Paper 1 - Writing – Section 1

Total Time: 1hr 30 mins

Completion time: 30 mins approx.

Task Fulfilment: 15 Marks

(approx. 3marks for each of the following requirements)

• Clear understanding of purpose; audience and situation

• Correct format required for the piece of writing
• Appropriate tone and register
• Use of information to justify personal opinion
• Sensible development and organization of bullet points

Language (15 Marks)

• Word limit requirement

• Vocabulary associated with the given situation
• Convincing piece
• Grammar ( punctuation,sentence structure; verb tenses; subject
verb agreement; spellings)
 Section 1: Directed writing (200-300 words)

Article Format:

“Title for the article”

By: Your full name

Introductory Paragraph: Catchy statement; background; thesis

statement is to bring to the attention of your readers…
Example: Whatever the topic/point of discussion is, start by
“defining” it. Either define it in terms of general understanding of
people or dictionary meaning of the term.
- Success is an achievement which motivates one to continue to
progress and excel.
The word “success” here has been taken from the situation of the
question regarding the achievement of your school team.
- “Hard work is the seed of success” is a proverb that has been the
guiding light for our school’s Debating Team to continue to practise
and work hard for the famous International Debating Competition.

2nd , 3rd and 4th paragraphs: based on each bullet point of the
question.

Paragraph 5: wishful thinking, what are your hopes, what do you wish to
achieve.
Example: I hope and pray that our team continues to bring laurels to our
school and be a source of inspiration for our younger school fellows.

Check List for Magazine Article:

1. Head line (title of the article) – Make it catchy and interesting, use
rules of capitalization (1st letter of all key words must be capital)
2. By line (Author’s name i.e., your full name)
3. Opening/start of the article must be engaging and interesting.
4. Thesis statement can be placed at the end of the first paragraph.
5. All bullet points must be well developed.
6. Well-structured paragraphs, following the sequence of the bullet points.
7. Rule of three; proverbs; figures of speech; impressive expressions as well
as a quote or two!!
8. Over all creativity of this task is being graded, so ensure a good
linguistically sound piece.
9. State some terminologies/strategies of the topic (sports) of the
article, this will enhance your language and engage readers. Use
passive voice, humor, emotive language, rhetorical questions to provide
a specific effect. (Passive voice is when subjected is acted upon the
verb: eg: The house will be cleaned by me. (Passive voice) I will clean
the house. (Active voice)

10. Conclude with your strongest point (the most significant point that forms
the foundation of your article)
 Report Format:

To:
From:
Date:
Subject:

Opening: crisp; no pleasantries required; relate it to the subject line (why you are
writing?)

- This is with regards to your instructions about… (refer to the subject line
situation)
- This report aims to address the concerns that arise during our school’s
recess time.
- As per your instructions, I have …

2nd , 3rd and 4th paragraphs based on each bullet point of the question.

Example: I conducted an informal survey…

I was in conversation with various students from multiple levels of the

school to gather

5th paragraph: Complementary close

Example: I hope the above information is sufficient in aiding you in making an

informed decision.

I am always available for any further information that you may require in the same
regard.
Your signature

(Full Name)
Check List – Report Writing

1. Format/layout
2. Staring must answer: Why? How? And what information the report has been
based on.
3. Appropriate tone (keep it neutral) and register (words related to the
situation) maintained with use of relevant words

Instead of “should” use suggestive words like:

- Students may be instructed to…

- The administration could look into the matter with greater detail
- This would enable the students to access the cafeteria menu with greater
ease…
- The students must…

Formal Letter (format)

Date : 2nd May 2021

Subject line: Based on the situation of the question

Dear Sir/Madam,
Opening: crisp; no pleasantries required; relate it to the subject line (why you are
writing?)

- This is to bring to the attention of your readers…

 - I am taking the opportunity to connect to the readers of your newspaper to
bring forth a matter of concern which usually goes un-discussed.

2nd , 3rd and 4th paragraphs based on each bullet point of the question.

5th paragraph: Complementary close

- I hope my letter finds a place in your paper.

- I look forward to a prompt response from your side.

