Question 1 Model Answer: Article

 In Question 1, you might be asked to write a article. This will be based on opinions, ideas, and information from one or two reading passages. You’ll need to adapt your writing to suit the purpose, audience, and form of the task. Here’s a guide to help you write a top-grade speech.

 

Key Details About the Task

You may need to write in one of these three formats:

• A letter
• A speech
• An article

For an article, your aim is to present your ideas in a way that engages and persuades your audience, drawing on the material provided in the reading texts.

 

How to Address the Reading Objectives

 

In this task, 15 marks are available for your ability to:

1. Evaluate explicit (obvious) and implicit (hidden) ideas, opinions, and attitudes in the reading texts.
2. Combine these ideas into a developed, sophisticated response.

 

Let’s break it down using an example question:

 

 

 

 

 

 

When answering Question 1 on the reading passages, it’s important to focus on the ideas, opinions, and attitudes in the texts provided. This will form the basis of your writing. Let’s break it down step by step.

 

Step 1: Read the Texts Carefully

Before anything else, read the texts provided in the exam carefully. Highlight key points, opinions, and attitudes that stand out, as these will help shape your answer.

 

Key Ideas from the Texts

 

Text A: Who are the real experts?

• Social media is often blamed unfairly for loneliness and social isolation.
• Online interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and help people build meaningful relationships.
•  Virtual friendships can span vast distances, and online connections can be as genuine and valuable as those made in person.
• Befriending apps are becoming more popular, making it easier for people, especially those who struggle socially, to make friends.
• Online and in-person personalities are blending, showing that self-expression can happen in both spaces.

 

Text B: Trust me, I’m an expert

• Friendships are fundamental to human well-being, and we are naturally wired to form a small circle of close, meaningful connections.
• While the internet allows us to maintain friendships over long distances, it does not necessarily increase the number of genuine friendships we have.
• Real-life shared experiences are vital for building strong and lasting friendships.
• Deeper relationships require effort beyond what can be achieved online.

 

Planning Your Response:

1. Decide on Your Perspective and Voice:
   • Are you in favour of online friendships being as valuable as in-person ones, or do you believe real-life connections are more meaningful?
   • Establish a consistent tone—whether optimistic, reflective, or balanced.
2. Summarise Your Position:
   • Write a brief statement summarising your view. For example:
     ‘While online connections have great value, the depth and resilience of real-life friendships cannot be fully replaced.’
3. Develop Key Points for Your Argument: 
   • Use examples from both texts to support your argument. For instance: 
     • Highlight the benefits of online connections (from Text A).
     • Discuss the importance of shared real-life experiences for deeper relationships (from Text B).
4. Consider a Counter-Argument:
   • Acknowledge opposing views. For example: 
     • "Though online friendships can feel meaningful, they often lack the shared experiences that strengthen real-life bonds."
5. Return to Your Main Argument:
   • Reinforce your perspective by combining ideas from both texts. 
     • For example: "Ultimately, the strongest relationships blend online and offline interactions, creating connections that are both accessible and meaningful."
6. Plan Your Opening and Conclusion:
   • Opening: Start with a compelling question or statement to draw the reader in.
   • Conclusion: End by summarising your view or offering a thoughtful reflection. 

 

Model Answer: Article

 

 

Summary

 

• Read the Question Carefully:
  • Highlight key details, including what you are writing, who your audience is, and the purpose of your response.
• Focus on the Bullet Points:
  • Identify the focus of each bullet point in the task.
• Analyse the Text(s):
  • Highlight the relevant information that you can use to develop your response.
• Summarise in Your Own Words:
  • Turn the key ideas from the text(s) into bullet points using your own words.
• Plan Your Response:
  • Structure your writing so that each paragraph focuses on one main idea or opinion.
• Address Each Bullet Point in Order:
  • Ensure that you cover all the bullet points equally, giving balanced attention to each.
• Establish Voice and Style:
  • Decide on the appropriate tone and voice for your audience and maintain this consistently throughout your response.