake around the teacher's neck. She did not have a chance to protest. He stepped back to admire the sight. He looked satisfied. What is the problem with this candidate’s sentence construction?

Making Simple Complex

The Purpose of Sentences Declarative: Give information and make statements e.g. A Christmas Carol is the best book ever written Imperative: Get revising it today. Exclamatory: It’s Amazing! Interrogative: Why waste another second? You need to think about WHAT job you want your sentences to do – this will improve your control.

Try to ensure that every sentence begins in a different way. Why not experiment with some of these techniques:

Time to Experiment

Vivid Vocabulary Examiners will reward candidates who use sophisticated vocabulary choices. You need to have a repertoire of wow words that you can use to convince the examiner that you have star quality.

The Synonym Challenge Words Ambitious Alternatives Happy Sad Angry Scared Worried Big Little Cold Hot Confused Ugly Pretty

Sensational Spelling Top Tips for Super Spelling

Homophone Horrors

30 Spellings that can make a difference to YOUR grade Accessory Argument Attendance Beginning Business Abundance Character Conceit Condemn Consistent Gallop Grateful Guidance Happiness Hypocrite Immediately Irresistible Jealousy Knowledge Mathematics Definite Desperate Disappear Disappearance Especially Exercise Extremely Favourite Frivolous Fulfil