Hard40 marksExtended Response
Writers' Viewpoints and PerspectivesWritingArgumentativePersuasiveArticle

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)

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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