Hard40 marksExtended Response
AQA GCSE · Question 05 · Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
'People have become obsessed with travelling ever further and faster. However, travel is expensive, dangerous, damaging and a foolish waste of time!'
Write an article for a news website in which you argue your point of view on this statement.
(24 marks for content and organisation
16 marks for technical accuracy)
'People have become obsessed with travelling ever further and faster. However, travel is expensive, dangerous, damaging and a foolish waste of time!'
Write an article for a news website in which you argue your point of view on this statement.
(24 marks for content and organisation
16 marks for technical accuracy)
How to approach this question
1. **Plan your argument:** Decide on your point of view. Will you agree, disagree, or take a balanced approach? Jot down 3-4 key points to support your view.
2. **Structure your article:**
- **Headline:** Create a catchy, engaging title.
- **Introduction:** Hook the reader, introduce the statement, and state your main argument (thesis).
- **Body Paragraphs:** Dedicate each paragraph to one of your key points. Start with a clear topic sentence. Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, anecdotes, facts). Address the counter-arguments (e.g., acknowledge travel can be expensive, but...).
- **Conclusion:** Summarise your main points and end with a powerful, memorable statement that reinforces your viewpoint.
3. **Adopt the right tone:** Write in a confident, persuasive tone suitable for a news website article. Use engaging language and vary your sentence structures.
4. **Check your work:** Spend the last 5-10 minutes proofreading for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. This is worth 16 marks.
Full Answer
This is a transactional writing task that requires you to present a clear and persuasive argument. You need to demonstrate your ability to structure a piece of writing effectively for a specific purpose (to argue) and audience (news website readers). The best responses will be well-planned, with a clear line of argument that is sustained throughout. They will use a range of persuasive devices (like rhetorical questions, emotive language, and anecdotes) and show a sophisticated command of language, sentence structure, and punctuation.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include not having a clear point of view, simply listing pros and cons without developing an argument, and poor structure. Forgetting the basics of technical accuracy (spelling, punctuation, grammar) can also lose a significant number of marks.
Practice the full AQA GCSE English Paper 2
5 questions · hints · full answers · grading
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