Learning Objective To know how to write for different purposes

English Language Section B: Writing In Section B of your exam you will have to complete a Writing Task. You must also learn the techniques required for the format stated in the question. This could be to write a letter, a leaflet, a newspaper or magazine article,  and so on. Finally, you need to be able to adapt your writing to suit the audience. Do this by carefully selecting your vocabulary, as well as appropriate tone and language devices. You should aim to write 1.5 – 2 pages. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are important in this exam so make sure you have enough time at the end of your exam to check through your answer. This section is worth a total of 24 marks.

Writing to Argue You are writing to disagree with something Your audience will usually be someone of authority, like an MP, policeman or head teacher. This means it must be very formal and use standard English. You must be forceful but not too aggressive. Your argument must be well structured into linked paragraphs. Your writing should be direct and clear, using evidence to support all of your points Use persuasive techniques

Writing to Argue Writing Frame: Introduction – explain why are you writing. Content – provide evidence for your argument and use persuasive techniques Conclusion – State what you want to happen.

Writing to Persuade You are writing to convince someone to agree with you It should be formal – use standard English. You want to win people over – the tone should be inviting and not aggressive. Make your points clearly and acknowledge your audience. Vary your sentence structure to make it interesting to read.

Writing to Persuade Writing Frame: Introduction – explain why you are writing and who you are writing to. Information – present your case and use a variety of persuasive devices to win your audience over. Conclusion – summarize the details and sign off in a formal but friendly way.

Writing to Advise Offer advice – do not persuade or argue; you should be impartial Writing should be clearly structured and easy to follow. Perhaps with subheadings for extra clarity. The writing should be fluid – make use of discourse markers and varied vocabulary. Use standard English Your advice should make sense and promote the success of the reader

Writing to Advise Writing Frame: Introduce the topic in a clear and straightforward way. Expand on the subject – offer impartial advice about different elements and how difficulties can be tackled. Write a brief conclusion to round off the writing, perhaps words of encouragement would be appropriate (dependant on the given audience)

Writing to Inform / Explain / Describe Which of these is informing / explaining / describing?

Writing to Inform / Explain / Describe

Writing to Inform / Explain / Describe Describing - you are telling the doctor how you feel. Informing - the doctor gives you the facts. Explaining - the doctor explains what a cold is and tells you a little bit more about it. These areas do tend to overlap, but you should keep in mind that: Information is factual. Explanation is factual, but with more detail. Description is usually about how something makes you feel.

Writing to Inform Use straight forward language – get directly to the point Use commands: ‘Take out the fish’. Write in the present tense. Use some short sentences when writing instructions. When writing instructions use connectives: firstly, next, after…

Writing to Explain You are writing to people you assume will be interested in the topic Be certain why you are writing to them, eg "being fair is a good quality in a carer because...“ You break your topic into sections to explain each part It should be accessible – use standard English and clear to your audience. Vary your vocabulary and sentence structure.

Writing to Describe Use poetic / language features to create vivid images for the reader Give lots of precise detail about the given topic Consider thoughts and feelings Use adjectives and adverbs to add detail Use standard English Use paragraphs and link with discourse markers

Writing to Analyse / Review / Comment Analyse: ‘to examine something by dividing it into separate parts, in order to learn about its qualities or meaning.’ Review: ‘to consider and judge carefully’ Comment: opinion, explanation of judgement made about an event, person or situation.

Writing to Review The writing should be lively – varied vocabulary / sentence structure and discourse markers. The writing must show considered judgement – look at both sides of an argument, consider all the evidence. Use standard English, though the occasional ‘slang’ term may be appropriate dependant on topic.

Writing to Comment This asks for a more personal opinion that reviewing or analysing You must give a well considered personal assessment of the given topic Avoid summarizing, consider all the evidence and provide a personal comment

Writing to Analyse / Review / Comment When writing an article: Include a catchy headline You can divide your paragraphs into sub headings to clarify structure. Give clear information Keep writing interesting – vary sentence structure and vocabulary Use discourse markers Use standard English but maintain a friendly tone.

Writing to Analyse / Review / Comment When writing an article: Write confidently to gain the trust of the reader Use words like ‘could’ ‘might’ ‘perhaps’ to keep suggestions open.

Persuasive Techniques Rhetorical Questions Personal Pronouns (I, We, You, Us) Simile / Metaphor Rule of 3 Anecdote Persuasive Techniques Facts / Statistics Repetition Opinions Emotive Language Exaggeration

Poetic / Language devices Imagery Symbolism Simile Metaphor Oxymoron Poetic / Language devices Hyperbole (exaggeration) Repetition Onomatopoeia Personification Alliteration