1. Learning Objective
To know how to write for different purposes

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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)

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

10. Writing to Inform / Explain / Describe

11. 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.

12. 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…

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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

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