This question assesses your ability to:

• AO5: Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts

• AO6: Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.

This question is worth half of the Language Paper (40 Marks), requiring students to apply their knowledge of language and structural techniques to a non-fiction writing piece. In this part of the exam, students will be given a written prompt, and will be asked to create a piece of non-fiction, such as an article, essay, editorial, letter, etc. To be successful, students need to demonstrate their command of mechanics (SPaG), language techniques, and structural techniques. 

Suggested time: 45-50 minutes

Top tips: 

• Plan first! Students are most successful if they do a quick plan of their work so that it can be structured appropriately. 

• Make sure you have read the question carefully and understand what the focus of your work should be, the tone (appropriate for your viewpoint and your audience), and the format. 

• Pack it with techniques! You'll be assessed on how well you can use language and structure features in your work, so use them often (but appropriately). 

• Use ambitious vocabulary. You get more marks from attempting to use ambitious words and spelling them incorrectly, than you do if you only use basic vocabulary and spell it correctly. 

• Take care in your technical accuracy - it's worth 40% of this section- and don't forget to show off your ability to use a variety of punctuation!

• Hook Begin with a strong, attention-grabbing opening. Use a shocking statistic, bold statement, rhetorical question, vivid scene, or surprising fact. The goal is to immediately capture the reader’s interest.

• Establish Expertise Show the reader why they should trust you or your argument. Mention your experience, knowledge, research, or reliable sources. Build credibility so the reader takes your views seriously.

• Appeal to Emotions Use emotive language to connect with the reader’s feelings. Stir emotions such as anger, sympathy, fear, hope, or pride. Make the reader care deeply about the issue.

• Relate Personally Share a personal story, anecdote, or example. Help the reader connect with the issue on a human level. Show how the topic affects real people (including yourself or someone close).

• Tell Them What Should Change Clearly explain what needs to change and why. Give practical suggestions or a strong call to action. Be specific about what the reader or society should do differently.

• Sum It Up Powerfully End with a memorable, forceful conclusion. Summarise your main argument and leave a lasting impression. Use a powerful final sentence, prediction, warning, or inspiring call to action.