In order to successfully answer each question on the reading paper

WJEC English Language Writing Paper: Types of Question
In order to successfully answer each question on the writing paper, it is important to understand what it is
actually asking you to do.
This sheet is a guide to the different types of texts that you could encounter on the writing paper. Remember
that you will have to answer two questions in the exam. You also need to remember that the audience and
purpose of a text will have an impact upon the content you need to include. For example, language choices
for a young audience will be different to those made for an adult audience.
1. Informal letter

An informal letter is one sent to someone you know or someone you are familiar with.

The letter will be about things you might discuss with a friend or an acquaintance.

The degree of formality will depend on how well you know the recipient; some of the
best informal letters will sound like a friend talking to a friend.
Sample question:
Your friend is interested in becoming a teacher; write a letter to them explaining your point of
view. This response should clearly set out your point of view, consider what you think life as
a teacher would be like and use this to inform your discussion.
Write your letter to your friend. [20]
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book.
2. Formal letters

A formal letter is quite different from an informal letter; it has a different layout,
audience purpose and tone.

In this type of letter you will be writing to a person you may not know personally, this
will usually meant that your tone is a lot more formal than it would be if you did know
the recipient.

The question will tell you what the content of your letter will need to be, however
whatever the topic is, you need to make sure that you plan your response carefully.
You will need to think carefully about your introduction and the argument or ideas you
wish to express.
Sample question:
You live near a large school. You decide to complain about the behaviour of pupils on their
way to and from the school.
Write your letter to the Head teacher. [20]
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book.
WJEC English Language Writing Paper: Types of Question
3. Reports

A report is intended to give information or advice to a person or persons so that what
is said can be considered and perhaps, acted upon.

A report is normally written after something has been researched or thought about,
for example the provision of public transport in an area.

When writing a report, you need to use a clear and uncomplicated format so that the
points raised are presented clearly to the reader. There will be a main heading and
probably sub-headings, since the report is likely to consider different aspects of the
subject (such as alternative points of view).

Most reports are formal, though it does depend upon the audience. The tone must be
respectful, but views can be strong and forceful.
Sample question:
You have been asked to write a report on catering services in your school/college for the
Head teacher/Principal.
Organise your report into paragraphs with suitable headings.
Write your report. [20]
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book.
4. Articles for magazines and newspapers

Articles are generally written for newspapers and magazines, if you are asked to
write one, you need to carefully consider its purpose, audience and format (genre).

In most cases an article is written to inform, persuade and entertain. Most articles
need to be lively and should contain interesting facts and probably opinions.

The style and tone will depend upon the audience; again you will need to consider
this carefully.

The format or layout of an article is simple; you will need to include a main heading
that makes it clear what the article is about. The use of paragraphs is important too;
these should be used to structure your ideas.

There is no need to use columns in the exam, but you can if you wish. Your name
should appear beneath the heading as this is a genre convention.
Sample question:
Your school/college has organised a campaign to improve the health and fitness of staff and
students.
WJEC English Language Writing Paper: Types of Question
Write a lively article for your school/college magazine with the title ‘Keeping Fit and
Healthy’.
[20]
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book.
5. Leaflets

Leaflets are all around you: in shops, hotels, doctors, restaurants etc.

If asked to produce a leaflet in the exam, you cannot be expected to create a ‘real’
leaflet however you must work hard to show that you understand their purpose,
audience, tone and format.

Leaflets are generally written to give people information about something they want,
or need to know about.

The audience will vary and will depend on the purpose you are writing for. This is
also true of the tone and style of writing you will need to adopt.

Again, you do not need to lay this out like a ‘real’ article, but you must make sure that
information is clearly conveyed and easy to find. The title will tell the reader what the
leaflet is about and sub headings should be used to add further structure.
Sample question:
A travel agents has asked for leaflets about places that offer a good day out in your.
Create a leaflet about the place of your choice. [20]
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book. You do not need to write in the form of a leaflet should use
subheadings as appropriate.
6. Speeches

A speech or a talk is an address to a group of people large or small. If you are asked
to produce a speech in your exam you will be informed of the audience and purpose.

Speeches may be given to share a point of view or explain or argue a point of view.
The tone of your speech will depend on the audience and circumstances. For
example, if you are talking to your classmates it may be more ‘chatty’ than an
address to adults.
You have to give a talk to your class with the title 'Mobile Phones: a blessing or a curse?'
Write what you would say. [20]
WJEC English Language Writing Paper: Types of Question
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book.
7. Reviews

Reviews are structured opinions of something read, seen or listened to.

The purpose of a review is to give a reasoned (or supported) opinion of something.
You need to remember that a review is not intended to give away a plot, but instead
to give a point of view.

There are some formatting issues to consider here you should start by using the title
of the film/book/CD you are reviewing as a heading. The review should be written in
paragraphs and should conclude with your overall recommendation. You might want
to include a star rating too.

In the exam, the audience will be clearly stated and will impact upon the language
choices you should make: obviously a review for a teen magazine will be very
different to one that appears in a broadsheet newspaper.
Sample question:
Write a review for your school magazine about the food in the canteen. You should
include details about:



What options students have at lunchtime
Positives and negatives of the canteen experience
What you think about lunchtimes as a whole.
Write your review. [20]
The quality of your writing is more important than its length. You should write about one to
two pages in your answer book.
Moving up the grades
Content and organisation (13)
Sentence structure, punctuation and spelling (7)
A 10-13 marks
- sophisticated understanding of purpose of task
- sustained awareness of reader
- coverage is well judged and detailed
- paragraphs are used to enhance effect
- a sophisticated use of a range of devices
- appropriate and ambitious vocabulary
A 6-7 marks
- effective variation of sentence structures
- punctuation is accurate ad used confidently
- virtually all spelling is correct
- tenses are fully under control
C 7-9 marks
- clear understanding of purpose of task
- clear awareness of audience
- well shaped ideas, structured with paragraphs
C 4-5 marks
- a range of sentences used to achieve effects
- a range of punctuation is accurately used
- most spelling is accurate
WJEC English Language Writing Paper: Types of Question
- style is apt for audience and purpose, as is vocabulary
- control of tense and agreement is secure