Writing and Composition
The Writing and Composition domain tests your ability to plan, organise and edit extended writing for a clear purpose and audience. Tasks may include narrative, descriptive, expository or argumentative essays, formal and informal letters, reports, notices and speeches. Marks are awarded for content, organisation, language and mechanics, so a strong idea still needs clear paragraphs and correct sentences.
Structure
- Plan before writing: purpose, audience, form and three or four main points.
- Use an introduction that states the topic, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and a conclusion that closes the argument.
- Keep one main idea per paragraph and link ideas with connectors such as firstly, however, therefore and in conclusion.
- Formal letter: writer's address, date, receiver's address, salutation, body, closing and signature.
- Argument: claim, evidence, counterpoint and rebuttal.
Worked example
Prompt: "Write a letter to your head teacher requesting permission to hold a cultural day." Reasoning: The form is a formal letter; the audience is the head teacher; the purpose is a request supported by reasons. Open by stating the request, give two reasons in separate paragraphs (preserving traditions, raising funds), then thank the head teacher and offer to discuss the plan. "Hey" and SMS spellings would break register and lose marks.
Traps that cost marks
- Ignoring the required form, such as writing an essay instead of a letter.
- Weak or missing topic sentences.
- An overlong introduction with no clear position.
- Mixing tenses or registers.
- Writing one solid block with no paragraphing.
Key points
- Match form, tone and audience.
- Plan three body paragraphs before drafting.
- Use a topic sentence in each paragraph.
- Support claims with reasons or examples.
- Leave time to proofread for punctuation and spelling.