About

Component 2b is worth 40 marks and you have around 60 minutes to complete this section. This section is worth 25% of your English Language GCSE.
Component 2b will always direct you to write in a particular form (creative or anecdotal), but expects you to tailor your response for an appropriate audience and purpose.
This section tests your ability to express yourself in the English language. You are expected to write imaginatively, but also accurately, thoughtfully, and appropriately.
Consider using up to half of the 60 minutes for planning and proof-reading. Your writing should be careful and considered, demonstrating the very best of which you are capable.
You need to plan a carefully shaped response and then take your time to express yourself with thoughtfully chosen words and phrases organised into precisely punctuated sentences and paragraphs.
- Allow time for thinking and planning.
  - 10-15 minutes is appropriate.
  - Plan in nested bullet points.
  - Clearly indicate where your plan ends and your response begins.
- Write your response slowly and carefully.
  - Think carefully about your own use of language and structure.
  - Chose words and phrases for effect.
  - Construct sentences, paragraphs and your whole text carefully and deliberately.
- Allow time to proof-read thoroughly.
  - 5-10 minutes is appropriate.
  - Be critical and make improvements.
  - Try to avoid *** asterisks *** unless absolutely necessary to improve your response.
  - Be careful not to make your work difficult, annoying or impossible to read. </aside>

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Guidelines

Writing anecdotally should be the default choice for most writers.
Anecdotal writing should be written in the first person and should draw on your own life experiences.
Anecdotal writing is not, however, a legally binding court document — feel free to be creative and deviate from strict biographical accuracy if that will lead to a more satisfying account. </aside>

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AO5

AO5 (i)

AO5 (ii)

AO5 (i) and AO5 (ii) are assessed through:
- Component 1b
- Component 2b </aside>

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AO6

AO6 is assessed through:
- Component 1b
- Component 2b </aside>

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Past Papers

Anecdotal Writing

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