Paper 1: Section A (Directed Writing)

- Tips and guidelines
- Common mistakes
- Formats

1. PAPER 1: SECTION A -DIRECTED WRITING- GUIDELINES MISTAKES TO AVOID FORMATS Prepared by Sir Firdaus

2. a) Directed Writing Guidelines a.i - Writing out your response: Use all the content points. As you write, cross out the points that you have used to ensure you have not left out any points. If possible, use the content points in the same order in which they are given. Write each point in a complete sentence by adding articles, verbs, pronouns, prepositions etc.

3. Do not simply combine a few content points in one sentence. Write at least two to three sentences to expand or elaborate each given point. Avoid paraphrasing the points as this might lead to distortion of meaning. Include an Introduction and a Conclusion . Make sure your paragraphs are well- organised . Check your writing for grammar , spelling and punctuation mistakes.

4. a.ii - Elaborating on the given points or notes: You may, give examples/reasons . state the effect/explain . give details/examples/illustrations . explain further. give an opinion . OR You may use the Wh -questions ( what , who , when , where , why and how )

5. Here are some examples: Point 1 love vacations with family Expansion: I love to go on vacations with my family. Elaboration: Give a reason (WHY?) It is a good opportunity to spend time with them. State the effect (WHAT?) We can discuss our problems and help each other to solve them. Point 2 exercise regularly Expansion: You must exercise regularly. Elaboration: Explain further: Exercise at least three times a week for thirty minutes each time. Give examples: You can go jogging, swimming or even take up a game like badminton. State the effect: Exercising can make you healthier and keep your weight in check.

6. a.iii – Further Guidelines Vocabulary: Use words and expressions that are appropriate to convey the correct meaning. Use informal language for informal letters and formal language for formal letters, reports, speeches and articles. Do not use colloquial language (used in conversation but not in writing) like “ I am cool with it bro…”

7. Sentence Structure: Use different sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous. Use simple, compound and complex sentences. Use different sentence beginnings . Vary the length of your sentences . Do not use all short sentences as your writing will sound choppy. Use conjunctions to join sentences. Use sentence connectors to begin each paragraph as well as within the paragraph to ensure a smooth flow of ideas.

8. Presentation: Organise your essay well. Decide which points are to go in which paragraph. Study which points can be combined as it is not necessary to write one point in one paragraph. Have an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion . Provide a suitable title if required to do so. Link your paragraphs well.

9. b) Mistakes To A void You have 12 content points to elaborate on. So do not write more than that as you will not get extra marks. Do not just string the words in the notes given to make them look like a sentence. Marks will not be given for stringing. You are advised not to elaborate too much on each point. This is because you only have 45 minutes to answer this question. So you do not want to end up with less than 1 hour for continuous writing (50 marks)

10. Use British English and not American English. Stay away from slang such as ‘ gonna ’, ‘ wanna ’, ‘freaking tired’, ‘cool man’, etc. Avoid casual words like ‘dude’, chill’ etc. Do not use SMS-style of writing. For example, do not use ‘u’ instead of ‘you’, ‘r’ instead of ‘are’ and ‘4’ instead of ‘for’, etc. Contractions should be avoided in formal writing except for informal letters or dialogues, for examples, don’t-do not, can’t-can not, I’m-I am etc.

11. Read your essay once you have finished writing to check for errors. Every error is underlined. More errors underlined would mean lower marks for language.

12. c) Format i) SPEECH

13. ii) ARTICLE

14. iii) INFORMAL LETTER

15. iv) FORMAL LETTER

16. v) REPORT