Writing+to+Describe+Explain+Inform

8/7/2019 Writing+to+Describe+Explain+Inform

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ASHTON PARK SCHOOLENGLISH PAPER TWO EXAM SECTION B

N A M E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION BTime allowed: 45 minsTotal marks: 27

Writing to inform, explain or

describe

You will have a choice of 4 questions

requiring you to:

inform

explain or

describe

Choose ONE question.

2007

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ContentsSECTION B: THE WRITING SECTION

PAGE

The Writing mark scheme 3 -4

What the examiners are looking for 5

Writing to inform / explain 6-9

Writing to describe 10-15

HIGHER Tier past exam questions 16-17FOUNDATION Tier past exam questions 18-21

Make sure you onlyanswer ONE question

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GENERAL WRITING CRITERIACommunication and organisation

MARK SKILLS CONTENT

U Some meaningSome simple sequencing of ideas

One or more points made

G Occasional sense of purpose and audience

Ideas are sequenced simply but

appropriately

May express personal feelings but little

relevant detail

Uses some appropriate vocabulary

Order of ideas can be followed by reader

F More sense of purpose and audience

May occasionally try to paragraph

Occasionally thinks about words used

Makes some linked points

Occasionally uses connectives

May include a number of points, which tend

to be underdeveloped

E

Awareness of purpose and audienceTries to organise ideas into paragraphs

Tries to use words for effect

More developed pointsMay use some rhetorical devices to interest

reader

Tries to use a variety of language for

impact

D Begins to interest reader

Clear paragraphing

More obvious use of words for effect

Clear focus on task

Includes detail

Ideas are logically sequenced

C Clear and sustained focus on purpose and

audience

Evidence of structured, organised ideasClear selection of vocabulary for effect

Includes a range of ideas selected for

interest

Paragraphs are competently linkedConnectives used competently

B Form, content and style are matched to

purpose an audience

Well structured, starting to use

paragraphs to enhance meaning

Increasing sophistication in vocabulary

choices

Detailed and well developed ideas

Begins to anticipate and respond to

potential audience response

May use a range of devices to provide

variety and sustain readers interest

Connectives coherently integrated

A Coherently structured with fluently linked

sentence structures and paragraphs and

evidence of conscious crafting.

Extensive vocabulary range

Cogent focus and wide range of interesting

ideas

Structured and developed

Fluent control of range of devices and

connectives

Extensive vocabulary range

A* Controlled and sustained crating with

highly effective and delightful vocabulary

choices

Distinctive and consistently effective

Strong personal style

Includes complex detail

May use humour, satire etc.

May use some inventive structural and / or

linguistic devices

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MARK SCHEME: SKILLS

Sentence structures, punctuation and spelling

Mark Skills ContentU Some sentences

Some accuracy in spelling of simple

words

Random punctuation

Occasional full stops

Some words spelt correctly

G/F In sentences Generally accurate basic spelling

Some conscious punctuation

Occasional full stops

Occasional connectives

Uses mainly simple and compound

sentences

E/D

Uses a range of punctuatedsentences (marked with full stops)

Some accurate spelling of more

complex words

Starts to use a range of

punctuation (e.g. exclamation /

question marks, brackets etc.)

May use complex sentences Uses a variety of sentences

General accuracy in full stops and

capital letters

C/B Uses sentences for effect Generally secure in spelling

Generally secure in punctuation

May use lists, adjectives, minor

sentences (e.g. single word

sentences) for effect Secure use of connectives

Generally accurate in use of

commas, questions marks etc.

A/A* Uses full range of appropriatesentence structures

Achieves a high level of technical

accuracy in spelling

Achieves a high level of technical

accuracy in punctuation

Clear and controlled, wide range of

sentence structures for effect May use repetition, contrast,

parallel phrases, verbal patterning

to create sentence variety

May use wide range of connectivesfor effect

Range of punctuation used in a

sophisticated manner; colons and

semi-colons used correctly when

appropriately.

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Paper 2 Section B: Writing to inform, explain, describe

The paper is 1 hours long.

Spend 45 mins on Section B.

You need to show that you can...

Organise your ideas into sentences and paragraphs.

Vary your sentence lengths and structures, demonstrating that you have control over

your writing.

Use a variety of punctuation correctly. Vary your vocabulary, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of a range of

words.

Spell words correctly.

Adopt the right style for a particular audience and purpose.

On the day:

You will have to do one of the questions from a choice of four.

Spend 5 minutes reading the question and planning your answer.

Spend 35 minutes writing your response.

Spend 5 minutes checking through your work.

Planning is important because it means your writing will have shape and structure,

which is essential to get a'C or above.

