WJEC English Language GCSE

WJEC English Language GCSE Unit 2 Writing

What are we learning today?Learning ObjectivesTo develop our understanding of the expectations for Unit 2 Writing ExamTo examine and discuss what is required for an informal letter.Learning OutcomesI will have created a file on key information for our Unit 2 GCSE examI will be able to identify the PAFT of informal lettersI will have evaluated an example informal letterI will have created an informal letterDont get caught with your pants down when it comes to your final English exam!There are two writing questions and you have just one hour to complete BOTH!You will be asked to write two of these: letter; report; article; leaflet; speech; review

What about the numbers involved?

Each question is marked /20. 13 marks for content and paragraphing7 marks for technical accuracy.

Top TipsAs you read the question look for and identify the PAFTRead the instructions carefully and use any bullet points you are given. Time management: 25 minutes per question to allow for revision and last minute editing.Think before you write plan your work carefully so there is structure to your writing.

Letter WritingInformal Letter written to a friend or family member. The tone should be friendly with a chatty approach. There are certain features of an informal letter. What are they?

Look at the following letter. The task set in the exam was: Write a letter to a friend who is considering moving abroad.PAFT?Evaluate the letter for: Layout ToneOrganisationContentTechnical inaccuracies

Now look at the paragraph that begins: Going abroad . - this has lost valuable marks because it is so brief. Re-write this paragraph detailing what some of the problems are: finding a job; accommodation; making new friends, etc.

Informal Letter Success CriteriaInformal Letter Aspects:Clear PAFTPoints convincingly developedSustained, developed detail throughoutParagraphsAppropriate and ambitious vocabularyStylistic devicesTechnical Aspects:Correct SpellingVaried sentence structureRange of punctuation used accuratelySentences used to create effect

Your aunt & uncle have invited you to go on a round the world cruise with them over the holidays. Write a detailed letter with your reply giving reasons for your decision.

Now lets look at formal letter writing notice the differences about how they are set out

Your own addressTodays dateName and address of person you are writing to.Dear Sir/Madam,(or name of person if possible, you can make one up)Letter content which should be clearly paragraphed using relevant topic sentences. Make sure your work is punctuated correctly and that you use formal language.Yours sincerely, Yours faithfullyYou use faithfully if you began your letter with Dear Sir/MadamMost of the letters you will be asked to write will ask you to PERSUADE or to ARGUE or ADVISE. Quite often they may ask for a combination. There are certain skills/features associated with these terms and examiners will expect you to evidence them in your writing.

Persuasive devices remember A FOREST

A Alliteration: Audience involvementF Facts: figurative languageO Opinion yours and expertsR Rhetorical questions: repetitionE Emotive language exaggeration - hyperboleS StatisticsT Three: list ofWhen you are asked to argue, the examiner wants you to put just one point of view. You need to be very clear from the beginning what your viewpoint is and make this clear in your writing. If you are asked to argue Mobile phones should be banned in schools, you are either in favour or against, you ARE NOT putting two points of view.The only time you may wish to put the opposite view is if you are using it as an example to then disagree with a counter argument eg.Mobile phones are a necessary part of life. What rubbish, what did people do before they were invented!Choose one of the following questions to answer