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- Paper 1 Section B: transactional writing
Paper 1 Section B: transactional writing
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Section B of Paper 1 is worth 45 marks, half of the paper. You choose one of two transactional tasks.
The facts
What examiners look for
Recent examiner reports praise: ideas that are developed fully, a tone that suits the audience, rhetorical devices used with purpose, and a few minutes left to check.
In a guide, they warn against drifting into a rant and against sub-headings without developed paragraphs.
In a guide, they warn against drifting into a rant and against sub-headings without developed paragraphs.
Plan in five minutes
Form, audience, purpose: who is it for and what must it do?
Viewpoint: what is your main message?
Paragraph plan: opening, three or four developed points, ending.
Devices: pick two or three to use well, not ten.
Viewpoint: what is your main message?
Paragraph plan: opening, three or four developed points, ending.
Devices: pick two or three to use well, not ten.
Task: write a guide for new students on making the most of school life. Plan it.
- Form: guide with a title and sub-headings. Audience: new students. Purpose: advise.
- Tone: friendly and encouraging, but correct.
- Sections: making friends, getting organised, joining clubs, asking for help.
- Ending: a warm, confident send-off.
Answer: A titled guide with four developed, sub-headed sections in a friendly advisory tone, ending with encouragement.
Paper 1 Section B: one task from two, 45 marks (AO4 27, AO5 18), about 45 minutes. Plan form, audience and purpose; develop ideas; use devices with purpose; check your work.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
Check you have got it
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