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Writing to Inform / Explain

TASK 1: Marks for Writing to InformLook again at the writing criteria on page 3 and 4. Read the following statements. Tick

the statements that are true of a C grade piece of writing to inform:

A C grade Writing to Inform response:

Will have paragraphs that are linked Will use interesting ideas

May use connectives Will use sophisticated words

Be clearly organised May use paragraphs

Occasionally uses detail Will use a variety of sentence types

Task 2: Writing to inform a 1 0 minute taskWrite to inform someone of your ideal holiday destination.

Aim to include: 1 or 2 developed and detailed points

An interesting vocabulary

A range of sentence types

An interesting first sentence

Planning: as this is a short task, plan for 2 3 minutes

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My ideal holiday destination

Key point

DevelopmentDevelopment

Key point


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My ideal holiday destination

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Now compare your writing with your partners. Did you:

Begin with an interesting first sentence? Yes / No

Use an interesting vocabulary? Yes / No

Underline the words you chose for impact Use a variety of sentence types? Yes / No

Underline: a short simple sentence

a complex sentence

Include interesting detail Yes / No

Use paragraphs Yes / No

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Task 3: Which is the best answer?Read the following extracts from students responses and decide which isthe best answer.

ANSWER 1My ideal holiday destination is a deserted beach with no-one on it and palm trees in the

background to give some shade. I would spend all day on the beach, but I would swim in the sea

because I would really like to swim with dolphins.

After I have swum with these dolphins I would go back to my hotel room where I would

meet my friends and we would go out for the night in the precinct that was attached to the

hotel. It is important for me to have my friends with me because I am always there for my

friends and I would like them to be there for me.

For my meals I would go to MacDonalds every night because I know exactly what I would

order .

ANSWER 2My ideal holiday destination is Florida. Florida is every holiday for everybody and I have

already been seven times, so I know how much there is to do in this particular state. Firstly,

you can visit the theme parks, or the space centre. These places are both entertaining andeducational, so they appeal to adults and children and alike.

Why else do I like Florida? I also like Florida because of the weather. It rains really hardsome times in August, but the weather is generally really hot and you can enjoy being outside

all of the time.

Another reason why I like Florida is that it is in America and I have always wanted to livein that country. Many people are anti-US at the moment, but I have always been a great fan ofthe American way of life since watching so many American films and television programmes,

like Friends

ANSWER 3Rolling empty beaches with waving palm trees and inviting bars? A wide variety of theme

parks with every conceivable white-knuckle ride in existence? Dolphin-infested waters

populated by floating orange people? Not for me. My ideal holiday destination would be Iraq.Iraq!

You must think that Im absolutely mad. However, I would only visit Iraq at some time inthe future when the allied forces had mostly gone home. I believe that such a visit would mark

that the Middle East was no longer off limits for the more adventurous holiday-maker. Itwould also mean that I could find out for myself about Iraq and its people, in addition to

visiting such places as Nineveh and Babylon. Beats Miami and Marbella, doesnt it?

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I think .. is the best answer because ...................................................................

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I think .. is the worst answer because.................................................................

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HIGHER: What grades would you give these answers?

Answer 1 General writing.................................. Skills....................................



RESPONDING TO ANSWER 3. From Answer 3, write down:

3 interesting vocabulary choices ....................................................................................................

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1 sentence written for effect ...............................................................................................................

HIGHER

Name one technique used by the writer to interest the reader ..................................................

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LOOK AGAIN AT YOUR WRITING FROM TASK 2.

How would you improve your writing? ............................................................................................

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WRITING TO DESCRIBE

John Nealds, the chief examiner for AQA, says:

Description is not aneveryday task

Description rarely exists onits own

TOP TIPS: Opening sentence: it is important that your opening should grab the readers attention,

and make them want to read on. E.g. you could start with a question, e.g So you think

being smart is easy? or a short or single word sentence, e.g. London.

Check that youre consistent if youre writing in past tense, stay in past tense!

Vary your sentences

Use thoughtful/interesting vocabulary, e.g. dovesrather than birds, clustered

Try to create a sense of atmosphere through your choice of words and sentence types:

Use five senses: Sights? Sounds? Smells? Touch? Taste?

Invent similes, metaphors or use personification.

Use adjectives and adverbs, but dont use too many and make them unusual/precise e.g.

lemon-gold.

Use strong nouns e.g. melt-waterto create an image in the readers mind.

In a valley shaded with rhododendrons, close to the snow line, where a stream milky with melt-

water splashed and where doves and linnets flew among the immense pines, lay a cave, half

hidden by the crag above and the stiff heavy leaves that clustered below.

