Question 5: Transactional Writing
Question 5 of English Language Paper 2 is the extended writing task, worth 40 marks 24forcontentandorganization,16fortechnicalaccuracy. This question assesses the student's ability to produce a piece of transactional writing for a specific purpose and audience.
Key aspects of Question 5:
- Identify the type of writing required letter,speech,article,etc.
- Recognize the intended audience classmates,politicians,newseditors,etc.
- Understand the purpose inform,persuade,entertain
- Respond to a given quote, either agreeing or disagreeing
Highlight: Planning is crucial for this question. Use the MESI framework: Money, Environment, Social, Individual.
Structure for your response:
- Introduction
- Three main paragraphs usingMESIasaguide
- Conclusion
Writing techniques to incorporate:
- Facts and statistics
- Rhetorical questions
- Anecdotes
- Varied punctuation
- Ambitious and sophisticated language
- Varied sentence lengths
Example: In a speech about environmental conservation, you might start with a rhetorical question: "How many of us truly understand the impact our daily choices have on the planet?"
Structuring your P2Q5 response:
- Describe: Create a clear image of the problem or issue
- Position: Consider personal, national, and global perspectives
- Relevance: Apply the MESI framework
- Now: Encourage your reader to reevaluate their choices
Vocabulary: Transactional writing - non-fiction writing that serves a specific purpose, such as to inform, explain, describe, persuade, or advise.
Assessment Objectives:
- AO5 24marks: Content and organization
- AO6 16marks: Technical accuracy
By following these guidelines and incorporating a range of persuasive techniques, students can craft a compelling piece of transactional writing that demonstrates their ability to communicate effectively for different purposes and audiences in English Language Paper 2.