Directed writing for a specified audience and purpose
Directed writing gives you a role, an audience, a purpose and a form. The examiner checks content drawn from the stimulus, appropriate conventions, register and accuracy.
Core rules
- Know the form's non-negotiable features: letter (salutation, sign-off), speech (audience address, direct address), article (headline, paragraphs), report (headings, factual tone), review (judgement, evidence).
- Establish the relationship: head teacher, peers or newspaper readers. Choose formal, neutral or semi-formal register accordingly.
- Cover every bullet or content point; give each a clear paragraph.
- Signpost purpose early: 'I am writing to...' or 'Today I want to persuade you...'
- Use moves suited to purpose: statistics, anecdote, appeal to fairness, recommendation.
Worked example
Task: a speech to Year 11 students persuading them to join a reading club. Opening: 'Good morning, Year 11. Imagine a club where the only deadline is finishing a chapter you cannot put down.' Reasoning: direct address names the audience; a concrete image creates interest; the persuasive purpose is implied. Next: 'I want to show you three reasons joining will change your week.' This signposts structure and purpose.
Traps
- Writing an essay when the task asks for a letter or speech.
- Using slang with a formal audience, or jargon with peers.
- Ignoring one bullet point.
- Forgetting the sign-off or headline.
- Making unsupported claims instead of using the stimulus.
Plan content points before drafting.