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Articles, speeches, reviews, guides and leaflets
For the GCSE, Pearson lists these forms: an article, a letter, a review, the text for a speech, or a section of a guide, textbook, leaflet or booklet. The International GCSE list is similar: an article, a speech, a letter, a guide, a review or the text of a leaflet. Each form has its own features.
Article and speech
Article: a headline, often a strapline (a sub-heading under the headline), an engaging opening paragraph, then developed paragraphs. Formal or semi-formal unless the audience is young.
Speech: greet the audience, use direct address ('you', 'we'), rhetorical questions and repetition, signpost clearly ('My second point...'), and end with thanks or a rallying call.
Speech: greet the audience, use direct address ('you', 'we'), rhetorical questions and repetition, signpost clearly ('My second point...'), and end with thanks or a rallying call.
Review
Name what you are reviewing early on.
Give a balanced evaluation: good points and weaker points, with specific details.
End with a clear verdict or recommendation, for example a star rating or 'worth a visit'.
Examiners reward reviews that evaluate, not ones that only describe.
Give a balanced evaluation: good points and weaker points, with specific details.
End with a clear verdict or recommendation, for example a star rating or 'worth a visit'.
Examiners reward reviews that evaluate, not ones that only describe.
Guide, leaflet or booklet section
A clear title and sub-headings.
An advisory, helpful tone, often using 'you'.
Instructions or tips in a logical order.
In the exam you cannot design pictures, so focus on the words. Sub-headings still need developed paragraphs under them.
An advisory, helpful tone, often using 'you'.
Instructions or tips in a logical order.
In the exam you cannot design pictures, so focus on the words. Sub-headings still need developed paragraphs under them.
What features would you include in a review of a local cafe for a newspaper?
- Headline naming the cafe.
- Opening that sets the scene.
- Evaluation of food, service, atmosphere and price, good and bad.
- A clear verdict.
Answer: Headline, scene-setting opening, balanced evaluation with specific details, and a final verdict.
Match the conventions to the form: headline for articles, greeting and direct address for speeches, evaluation and verdict for reviews, sub-headings and advice for guides and leaflets.
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