Writing+to+Describe+Explain+Inform

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

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

    1/21

    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

    1

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

    2/21

    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

    2

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

    3/21

    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

    3

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

    4/21

    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.

    4

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

    5/21

    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.

    5

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

    6/21

    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 some- one 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

    6

    My ideal holiday destination

    Key point

    DevelopmentDevelopment

    Key point

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

    7/21

    My ideal holiday destination

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    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

    7

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

    8/21

    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?

    8

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

    9/21

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

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

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

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    HIGHER: What grades would you give these answers?

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

    Answer 2 General writing.................................. Skills....................................

    Answer 3 General writing.................................. Skills....................................

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

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

    ....................................................................................................

    ....................................................................................................

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

    HIGHER

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

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    LOOK AGAIN AT YOUR WRITING FROM TASK 2.

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

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    9

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

    10/21

    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.

    10

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

    11/21

    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? ...........................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

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

    1 ....................................................................................................................................................................

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

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

    11

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

    12/21

    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?.................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    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?................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

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

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

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

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    .......................................................................................................................................................................

    12

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

    13/21

    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

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    .....................................................................................................................................................................

    13

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

    14/21

    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

    14

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

    15/21

    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_____________________________________________________________________________________________

    15

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

    16/21

    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

    16

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

    17/21

    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)

    17

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

    18/21

    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

    18

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

    19/21

    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

    19

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

    20/21

    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)

    20

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

    21/21

    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)