GCSE English Section B Revising the writing tasks - The Basics

1. GCSE English Section BRevising the writing tasks- The Basics

2. Contents Sample Question FLAP Form Language Audience Purpose Argue, persuade, advise

3. Sample question: Writing to ARGUE, PERSUADE, ADVISE 8. A recent newspaper article has claimed that in the age of the internet we no longer need schools. Write a letter to the newspaper arguing your point of view. Begin the letter �Dear Editor�. [30]

4. Before you begin to answer, make sure that you� F L A P

5. F

6. L

8. P

9. Argue Features of writing to �argue� Formal language Balanced sentences People�s opinions Specific examples Range and variety of points Countering opposite points of view, discredit the other side�s views politely. A clear conclusion

10. Persuade Features of writing to persuade: Emotive language Apparent balance, polite but convincing Mixture of first, second and third person Shock the reader? Literary devices: alliteration, rule of three, short sharp sentences Rhetorical questions Or, another way of saying it:

11. PERFORM (Argue/Persuade) P Personal address to involve the reader E Emotive language and strong ending R Rhetorical questions and repetition F Facts and formal tone O Opening statement to grab audience R Rule of three M Markers or connectives to shape your writing

12. Advise Features of writing to advise: Formal language Give reasons for a course of action Suggestions of what to do What, should, could� Address the reader: �you� Imperatives Ask questions and give answers Clear conclusion

13. ANALYSE, COMMENT, REVIEW To analyse asks you to consider and judge viewpoints. To review asks you to give your viewpont and your reasons for it. To comment asks you to give your viewpoint and the reasons, but also to take others� viewpoints into account in presenting a balanced argument. You need to analyse the positive and negative aspects of the subject under consideration. You must use EVALUATIVE language. Use infinitives and technical terms to show authenticity.

14. Writing to ARGUE, PERSUADE, ADVISE 8. A recent newspaper article has claimed that in the age of the internet we no longer need schools. Write a letter to the newspaper arguing your point of view. Begin the letter �Dear Editor�. [30]

15. Writing to ARGUE, PERSUADE, ADVISE 8. A recent newspaper article has claimed that in the age of the internet we no longer need schools. Write a LETTER to the newspaper arguing your point of view. Begin the LETTER �Dear Editor�. [30]

16. When you have FLAPped the question, then you need to PLAN your answer. Spend FIVE minutes planning your answer. A plan will help to give structure to your answer; it will give a direction to your writing. Different types of planning:

18. AFTER you have finished writing Make sure that you leave FIVE minutes at the end in order to check your answer� Check for:

19. Practice Questions

20. Practice Question One WRITING TO ANALYSE, REVIEW, COMMENT 1. How independent do you think you are? Do you want more or less independence in your life? What are the dangers of freedom?

21. Practice Question Two WRITING TO ARGUE, PERSUADE, ADVISE 2. Your college youth council is debating making the school day longer to add in an extra lesson. Write a speech to the council arguing your point of view.

22. Practice Question Three WRITING TO ARGUE, PERSUADE, ADVISE 3. An elderly relative has just bought a computer but is unsure of how to use it. Write a report advising him/her how to use the internet and some of the potential problems they need to be aware of.

23. Practice Question Four WRITING TO ANALYSE, REVIEW, COMMENT 4. Your class is discussing the topic: �Music be the food of love.� What is the importance of music for you in your life?