Question 1 Directed Writing: Analysing the Question | English Language for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Question 1 Directed Writing: What the Question is Asking

Question 1 on Paper 2 is the Directed Writing question and it is mandatory. Your writing will be based on one or two reading passages, and you will need to compose a speech, letter, or article.
The following guide will assist you in answering Question 1: Directed Writing effectively. It covers:

• An overview of Question 1
• Breaking down the question
• Language, audience, and purpose
• Steps to success
• Exam tips

Overview

Question 1 primarily assesses your writing abilities, drawing from one or two reading texts. Out of 40 marks available, 25 are allocated for writing skills, and 15 for reading skills.
Your task involves utilizing, evaluating, and expanding upon information and ideas from the reading text(s) to compose a letter, article, or speech. It's encouraged to employ skills akin to those demonstrated in Paper 1, Question 3, such as conveying responses in your own words. Direct quoting or replication of text verbatim isn't assessed.
You should aim for a piece of writing between 250 and 350 words, equivalent to 1½ to 2 sides of A4 in standard handwriting. To achieve the highest marks, you must demonstrate proficiency in the following skills:

• Effective Writing Style (W1): Showcase the capacity to write with nuance, effectively conveying subtle meanings.
• Careful Structural Organization (W2): Structure your writing meticulously to enhance readability and comprehension for your reader.
• Utilization of Sophisticated Vocabulary (W3): Employ a diverse range of sophisticated vocabulary, ensuring precise and accurate usage.
• Appropriate Language and Tone (W4): Write with highly effective language and tone suitable for your intended audience and purpose.
• Exceptional Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation (W5): Strive for impeccable accuracy in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, with virtually no errors.
• Evaluation of Ideas and Opinions (R1-R3): Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate both explicit and implicit ideas and opinions presented in the text(s).
• Integration of Textual Ideas for a Sophisticated Response (R3 and R5): Assimilate ideas from the text(s) to craft a developed and sophisticated response, showcasing a deep understanding of the material.

Breaking down the question

In Question 1, a scenario based on the themes of the reading text(s) is provided. The context, writing format, and audience are specified. Approach the question by conducting a thorough reading of the task and identifying the "3 Ws" or conducting a GAP analysis.

For example:

Allocate 15-20 minutes for reading and planning and 40-45 minutes for writing your response. Reserve a few minutes for reviewing your work at the end.

Language, Audience, and Purpose

Your task's audience comprises the recipients or intended audience for your writing. Your ability to tailor your language and tone to suit this audience is part of what's being evaluated.
For example:

• Parents typically prioritize different concerns and hold different values compared to students.
• To sway a local MP, factual evidence is crucial in persuading them.
• Emotive language tends to resonate more with readers of a local newspaper.
• When addressing a headteacher or someone in authority, a letter should employ formal, respectful language devoid of aggression or inappropriateness.
• Tailoring to teenagers necessitates relatable content, making personal anecdotes particularly effective.

Directly engaging with your audience or reader is an effective strategy for persuading them to align with your perspective or recognize its merit. Inclusive language, like "we" and "us," or terms such as "fellow students" or "parents," can further enhance this persuasion. While maintaining Standard English is essential, the level of formality required should align with the specific task.
For example:
Question 1 will prompt you to write with a defined purpose, requiring a discursive, argumentative, or persuasive approach using original language. Your capacity to choose pertinent language techniques and utilize them adeptly will be evaluated. A helpful acronym to recall essential language techniques for this writing style is DAN FOREST PIE.
You could also consider using:

It's crucial to thoroughly contemplate the task's purpose. "Expressing your views" on a topic could involve explaining your perspective, advocating your stance, or convincing your audience to align with your viewpoint. Above all, your language and tone must align with your intended audience and objective.
Primarily, ensure your arguments and perspective are grounded in the reading passages provided. Failing to provide a concise summary of the key points in the text(s) will result in lower marks.

Steps to Success

• Read the task carefully:
  • Identify and highlight what you are writing, who you are writing for and why you are writing
  • Also highlight the main focus in each bullet point in the task
• Read the text(s):
  • Highlight evidence or information relevant to the focus of each bullet point
• Plan your response:
  • Turn what you have highlighted in the text(s) into bullet points, summarizing the information or idea in your own words
• Make your point of view clear in your introduction:
  • When writing a letter, clearly state the purpose, reason, and your perspective.
  • When composing a speech, introduce your audience to the topic and express your viewpoint.
  • For articles, craft an engaging introduction that captivates readers while conveying your stance.
• Commence each paragraph with a suitable connecting phrase and a topic sentence.
• Elaborate on each paragraph meticulously:
  • Base your arguments on the text's information or ideas, implying a thorough understanding.
  • Acknowledge that your insights stem from the passage itself.
  • Clarify your thoughts effectively.
  • Evaluate your point with coherent and compelling reasoning.
  • Ensure comprehensive development of each point before transitioning to the next.
  • Allocate time for reviewing your work, rectifying any evident errors.

Exam tips

• Utilize a diverse range of sentence structures and vocabulary to enhance the quality of your writing.
• Organize your thoughts effectively to present compelling arguments and engage your audience.
• Avoid directly copying content from your reading materials as it can limit your scores in both reading and writing.
• Refrain from quoting or simply restating ideas from the texts; instead, carefully select and analyze pertinent points.
• Remember, your task is not to summarize the texts but to critically evaluate the ideas presented.
• It's crucial to plan your responses in advance, identifying implicit meanings within the text.
• Employ rhetorical devices like questions or exclamations to strengthen your arguments and persuade your readers.
• Ensure that you assess and build upon the ideas within the texts to construct your own viewpoint.
• Adhere to the recommended word limit to avoid negative impacts on your scoring.