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

Introduction

In Section B of Paper 2, you'll have four titles to choose from: Questions 2 and 3 will focus on descriptive writing, while Questions 4 and 5 will center on narrative writing. Each option carries a 40-mark value, and you're required to select only one (either descriptive or narrative). While descriptive writing incorporates narrative elements, and vice versa, it's crucial to recognize the distinction between the two styles of writing and tailor your responses accordingly. Therefore, carefully consider all four choices before deciding which one will showcase your writing skills most effectively.
The following guide will help you to understand what the descriptive writing question is asking. It is broken down into:

• Overview
• Breaking down the question
• Exam tips

Overview

You will have the choice between two descriptive writing titles or scenarios (Question 2 and Question 3). Your task is to compose a piece ranging from 350 to 450 words, equivalent to about 2-3 sides of A4 paper in standard handwriting. The time allotted for this task is one hour. Your work will be evaluated based on content, structure (up to 16 marks), style, and accuracy (up to 24 marks). In descriptive writing, your focus should be on:
Remember, in descriptive writing, your goal is to help the reader visualize what you are describing. It's advisable to dedicate 15 minutes to selecting your task and planning your writing, and the remaining 45 minutes to writing your response (with an additional 5 minutes at the end for reviewing and editing).

Breaking down the question

Before beginning your composition, it's essential to meticulously deliberate on the two question options and map out your approach, including the intended conclusion. Ponder how you can craft a persuasive and innovative narrative, focusing on detail, vocabulary, and sentence structures to achieve specific impacts.
The examples below are a selection of past CIE descriptive writing tasks:

Exam Tips

• Ensure your responses are not overly reliant on narrative for structure. This can lead to answers lacking descriptive depth.
• Focus on creating descriptions that are detailed and content-rich. Strive to incorporate vivid and unique imagery instead of clichéd ideas.
• Choose your words carefully to shape the desired atmosphere and impact of your writing.
• Avoid mixing tenses within a paragraph. Maintain consistency, especially when using flashbacks or present tense for effect.
• Avoid incorporating dialogue in descriptive pieces. Descriptive writing prioritizes imagery over character interaction or background information.
• When portraying individuals, emphasize their body language and movements to bring them to life.
• Adopt varying perspectives within your descriptions, akin to adjusting a camera lens for different angles.
• Introduce movement in your descriptions to create contrast and sustain reader interest.
• Utilize sensory language to evoke specific moods, adjusting focus and perspective as your narrative unfolds.
• Diversify your sentence and paragraph lengths to maintain a dynamic style and tone.
• Repetition of color-related ideas can be impactful. Highlight key details, such as the color of rooftops, to reinforce themes.
• Remember, descriptive writing is not a narrative that necessitates a conclusive "happy ending."