How to Answer Paper 2 Questions 8 and 9 Flashcards
All 11 cards in this deck
What are Paper 2 Questions 8 and 9, and how many marks are they worth?
A choice of two transactional writing tasks. You answer one, for 40 marks: 24 for AO5 and 16 for AO6, marked on the same grids as Paper 1's writing.
How long should you spend on Paper 2 Section B?
About 45 minutes: roughly 5–10 minutes to plan, then most of the time writing, with a few minutes at the end to check.
Which forms can Paper 2 Questions 8 and 9 ask for?
An article, a letter, a review, the text for a speech, or a section for a guide, textbook, leaflet or booklet. Since 2022 that is the definitive list. Essays and reports are not on it.
What does a Paper 2 writing task give you?
A form, an audience and a topic, then three 'you could include' bullets, 'as well as any other ideas you might have'. The bullets are suggestions to help you, not a checklist you must follow.
Do Paper 2 writing tasks always ask you to argue?
No. Many ask you to inform, explain or advise: a section for a guide to raising money for a cause, an article with advice on planning a day out, a speech about a happy memory. Read what the task wants before deciding on your tone.
How is the Section B theme linked to the reading?
The writing tasks share a theme with Text 1 and Text 2 (careers, picnics, extreme weather). The reading can give you ideas, but your writing must be your own.
Can you write a story for Paper 2 Question 8 or 9?
No. Examiners report narratives written in answer to transactional tasks. A personal anecdote can support a speech or article, but the piece must be the form the task asks for.
What does AO5 reward in transactional writing?
Communicating clearly and imaginatively in the right tone, style and register for the form, audience and purpose, and organising ideas so they develop and connect. At the top, you shape the reader's response with subtlety.
What should go in the planning box for Question 8 or 9?
Form, audience and purpose noted at the top, then a quick list of your paragraphs in order, with an opening and ending decided. Plans aren't marked unless you write nothing else.
What should you avoid inventing in transactional writing?
Precise statistics, named experts and fake studies. They sound made up. Use concrete, believable examples instead.
A task says 'Write a section for a guide for young people on finding a first part-time job.' What are the form, audience and purpose?
Form: a section of a guide, with a title, subheadings and clear sections. Audience: young people. Purpose: to inform and advise, so a friendly, helpful tone rather than an argument.