60 minutes; 1 of 2 questions; 40 marks; 25% of qualification

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About

• Component 1b 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 1b will always direct you to write in a particular form (article, blog/forum post, guide, letter, speech), tailoring your response to 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 a letter should not be seen as an opportunity to write informally.
  • 1st Person.
  • Standard English.
  • Formal and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar throughout.

Formal letter

• Your full address, aligned right.
• Today’s date, aligned right.
• Recipient’s address, aligned left.
• Salutation, aligned left.
  • Dear Sir,
    • Yours faithfully,
  • Dear Mr. Tumble,
    • Yours sincerely,
• Re:
• Opening paragraph.
  • Explain why you are writing the letter. Be clear and to the point.
    • I am writing to... (make an enquiry, complain, recommend, etc.)
• Body paragraphs.
  • Explain your purpose in more detail.
  • Do not write one large paragraph.
  • Use connectives and write a paragraph for each point.
  • Support opinions with facts.
  • Try to keep information to a minimum and concentrate on ensuring your letter reads in a logical manner and is very much to the point.
• Concluding paragraph.
  • Reiterate your main point.
  • Explain what response or outcome you want.
• Close
  • Yours faithfully,
    • Dear Sir,
  • Yours sincerely,
    • Dear Mr Tumble,
  • Your signature, aligned right.
  • Your name, aligned right, if your signature is not legible.

Informal letter

• Your full address, aligned right.
• Today’s date, aligned right.
• Salutation, aligned left.
  • Dear Arnold,
    • Yours truly,
  • Dear honey-pie,
    • Love,
• Opening paragraph.
  • Warmly greet the recipient.
  • Explain why you are writing the letter.
  • Use relaxed and friendly language.
• Body paragraphs.
  • Explain your purpose in more detail.
  • Do not write one large paragraph.
  • Use connectives or write a paragraph for each point.
  • Support opinions with facts.
• Concluding paragraph.
  • Explain, informally, why your letter has to end.
• Close
  • Yours truly,
    • Dear Fred,
  • Love,
    • Dear honey-pie,
  • Your name, aligned right. </aside>

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