English Paper 1 Section B: Writing to persuade
This section will have four different questions. We prepare students to answer the writing to persuade question as it allows you to score the highest marks with least amount of effort.
Please do not be swayed into answering the other questions as it is much trickier to score high marks on them!
Stick to the time limit of just 45 minutes on this section which includes creating a brief plan and time at the end to check your spelling, full stops, capitals and paragraphs.
Marks are given in two lots- out of 18 for what you write THEN out of 9 for how you write
What you write (out of 18)
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Ideas and points are made subtly as well as obviously
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Paragraphs are linked to one another
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Ways of adding emphasis are used (i.e. one line paragraph)
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Vocabulary choices are effective and varied
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The purpose of the writing is clear
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The tone of writing is appropriate for the audience
How you write (out of 9)
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Lots of different sentences starters and lengths are used
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Posh punctuation is used properly (; : ... etc)
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All spellings are accurate
As you prepare
to write think 
Use these to offer your reader evidence that you are right. They can be made up to suit your purpose if you want (did you know that 64% of facts are made up on the spot anyway??)
Really draw your reader in by using some exaggerated language designed to make them react. Don't just say that the old footballs are worn out say they are crumbling at the seams.
Directly address the person you are trying to persuade- use the word you as often as you can. This will make your writing seem more personal and so be more persuasive. These footballs really need replacing don't you think? If you were asked to use them you would be just as distressed
Remind your reader of what you want them to do as often as you can. At the end of each idea or reason remind them that you want them to buy the PE department new equipment. Using the same phrase like we need your help is another effective device.
These are questions that do not need an answer, usually because the answer is so obvious. So by using them you are pointing out that there is no other option than your point of view- Would a few new footballs really break the budget?
Try to keep all adjectives in groups of 3, offer 3 reasons why something should be done and if possible make these alliterative. This way the ideas will stay fresh in the readers mind and have more of an impact on them- Our friendly, fun and funky PE lessons would be made so much better with clean fresh new footballs
Find examples of
persuasive pieces of writing- charity leaflets are always good. Then
go through them and pick out each of the elements of
Otherwise try some of these practise questions- REMEMBER to time yourself as well as plan and check your work in 45 minutes
- You want to take two weeks off school to take part in a televised talent contest. Write a letter to your head teacher persuading him to let you do this.
- Write a letter to a friend persuading them to read a book that you have read recently.
- Write the text for a leaflet which is aimed a persuading 15 and 16 year olds to join a group that is campaigning for better rights for Saturday workers.
- Write the text for a leaflet that is designed to persuade people to sponsor or adopt an animal.
