GCSE English / English Language Papers

Paper 2: Writing

Transactional writing

• Transactional writing is, basically, ‘ non-fiction writing ’ . In other words, you will be expected to produce two examples of writing from the following: – A letter – A report – An article – A leaflet – A speech – A review • Always read the question carefully and pay close attention to the audience and format specified.

Letters

• Set the letter out correctly (your address top right, date underneath) • Plan your work carefully • Make sure that the tone is appropriate • Take care with spelling, grammar and punctuation • Start with

Dear Mr./Mrs…

end with

sincerely

(note the spelling)

Yours

• Start with

Dear Sir/Madam faithfully

end with

Yours

Reports

• Reports give information so that the reader has a better understanding of what to do • It may advise or persuade and make recommendations • Include a main heading and subheadings • Ensure that you are clear who the audience is • Get the tone right – this will be determined by the audience

Magazine / Newspaper articles

• Usually, the purposes of an article are to inform and entertain.

• Look carefully at the wording of the question • There ’ s no need to write in columns. Headlines need to just be in ordinary capital letters

• Leaflets often inform and advertise so they can inform, advise and/or persuade • You will get no credit for drawing pictures • It is sufficient to use suitable headings and perhaps indicating where pictures or diagrams may be placed

Speeches

• The exam question will indicate the purpose but often a speech will inform, persuade or advise and raise issues.

• The tone should be polite (although this will depend on the target audience) • A successful speech will: – start by directly addressing the audience – make clear what the subject matter is – be clearly organised – include interesting information to back up points – hold the attention of the audience – have a strong conclusion – acknowledge the audience:

Thank you for listening

• • • • A review is a critical opinion Include a suitable heading The basic structure is: 1. Introduction 2. Discussion of the subject being reviewed 3. Overall opinion and recommendation You could include a star rating