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Transactional writing forms
Transactional writing (GCSE Paper 2 Section B; International GCSE Paper 1 Section B) asks you to write for a real purpose: for example a letter, article, speech, review, or a section of a guide or leaflet. Each form has its own rules.
GAP
Before you write, check the Genre (form), Audience and Purpose.
A speech to Year 7 sounds very different from a letter to a local councillor.
A speech to Year 7 sounds very different from a letter to a local councillor.
Form conventions
Each form has features examiners look for.
Letter sign-offs
If you begin "Dear Sir or Madam", end "Yours faithfully".
If you use their name, "Dear Mrs Patel", end "Yours sincerely".
If you use their name, "Dear Mrs Patel", end "Yours sincerely".
You are asked to write a letter to your headteacher arguing for a longer lunch break. What is your GAP?
- Genre: formal letter.
- Audience: the headteacher, so formal and respectful.
- Purpose: to argue and persuade.
- Open: "Dear Mr Lewis", so end "Yours sincerely".
Answer: Formal letter, headteacher, argue. Dear Mr Lewis ... Yours sincerely.
Check genre, audience and purpose first. Use the right conventions for the form. Dear Sir or Madam goes with Yours faithfully; a named person goes with Yours sincerely.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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