1. “FREE” WRITING AT ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE
Wednesday, 02 January 2019
“FREE” WRITING AT ENGLISH LANGUAGE GCSE

2. The choices Paper 1: Descriptive and imaginative
Paper 2: Transactional and discursive

3. Paper 1
Descriptive requires: FOCUS, Organisation and clarity together with accuracy of language.
It must not turn into a story.
Imaginative requires: Control of a plot, Development of character, structure, language for effect, punctuation for effect and planning.
It must not be too far fetched.

4. Paper 2
Transactional has a clear sense of purpose and a clear intended audience: reports, letters, leaflets…
REPORTS need a clear heading, information about the author and intended recipients and a date. Bullet points are acceptable, but all writing should reflect well constructed standard English.
what is a report? (yours will be simpler than this)
LEAFLETS must have headings and sub-headings. Pictures can be represented by an empty box containing a few words of description. Bullets may be used.

5. Paper 2 (continued)
Discursive writing focuses on argument, opinion and discussion.
It may take the form of transactional writing – newspapers for example.
There is intended and acknowledged overlap between the two sections in this writing task.
Layout is important – think before you write.
Concentrate on using correct Standard English.
Question B1 is often related to the media content of the A questions – use it.

6. Write a report
Write a report which looks at the quality of promotional leaflet writing used to promote tourist sights.
Consider: use of layout, font, language, information.
Consider the intended audience/readership.
Consider what would make a good leaflet in your opinion.
This report should help you to recognise the key features of such transactional writing. Use your leaflets carefully and go for detail here!