Question 1 Directed Writing: What’s Being Asked?

 

Paper 2, Question 1 is your Directed Writing task, and its compulsory. You’ll base your answer on one or two reading passages and write in a specific format (speech, letter, or article).

Below, you’ll find everything you need to ace Question 1. Remember: although you’re mainly tested on your writing skills, you must use the ideas from the reading text(s). There are 40 marks total:

• 25 marks for Writing (how well you organize ideas, use vocabulary, accuracy, etc.)
• 15 marks for Reading (how well you use, understand, and develop the text’s points)

 

Overview

You’ll have to select, evaluate, and develop the information and ideas from the text(s) to produce your own piece of writing. This could be:

• A letter
• An article
• A speech

It’s similar to what you did in Paper 1, Question 3—but here you must write in your own words and not copy from the texts. Keep it between 250–350 words (around 1½ to 2 pages of normal handwriting).

To hit the highest marks, you’ll need to show you can:

• W1: Write effectively, conveying subtle meaning
• W2: Structure and organize your writing clearly
• W3: Use a wide, precise range of vocabulary
• W4: Choose an appropriate tone for your audience and purpose
• W5: Write accurately (spelling, punctuation, grammar)
• R1–R3: Show you can spot and evaluate both explicit and implicit ideas from the text(s)
• R3 & R5: Combine the text’s ideas into a developed response

 

Breaking Down the Question

Question 1 gives you a scenario based on the text(s). You’ll know:

• Context: The situation or issue you’re writing about
• Format: Whether it’s a letter, speech, or article
• Audience: Who you’re writing for (e.g., classmates, parents, a newspaper)

A good way to remember is GAP (Genre, Audience, Purpose) or the “3 Ws”:

1. Genre (What am I writing?)
2. Audience (Who am I writing for?)
3. Purpose (Why am I writing?)

For example, if you’re writing a letter to your headteacher, the format, audience, and reason will guide how formal you sound, what you talk about, and why it matters.

 

Time Management

• Reading & Planning: 15–20 minutes
• Writing: 40–45 minutes
• Checking: 5 minutes at the end

 

Examiner Tips and Tricks

1. Know Your Format
• If it’s a letter, sign off appropriately and address the recipient.
• If it’s an article, use a headline.
• If it’s a speech, address your audience (“Good morning everyone…”).
2. Match the Task
• Don’t write a letter if the prompt tells you to write an article.
• Avoid generic “Dear Sir/Madam” if it’s meant to be a speech for your classmates.
3. Audience & Tone
• Adapt your language. For a parent, you might be a bit more formal than when talking to fellow students.
• Use inclusive pronouns (“we,” “us”) to persuade or relate to readers.

 

Language, Audience, and Purpose

Who are you writing for? That impacts how you’ll phrase things.

• Teens: More casual tone, some slang or everyday expressions.
• Adult Readers: Possibly more formal style, logical evidence.
• Authority Figures (e.g., a headteacher): Formal, polite, factual.

Example:

“We’ve all tried to cram at the last minute before a test. Isn’t it stressful?”

This sounds friendlier, aimed at students. Compare that to:

“Many people underestimate the importance of structured revision timetables.”

This is more formal, appealing to adults or officials.

 

Discursive, Argumentative, or Persuasive Writing

Question 1 might ask you to explain your views, argue a position, or persuade a reader. Depending on the task:

• Explain: Give reasons or examples; be clear and structured.
• Argue: Present your opinions as facts, using evidence.
• Persuade: Use emotive language, rhetorical questions, inclusive pronouns to get the reader on your side.

A handy acronym for persuasive techniques is DAN FOREST PIE, including:

• Direct address
• Audience awareness
• Not only, but also
• Facts
• Opinions
• Rhetorical questions
• Emotive language
• Statistics
• Triplets
• Personal/inclusive pronouns
• Imperatives
• Exaggeration

Use these devices where it feels natural for your text type (letter, speech, article).

 

Steps to Success

1. Read the Task & Text(s)
• Highlight key ideas.
• Identify who you’re writing to, what form you should use, and why.
2. Plan
• List main points you’ll cover.
• Decide on an introduction, main body, and conclusion.
3. Write an Engaging Intro
• Clearly state your position or the issue.
• Show who you’re talking to and why they should care.
4. Develop Paragraphs
   • Points from the text(s)
   • Your own ideas/opinions
   • Explanation or examples
• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence and include:
• Use connectives like “Moreover,” “On the other hand,” “However,” etc.
5. Conclude Strongly
• Sum up your arguments or final stance.
• Leave a memorable statement or call to action.
6. Check Your Work
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, punctuation.
• Make sure you’re within 250–350 words.

 

 

Persuasive Plan

Purpose & Form

• Purpose: Persuade, argue, or discuss. Think ethos, pathos, logos (persuasive theory).
• Form: Letter, article, or speech. Each has its own style and techniques.
• Tip: Analyse the question carefully and read the insert (source text) as you would for Paper 1.

 

FEEL

Write down three words that capture how you feel about the arguments in the text.

 

DO

1. Create a Quick Table:
• Find 5–6 main points from the text (e.g., 4 supporting points, 1 opposing, or vice versa).
• List them under “For” and “Against.”
2. Counter-Arguments First:
• Acknowledge the opposing view briefly, then focus on your stance.
3. Label Your Points:
• E (Emotional)
• L (Logical)
• A (Authoritative)
• This ensures a well-rounded argument.