THE AIM: To express an opinion of a book, film, album, programme or play. To adopt an informal style of writing. INCLUDE: Heading (name of the film, book etc.) Background information in opening paragraph (e.g. This is the third book in Rowling’s uber-popular series of magical adventures.) Avoidance of spoilers. Evaluative adjectives Focus on opinion, not plot. Conclusion that compares the work to other similar works, and may give a star rating. FORMAT / LAYOUT: 1.Begin by specifying the name of the reviewed item (film, book, etc.) 2.Indicate author or director’s name. 3.Perhaps indicate a pun in your title – Rowling’s New Work Is Simply Magic! 4.Paragraph your answer – introduction to the series or film, then summary of plot (do not give the ending away.) Finish with whom the book suits, and why. The compare to other similar works. USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE: Comparatives / surname of writer or director / pun in headline that conveys your view / informal style if suitable for audience / contractions / rhetorical questions or hypophora / 1st and 2nd person pronouns / evaluative adjectives / present tense and past tense. English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B

THE AIM: To give information and/or advice concerning an important social issue. To adopt a formal, factual, scientific style of writing (like writing up a Science experiment.) INCLUDE: Discourse markers. Each paragraph could begin with one. A main heading which DOES NOT use a pun, but simply states the topcic of the report. Numbered findings or recommendations. Facts and statistics. Take these from what texts you are given to read in the exam. A clear, sub-headed structure such as AIM / FINDINGS / SOLUTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. FORMAT / LAYOUT: 1.Begin by specifying the aim of the report in its title. 2.Outline the problem or issue that needs to be investigated, and why it needs to be investigated. 3.Outline how that can be investigated. 4.Give your findings. Use bullets or numbers to convey these to the reader. 5.Write a detailed section that uses the findings logically to justify a course of action or recommend what should be done. USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE: Sub-headings / DO NOT refer to yourself, as in ‘I am going to conduct an investigation …’ / Ellipsis (leaving out small words) in the title: Example: Report Into Alcohol Use Amongst Cardiff Citizens / Formal style and vocabulary / No contractions / rhetorical questions in the introduction / Hypophora in the conclusion and solutions that answer the rhetorical questions used to begin /Present tense to discuss facts. English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B

THE AIM: To INFORM, OR PERSUADE, OR ARGUE (which means to address both sides of an issue.) To adopt a style that suits speaking, not writing. INCLUDE: An opening that addresses the audience, before you begin your topic. Make it appropriate (choose from: Fellow Trekkies; Ladies and gentlemen; Members of the School Council.) Clarification of why you are speaking: I stand before you today with the intention to … Discourse markers that show the progression of your argument or reasons. A slogan or memorable phrase in summary to finish. FORMAT / LAYOUT: 1.Begin by welcoming your audience. 2.Outline the reason for your speech, and the aim you hope to achieve. 3.Use antithesis – I’m not going to try to tell you that … But I do want to … 4.Make at least three clear, separate points that support your view / opinion. 5.Use words like ‘And’ to begin sentences, as it’s a speech, not an essay. 6.Conclude with thanks for attention, and a slogan that sums up your point. USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE: Rhetorical questions / hypophora / humour / repetition (if it’s worth saying, it’s worth saying twice) / facts and statistics to support your points (make them up if you have to) / anecdotes or personal experience / modal verbs / contractions (suit speech) / slogan. English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B

THE AIM: To DEBATE and INFORM concerning a modern and perhaps controversial issue, with reasons given for views. To adopt a style that suits the text and audience stated. INCLUDE: A main heading that establishes topic. Example: Mobile Madness or Modern Must-Have? You can use a pun if you prefer to show off. Example: A Whole Lot of Phone! Or ‘Fone-Tastic!’ Your name beneath the heading, as if a reporter. An introduction that engages the reader, perhaps by asking them if they have ever experienced what you are about to write about. A conclusion – this can be balanced, so as not to alienate reader, or advisory. FORMAT / LAYOUT: 1.Begin with a headline, showing pun or alliteration or rhyme. 2.Ask the reader to engage them (Have you ever …?) 3.Share an anecdote of your own experience (Just this week, I found myself sat on a train opposite …) 4.Make at least three paragraphs that argue for, then against, the topic you are given. 5.Conclude with your view, although perhaps an admission that other views are different. USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE: Rhetorical questions / hypophora / humour / headline / anecdote / facts and statistics / modal verbs such as ‘should’ or ‘could’ to plan how the future should be / commands in the conclusion to advise the reader on what to do or how to think / behave. English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B