- I hope my concern finds due consideration in

your office. Regards/Yours sincerely

Your

signature

Your full

name

Checklist:

- Subject line must be based on the situation given in the question.

- Don’t punctuate the subject line, make it in to a phrase and not a full
sentence.
- Maintain the required tone (feelings/emotions) in the letter according to the
situation
- Use appropriate register (words/vocabulary suitable for the situation being
discussed)
- Keep the language formal and to-the-point.

Informal Letter:
 Format:

Date (optional)

Dear mum/dad/friend’s name/uncle (or as specified in the question)

1st Paragraph: Introductory paragraph includes greetings, exchange of

pleasantries and the reason for writing the letter.

2nd ,3rd and 4th Paragraph: elaborate upon the 3 bullet points . One bullet per
paragraph.
5th Paragraph: End the letter on a polite note/ what do you wish for

Talk to you later/ with love /Your loving cousin

Your 1st name only

Checklist :
- Greetings exchanged.
- Tone is informal.
- All bullet points elaborated upon appropriately.

Speech- Checklist:

• Open your speech with given words of the question

• Create three distinctive paragraphs to develop requirements of
each bullet point, include all relevant details according to the
situation created in the question.
• Use proverbs, quotes or a variety of expressions to enhance your
expression.
• Create a courteous end to your speech
Writing Paper – Section 2
 Completion Time: 1hr approx.
Total Marks 30

Language: 15 Marks

Task Fulfilment: 15marks

Section 2: Composition (350-500 words)

Descriptive Essay Checklist:

- I have used details that appealed to my five senses.

- I have included interesting and distinctive details in my description.
- I have followed word limit which is 350-500 words.
- I have used descriptive words.
- I have used variety of vocabulary.
- I have used block paragraphs.
- I have used figures of speech like similes, personifications, metaphors, etc.
- I stuck to one point /single idea and did not stray from the topic.
- I have used proper spelling throughout my essay.
- I have used proper punctuation throughout my essay.
- I have used proper grammar throughout my essay.

Descriptive essay structure:

Introductory paragraph: Interesting opening sentence which could be a quote, a

proverb or maybe a stanza from a poem. Give a general over view of the place that
needs to be described and when you went there. If you have to describe a person,
then you can write about how you got to know this person. If two different places
need to be described, divide total paragraphs between the two so both get equal
description space/details.
Paragraph 2,3,4: Describe the setting in paragraph 2 , and focus on two
interesting points in paragraph 3 and 4. Engage all 5 senses and make sure you use
at least one simile and one metaphor in each paragraph.

Paragraph 5: Describe your feelings in relation to the place or person being

described.
 Note: A descriptive essay does not require a proper
conclusion like a narrative or argumentative essay.

Checklist for Narrative:

1. Word limit 350-500 (+ / - 10 words)

2. All the essential parts of a story (Catchy start including thesis line,
Characterization, rising action, falling action, conflict, conflict resolution,
appropriate ending)

3. Extensive use of impressive vocabulary; Figures of speech, metaphors and

other linguistic tools

4. Correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

5. Balanced sentence structure with at least 5 coherent paragraphs.

6. You may include a one-line paragraph.

7. Begin the essay with an interesting opening sentence. End body

paragraphs with appropriate transitioning sentences.

8. Give your story a good ending, preferably write about what you learned from the
experience.
Narrative Essay Structure:
Paragraph 1: This is the introductory paragraph which should begin with an
interesting hook. You focus on creating interest for the reader by hinting on what
is about to come next.

Paragraph 2: 2nd paragraph should be the longest paragraph of the story. It

should describe the setting, give some background information and discuss the
characters involved.

Paragraph 3: Rising action is the series of events which lead to the climax or the
actual problem.
Paragraph 3 primarily gives details on these events.

Paragraph 4 and 5: This paragraph is all about the actual conflict or problem in
your story. You share the conflict and the resolution.

Paragraph 6: Give the story a proper ending.

Argumentative Essay:

You have to approach this style of writing as an attempt to convince the reader
that the writer’s idea is true.

This type of writing is basically a debate typed out on paper. As you get into an
argumentative essay, you have to be aware of the pros and cons of the argument.
The only instance when you can place an opinion under suspicion is when you have
proof.

