English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B
THE AIM:
• To express an opinion of a book, film, album,
programme or play.
• To adopt an informal style of writing.
FORMAT / LAYOUT:
1.
INCLUDE:
•
Heading (name of the
film, book etc.)
•
Background
information in opening
paragraph (e.g. This is
the third book in
Rowling’s uber-popular
series
of
magical
adventures.)
•
Avoidance of spoilers.
•
Evaluative adjectives
•
Focus on opinion, not
plot.
•
Conclusion
that
compares the work to
other similar works,
and may give a star
rating.
2.
3.
4.
Begin by specifying the name of the reviewed
item (film, book, etc.)
Indicate author or director’s name.
Perhaps indicate a pun in your title –
Rowling’s New Work Is Simply Magic!
Paragraph your answer – introduction to the
series or film, then summary of plot (do not
give the ending away.) Finish with whom the
book suits, and why. The compare to other
similar works.
USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE:
Comparatives / surname of writer or director / pun in
headline that conveys your view / informal style if
suitable for audience / contractions / rhetorical
questions or hypophora / 1st and 2nd person pronouns
/ evaluative adjectives / present tense and past tense.
English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B
THE AIM:
• To give information and/or advice concerning an
important social issue.
• To adopt a formal, factual, scientific style of writing (like
writing up a Science experiment.)
FORMAT / LAYOUT:
1.
INCLUDE:
•
Discourse
markers.
Each paragraph could
begin with one.
•
A main heading which
DOES NOT use a pun,
but simply states the
topcic of the report.
•
Numbered findings or
recommendations.
•
Facts and statistics.
Take these from what
texts you are given to
read in the exam.
•
A clear, sub-headed
structure such as AIM
/
FINDINGS
/
SOLUTIONS
OR
RECOMMENDATIONS.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Begin by specifying the aim of the report in its
title.
Outline the problem or issue that needs to be
investigated, and why it needs to be
investigated.
Outline how that can be investigated.
Give your findings. Use bullets or numbers to
convey these to the reader.
Write a detailed section that uses the findings
logically to justify a course of action or
recommend what should be done.
USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE:
Sub-headings / DO NOT refer to yourself, as in ‘I am going to
conduct an investigation …’ / Ellipsis (leaving out small words)
in the title: Example: Report Into Alcohol Use Amongst Cardiff
Citizens / Formal style and vocabulary / No contractions /
rhetorical questions in the introduction / Hypophora in the
conclusion and solutions that answer the rhetorical questions
used to begin /Present tense to discuss facts.
English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B
THE AIM:
• To INFORM, OR PERSUADE, OR ARGUE (which means
to address both sides of an issue.)
• To adopt a style that suits speaking, not writing.
INCLUDE:
•
An
opening
that
addresses the audience,
before you begin your
topic. Make it appropriate
(choose from: Fellow
Trekkies; Ladies and
gentlemen; Members of
the School Council.)
•
Clarification of why you
are speaking: I stand
before you today with the
intention to …
•
Discourse markers that
show the progression of
your
argument
or
reasons.
•
A slogan or memorable
phrase in summary to
finish.
FORMAT / LAYOUT:
1. Begin by welcoming your audience.
2. Outline the reason for your speech, and the aim
you hope to achieve.
3. Use antithesis – I’m not going to try to tell you
that … But I do want to …
4. Make at least three clear, separate points that
support your view / opinion.
5. Use words like ‘And’ to begin sentences, as it’s a
speech, not an essay.
6. Conclude with thanks for attention, and a slogan
that sums up your point.
USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE:
Rhetorical questions / hypophora / humour /
repetition (if it’s worth saying, it’s worth saying twice) /
facts and statistics to support your points (make them
up if you have to) / anecdotes or personal experience /
modal verbs / contractions (suit speech) / slogan.
English Language exam, Paper Two, Section B
THE AIM:
• To DEBATE and INFORM concerning a modern and
perhaps controversial issue, with reasons given for
views.
• To adopt a style that suits the text and audience stated.
INCLUDE:
•
A main heading that
establishes topic. Example:
Mobile
Madness
or
Modern Must-Have?
•
You can use a pun if you
prefer to show off. Example:
A Whole Lot of Phone! Or
‘Fone-Tastic!’
•
Your name beneath the
heading, as if a reporter.
•
An
introduction
that
engages the reader, perhaps
by asking them if they have
ever experienced what you
are about to write about.
•
A conclusion – this can be
balanced, so as not to
alienate reader, or advisory.
FORMAT / LAYOUT:
1. Begin with a headline, showing pun or
alliteration or rhyme.
2. Ask the reader to engage them (Have you ever
…?)
3. Share an anecdote of your own experience (Just
this week, I found myself sat on a train opposite
…)
4. Make at least three paragraphs that argue for,
then against, the topic you are given.
5. Conclude with your view, although perhaps an
admission that other views are different.
USEFUL TECHNIQUES TO USE:
Rhetorical questions / hypophora / humour / headline
/ anecdote / facts and statistics / modal verbs such as
‘should’ or ‘could’ to plan how the future should be /
commands in the conclusion to advise the reader on
what to do or how to think / behave.