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BEWAREof writingA lengthy narrative (story)

A list of actions

TASK 4: How do writers engage the interest of their audience?

Read the following extracts and answer the questions

EXTRACT 1 : Example of task Describe a person who has influenced youMy sister, Mrs. Joe, with black hair and eyes, had such a prevailing

redness of skin, that I sometimes used to wonder whether it was possibleshe washed herself with a nutmeg-grater instead of soap. She was tall and

bony, and almost always wore a coarse apron, fastened behind her figure

with two loops, and having a square impregnable bib in front that was stuck

full of pins and needles.

What impression of Mrs. Joe is created in this extract? ...........................................................

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Which words and phrases help to create this impression? Choose 3 words /phrases

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2 ...................................................................................................................................................................

3 ...................................................................................................................................................................

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EXTRACT 2: Example of task Describe a place thats important to youDark, brooding clouds bruised the sky. Rain battered the cliff. The wind

howled as if in pain, filling my brain with terrible memories of my last visit to

the beach.

1. Underline the words that help to create an atmosphere

2. Circle examples of personification

3. What other techniques to grab the audiences interest does this writing use?.................

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EXTRACT 3: Example of task - Describe a town in a foreign countryThat evening he strolled into the main square. It felt like a different

town: boys with adult faces and crewcuts were selling nuts in twists of

paper; teenage girls paraded up and down, arms linked, cheeks sucked in; old

men watched from the blotchy walls of bars, their foreheads creased by a

lifetime of hats. Dusk came down so fast, you could almost see the sky

change. It made you want to walk with your head tilted back.

HIGHERHow does the writer involve the reader and gain their interest?................................................

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How are the sentences organised in this description?....................................................................

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What is the effect of the sentence variety?....................................................................................

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TASK 5: Now its your turn a short writing task

Choose ONE of the following tasks and spend 10 minutes writing theopening to your description

Describe a person who has influenced you

Describe a place thats important to you

Describe a town in a foreign country

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TASK 6: A writing checklist

Did you:

F Use adjectives describing words

Spell some words correctly

Write in sentences

E Include some detailed description

Use some complex sentences

Use different types of punctuation, e.g. commas

D Use paragraphs Use a consistent tense, e.g. past tense

Use a variety of sentences for effect

Use some connectives, linking words

Develop your description using the 5 senses, e.g.

sight

sound

smell

C + Create an atmosphere Spell accurately

Punctuate accurately

Use contrasts

Use repetition

Use metaphors, similes or personification Use alliteration or other sound effects

Use minor sentences (e.g. one-word sentences)

Use an inventive, original vocabulary

Use colons or semi-colons accurately

Use satire, irony or humour

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TASK 7: Text annotation

Read the following description from a student and identify thetechniques used to grab the readers interest.

Task: Describe the room youre in

Sat at the kitchen table she crumples theletter as the tango walls stare at her laughing.She should have known the colour was wrong.The pine chairs and antique Aga wereuncomfortable now surrounded by this citrusburst. The smell of masala mingled with the

orchid to the point of nausea.In the corner the microwave sits beneath

some mountain or other from the far east, manymeal times she had wondered where thisdismal scene had been made permanent.

Deafening silence; not even the whistling ofthe kettle she had become so used to. Afamiliar breeze blew from under the back door,making her scented summer skin tinglenervously.

She stood up and walked barefooted to thewindow. Through it she saw her reflection,almost transparent but definitely there. Shetossed the letter into the overflowing IKEA binand drew the curtains. The orange walls werestill orange; still bright but then again, what did itmatter now?

What grade would you give this work?General writing ....................................................... Skills ....................................

PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS

HIGHER_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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SECTION B: WRITING TO INFORM, EXPLAIN OR DESCRIBE

Answer one question from this section.

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

spend 5 minutes planning and sequencing your material

about two sides of average sized handwriting should be enough

spend 5 minutes checking:

your paragraphing

your punctuation

your spelling.

NOVEMBER 2005

EITHER

1. Write a letter to a friend who moved away from your area three months ago. Inform him or her of the thingsthat have been happening to you over the last three months. (27mark s)

OR

2. Explain what you think is needed to build a good relationship between parents and teenage children andexplain why you think this. (27mark s)

OR

3. Describe a place you would like to be in right now. (27mark s)OR

4. Describe the person or people you would most like to go on holiday with you and explain why you would liketo share a holiday with them. (27mark s)

JUNE 2005

EITHER

1. Write a letter to the governors of your school informing them of the changes you would like to be made inyour school and the reasons for these changes. (27mark s)