Argumentative Essays – Tips & Tricks

Read the topic carefully.

Underline the main point of the topic (such as Politics).

Decide ‘for’ or ‘against’ (i.e. are you in favour or against?).

Jot down all the RELEVANT & LOGICAL points related to your opinion.
Spend 5-10 minutes doing this in the form of notes.

No emotional reasons should be included.

Argumentative essay structure:

● Introductory Paragraph - containing a hook and thesis statement (What is

your point of view?)
● Paragraph 2: evidence to support your opinion with example (discuss 2
points)

● Paragraph 3: evidence to support your opinion with example (discuss 1-2

points)

● Paragraph 4: Give a counter argument and then provide a rebuttal (a point

to refute the counter argument).

● 5th Paragraph - Conclusion - summarizing the main points and leaving a

lasting mark on readers' minds.
Reading Paper – Section 1
 Time: 1hr 45 mins

Completion time 35 mins approx.

Content Points 12 marks

Summary 10 Marks

Opinion Question 3 Marks

Checklist for Content Points:

1. Ensure relevant points jotted under respective heading

2. No repetition of points
3. Do not include examples/explanations of points
4. Do not include the given points of question paper in your final count of
points (you should write at least 12 points)
5. Minimum 4 points under one heading – ratio of 4:8. Ideally 6:6
6. No need to use your own words at this point
7. Order of the points may change in this part

Check List – Summary:

1. Use the 10 given words to start your summary

2. Include all relevant/important points of the passage (especially points
form concluding lines of the passage must be included at the end of your
summary)
3. Sequence of information must be the same as in the passage – chronological
order of points
4. Do not include your own opinions/information/ prior knowledge
5. Use your own words where ever you can
6. Use a variety of sentence structure
7. Use 5-7 appropriate connectors to link points (do not repeat any connector)
 8. Add at least 1 line of synthesis (when you draw a conclusion based on the
information of the passage)

e.g. It is safe to say; without a shred of doubt; This suggests that

It follows that; For this reason; as it is seen being more effective

Linking Devices (connectors)

Describing similarities: Likewise; correspondingly; in the same way

Showing cause and effect: Consequently; As a result; Accordingly (a

synthesis may be created by starting a point with one of these connector)

Comparing and contrasting: Alternatively; Conversely; On the other hand; On the

contrary

Showing limitation or contradiction: Despite/in spite of; On the contrary;

Nevertheless; Nonetheless; Admittedly

Note: when 2n part of the information of the passage is being summarized,

use at least a phrase or one sentence indicating to the reader that the “flip
side” of the article is being discussed.

E.g. In town shops have not lost their flavour either.

This is a complete sentence telling the reader that now the summary is dealing
with the other side of the passage.
More examples: On the other hand;

Tip: sometimes the given ten words convey a complete point, hence can be ended
by using a full stop. Mostly, a comma can be used to link another content point
right after it.

Opinion question:

In the paragraph of reference, look for words that may hint of a writer’s
personal choice/liking/preference. Writer’s opinion may be found as a phrase
with a fact stated in the same sentence. State only that part of the sentence,
which is writer’s opinion.
Comprehension Section Guidelines:

• Read the wording of the question carefully

• Do not copy any part of the question in your answer
• Do not hesitate to start your answer with “because”
• Phrase the answer in your mind before writing it
• Let yourself be guided by the marks allotment of the question,
provide relevant details accordingly
• Comply with the restrictions of the question: “Write four consecutive
words” means 4 words one after the other from the paragraph of
reference, need to be quoted. One word requires you to mention only one
word.
• Keep tense of your answer same as the tense of the question
• Own words answers must be worded in your own words by using synonyms for
key words of the statement of reference
• Vocabulary question: Read the line from which a word has been taken. One
option out of the given 4 will be completely incorrect. Out of remaining
three, look for what suits more in terms of contextual or dictionary meaning
• Meaning and effect: Meaning part must be rephrased in your own words,
using synonyms of key words of sentence.

Effect: Impact or feelings felt by the writer or character must be named.