Writing
Overview
• To score well in the Section B (Reading) of the Paper 1 and Paper 2 it is important to
express yourself clearly by presenting a well-structured piece, adhering to the required
format.
• Adhere to the word limit.
Summary Writing
• Summary Writing
o Read the question and the title to know what the passage is about.
o Underline or circle points which you feel are important or relevant.
o Try grouping points which are similar.
o Use connectives to form complex sentences.
o Include statistical data if relevant.
o Do not give opinions.
o Do not use direct speech.
o Do not use first person.
o Do not give a conclusion.
Formats-Paper 1-Non-Fiction
1. Magazine Article
o Use a catchy title.
o Use subheadings for better organization and presentation.
o Make use of rhetorical questions (questions which do not require an answer).
2. Diary
o Write the date in the corner or on the first line. Open with "Dear Diary" or “Dear [Insert
Name]”
o Use informal language but avoid using colloquial words and abbreviations.
o Sign off with your name/name of the character if based on the extract of Section A.
3. News Paper Report
o Begin with a catchy headline.
o Make use of a lead line (small line after headline summarizing the report) and by-line
(line mentioning name of the writer).
o First Paragraph: ▪ Who? ▪ When? ▪ Where? ▪ What?
o Narrate the events in a chronological order.
o Do not include opinions, unless mentioning eyewitnesses’ quote.
o Use time connectives (after, before, later that day, at the same time).
o End with a prediction of the future.
4. Speech
o It does not have a specific layout as it is meant to be spoken rather than written, so it is
more of a script.
o Introduce yourself.
o Make an impressive opening statement using either of these:
▪ A rhetorical question
▪ A surprising statement
▪ A famous quote
o To enhance your work, include:
▪ Literary devices
▪ Facts
▪ Opinions
▪ Emotive language
▪ Use a variety of sentence structures.
▪ Use the list of three.
o Use personal details and anecdotes
5. Informal letter
o Format:
▪ Salutation (Dear/Dearest)
▪ Introduction
▪ Body
▪ Conclusion
o Sign off with your name/name of the character if based on the extract of Section A.
o Avoid using abbreviations and slang terms.
o Keep the tone very friendly.
o Try using time phrases (shortly after that/later/that afternoon/after dinner)
6. Formal letter
o Format:
▪ Salutations and Signatures
▪ Introduction
▪ Body
▪ Conclusion
o Use formal language.
o Do not use contractions.
o Keep the tone respectful and serious.
o Dive right into the point.
7. Autobiography
o Write it in 1st person.
o Do not start your essay with a quote, unless it is important for your story.
o After explaining the background, come straight to the point and state your reason.
o Finish with a clear, engaging, and memorable conclusion.
Formats-Paper 2-Fiction
• Narrative/Story Writing
o First or third person depending on the question.
o Must have a conflict and resolution.
o Conflicts could be:
▪ Man vs Man.
▪ Man vs Self.
▪ Man vs Supernatural.
▪ Man, vs Nature.
▪ Man vs Society.
o Setting must have potential for adventure – perhaps terror or danger. o Use long
sentences to create a feel of relaxation or reaching a climax.
o Use short sentences to quicken the pace.
o Use varied vocabulary to amplify the effect and enrich the piece.
o Alter paragraph length according to the importance of the content in that paragraph.
o Format:
▪ Paragraph 1 - Setting
▪ Paragraph 2 - Character development
▪ Paragraph 3 - Conflict
▪ Paragraph 4 - Resolution
▪ Paragraph 5 - Ending
Extra Tips
• Before the paper:
o Regularly read books and stories to enhance your writing.
o Understand all the formats clearly and practice them.
o Build up your vocabulary by exposing yourself to an array of genres.
• During the paper:
o Read the question carefully.
o Spend up to 5 minutes to organize your thoughts and plot a rough draft, to make sure
the story will flow and not be an unorganized mess.
o Avoid making grammar mistakes, use correct punctuation and spelling to not distract
the examiner from the content.
