WJEC English Language Study Guide

Types of Writing and Talk Structure

You'll encounter six main writing formats in your English Language exams: talks, formal letters, articles (opinion/advice), reports, reviews, and travel writing. Each has its own purpose and audience, so knowing the differences is crucial for success.

Writing a talk is all about engaging your audience from the start. Begin with "Good morning" and use an anecdote or scenario to hook your listeners - think "Imagine if..." or "Suppose you could...". Your introduction should be just two sentences that grab attention immediately.

Structure your talk with three clear paragraphs. First, give your strongest reason why the audience should get involved, using phrases like "A great reason to get involved is...". Second, add another compelling reason with "Furthermore...". Third, anticipate objections - show you understand why some might disagree, then counter their arguments with "However..." or "Despite this...".

Quick Tip: End with direct address or a question that motivates action - make your audience want to do something!

Formal Letter Writing

Formal letters follow strict formatting rules that examiners love to see. Put the recipient's name and address on the left, your address (no name) on the right, with the date underneath your address. Don't forget capital letters for proper nouns, street names, and postcodes like CH67 6LT.

Start with "Dear Sir/Madam" if you don't know their name, or "Dear Mr/Ms..." if you do. Your introduction should state clearly why you're writing: "I am writing to...". Then develop three main points across separate paragraphs - each one building your argument or case.

Your final paragraph explains what you want to happen as a result. Use phrases like "I would like to see..." or "I hope this letter has...". Thank them in advance for considering your request.

The formal ending depends on your opening - use "Yours faithfully" if you wrote "Dear Sir/Madam", or "Yours sincerely" if you used their name. Sign your name, then print it clearly underneath.

Remember: Getting the format right shows you understand formal communication - easy marks!

Article Writing Techniques

Articles come in two main styles: magazine (entertaining and lively) or newspaper (serious and formal). They can offer opinions, give advice, or provide information depending on your audience and purpose.

Broadsheet comment articles need three key elements: factual accounts of newsworthy events, considered opinions, and intelligent, entertaining writing. Your language should be formal with ambitious vocabulary and figurative language to engage readers.

Create a metaphorical heading that grabs attention - like "Social Media is poison. It's time for a digital detox". Follow with a strapline that presents one argument then counters it with a question: "Proponents claim it helps us stay connected. So why are we in a loneliness epidemic?"

Structure your main body using Point, Evidence, Comment for each paragraph. Include a counter-argument paragraph starting with "However..." or "An opposing point could be...", then defeat that argument immediately after. Your conclusion should respond to the original question and leave readers thinking.

Pro Tip: Articles have more flexibility than essays - you can vary paragraph lengths for impact, just don't skimp on content!

Report Writing Structure

Reports are formal documents that provide information and make recommendations. You'll typically write to authority figures like school governors or local councils about facilities or issues that need addressing.

Use clear subheadings to organise your report: Introduction, Data Collection, Findings, Recommendations, and Conclusion. Your introduction states who the report is for, what it's about, and what questions you'll answer. Data Collection explains your research methods - surveys, interviews, questionnaires.

The Findings section is your longest part, answering each question systematically with evidence and statistics. Use specific percentages and quotes from your "research" to make it credible - like "80% feel facilities are either good or very good" or direct quotes from respondents.

Recommendations should be practical bullet points that address the problems you've identified. Your conclusion summarises why action is needed and mentions broader benefits like "reducing crime" or "enhancing the community".

Key Point: Reports need to sound official and evidence-based - use formal language and specific data throughout.

Guide and Review Writing

Travel guides aim to inform and persuade people to visit somewhere. Include practical information like transport links, then sell the destination's benefits for different age groups. Structure around themes like shopping, entertainment, and dining with enthusiastic, descriptive language.

Use engaging subheadings as questions: "Are you down for shopping galore?" or "Kids in need for fun?". Describe specific venues with vivid details and mention practical considerations like cost-of-living concerns. Make it sound exciting but realistic.

Reviews require you to be authoritative and critical. Start with a catchy heading and star rating out of 5. Write in third person with a byline that establishes your credibility as a reviewer. Structure with 2-3 paragraphs explaining what's good, one paragraph on negatives, then a balanced conclusion.

Use critical techniques effectively - irony for saying the opposite of what you mean, sarcasm for direct mockery, and humorous comparisons. End with practical information about where to find/buy/see what you've reviewed.

Writing Tip: Reviews need personality - don't be afraid to have strong opinions, but always back them up with specific examples.