OR

2. Explain what your dreams and ambitions for the future are. Explain, also, how you could achieve, them.(27mark s)

OR

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3. Describe a nightmare world. (27mark s)OR

4. Many young people have concerns about the world in which they live. Write informatively about one or moreof your concerns and explain the reasons for them. (27mark s)

VERSION 1 JUNE 2004

EITHER

1. Write an information leaflet on an area you know well. You could include information on places to visit andthings to do there. (27 marks)

OR

2. Write a letter applying for a part-time job you would like. Explain why you would like the job and why youare the right person for it. (27 marks)

OR

3. Describe a place that is special to you. (27 marks)

OR

4. Describe a person who is important in your life and explain his or her importance to you. (27 marks)

VERSION 2 JUNE 2004

EITHER

1. Write a letter to a teachers' magazine in which you inform teachers about what life is really like for people ofyour age. (27 marks)

OR

2. Given a choice, who or what would you most like to be? Explain the reasons for your choice.(27 marks)

OR

3. Describe a sinister street at night. (27 marks)

OR

4. Choose something you feel strongly about. Write informatively about it and explain why you feel as you do.(27 marks)

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PREVIOUS EXAM QUESTIONS

FOUNDATION_____________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION B: WRITING TO INFORM, EXPLAIN OR DESCRIBE

Answer one question from this section.

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.__________________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

spend 5 minutes planning and sequencing your material

about two sides of average sized handwriting should be enough

spend 5 minutes checking:

your paragraphing your punctuation

your spelling.

NOVEMBER 2005

EITHER

1. Write a letter to a friend who moved away from your area three months ago. Inform him or her of the thingsthat have been happening to you over the last three months.

Remember to:

write a letter to a friend

tell him or her about a range of things that have been happening to you

write to inform. (27 marks)

OR

2. Explain what you think is needed to build a good relationship between parents and teenage children andexplain why you think this.

Remember to:

write about the different things that make a good relationship

explain why you think this

give examples to support the points you make. (27 marks)

OR

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3. Describe a place you would like to be in right now.

Remember to:

imagine you are in the place you choose

describe what you see, think and feel

use descriptive language. (27 marks)

OR

4. Describe the person or people you would most like to go on holiday with you and explain why you would liketo share a holiday with them.

Remember to:

describe the person or people

give reasons to explain why you would like them to go on holiday with you. (27 marks)

JUNE 2005

EITHER

1. Write a letter to the governors of your school informing them of the changes you would like to be made inyour school and the reasons for these changes.

Remember to:

write a letter

use language suitable for governors to read

inform governors. (27 marks)

OR

2. Explain what your dreams and ambitions for the future are. Explain, also, how you could achieve them.

Remember to:

write about your dreams and ambitions

explain how you could achieve your dreams and ambitions

give a range of explanations. (27 marks)

OR

3. Describe a nightmare world.

Remember to: write about a nightmare world

use language which brings out the nightmare. (27 marks)

OR

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4. Many young people have concerns about the world in which they live. Write informatively about one or moreof your concerns and explain the reasons for them.

Remember to:

inform the reader about one or more of your concerns

explain the reasons for your concern(s)

use language suitable for informing and explaining. (27 marks)

JUNE 2004

EITHER

1. Write a letter to a teachers' magazine in which you inform teachers about what life is really like for people ofyour age.

Remember to:

write a letter

use language suitable for teachers to read inform teachers. (27 marks)

OR

2. Given a choice, who or what would you most like to be? Explain the reasons for your choice.

Remember to:

write about who or what you would most like to be

explain why

give a range of reasons. (27 marks)

OR

3. Describe a sinister street at night.

Remember to:

write about a frightening street

describe it at night time. (27 marks)

OR

4. Choose something you feel strongly about. Write informatively about it and explain why you feel as you do.

Remember to: choose something you feel strongly about

choose language to inform

explain why you feel as you do. (27 marks)

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NOVEMBER 2004

EITHER

1. Write an information leaflet on an area you know well. You could include information on places to visit andthings to do there.

Remember to:

write about an area you know well

write a leaflet

include a range of information

use language which informs the reader. (27 marks)

OR

2. Write a letter applying for a part-time job you would like. Explain why you would like the job and why youare the right person for it.

Remember to: apply for a part-time job you would like

write a letter

use language which explains why you are the right person for the job. (27 marks)

OR

3. Describe a place that is special to you.

Remember to:

describe a special place

give a range of details about the place

use language suitable for describing. (27 marks)

OR

4. Describe a person who is important in your life and explain his or her importance to you.

Remember to:

describe someone important in your life

explain his or her importance to you

use language suitable to describe and explain. (27 marks)

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Writing+to+Describe+Explain+Inform