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Paper 2

Paper 2 Q5: Transactional Writing

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Typewriter on a desk

Write for a clear purpose, audience, and form.

Key Facts

  • Paper 2 Q5 is 40 marks split between content and accuracy.
  • Purpose, audience, and form must be clear.
  • Use persuasive techniques and varied sentences.
  • Proofread for spelling and punctuation errors.
  • Keep tone consistent across the whole response.

Topics Covered

Form Conventions

What you need to know

  • Use the right format for article, speech, or letter.
  • Include openings and closings that suit the form.

Exam Tips

  • Show your audience awareness early in the response.

Purpose and Audience

What you need to know

  • Identify the form: letter, speech, or article.
  • Match tone to audience.

Exam Tips

  • Use clear signposting and persuasive devices.

Structure

What you need to know

  • Use paragraphs with topic sentences.
  • Finish with a strong closing statement.

Exam Tips

  • Keep paragraphing visible for the examiner.

Persuasive Techniques

What you need to know

  • Use rhetorical questions, rule of three, and emotive language.
  • Vary sentence lengths for emphasis.

Exam Tips

  • Use one technique per paragraph to stay controlled.

Accuracy and Control

What you need to know

  • Check sentence boundaries and punctuation.
  • Avoid repeated errors in spelling or tense.

Exam Tips

  • Proofread for AO6 marks.

Key Terms

audience

The people the writing is aimed at.

persuasion

Using techniques to change the reader's mind.

formality

How formal or informal the tone should be.

register

The level of formality used in language.

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Common Exam Questions

Write an article arguing for or against school uniforms.

40 marksmediumPaper 2

Model Answer

Structure clearly, use persuasive devices, and keep tone consistent.

What examiners want to see

  • Clear argument
  • Accurate SPaG

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