The 2 sources you have been reading have been about 1 subject but with differing opinions on that subject. Now it's time to create your own persuasive piece of writing which will be linked closely to the same subject as those sources.
Your creative writing question is worth 40 marks and 45 minutes of your time (more, if you have extra time). 24 marks are given over to argument and structure (developed through planning first). 16 marks are awarded for SPaG (consideration when writing your answer). 2-3 sides of writing will get the job done here. Don't over-write; it's about the quality over length always.
First step is to read the question carefully. WHAT are you being asked to write about (this will be the controversial statement in the question)? HOW have you been asked to write it (letter, speech, article, leaflet, essay)?
This should go without saying as you should do this for every answer in the exams as you're being marked for a national qualification you need on what will effectively always be first draft responses - PLAN FIRST. Why rush something that you will be marked on? Why not think about what you will be writing when 'clear and relevant' is your benchmark?
To plan, firstly break down the question. All you need to answer the question is IN the question. Come up with 3-4 mature points for and against the statement in the question.
If you get a speech, write it as if you were saying it aloud ('Good morning, ladies and gentleman. Thank you for coming to my speech today on...')
If you get a letter, lay it out like a letter (as if anyone still sends them. You should, it's a dying art form): date at the top, address in top right, Dear Sir/Madam (or title taken from the question), paragraphs, end with Yours Sincerely, and your name.
If it's an article, leaflet or essay, you use a headline and then paragraphs as normal. Make your title stand out - use a persuasive feature and vary your punctuation by using an exclamation mark and/or question mark in it.
Choose a side of the argument that you are most passionate about. The examiner doesn't care. There's no right or wrong here, so don't panic. Put your points into a structure that is relevant to your argument. For this, you can use the following structure as a foundation:
Introduction - State your opinion and repeat the question for clarity.
Paragraph 1 - Firstly, (1 point per paragraph)
Paragraph 2 - Secondly,
Paragraph 3 - Thirdly,
Paragraph 4 - (counter-argument) However,
Paragraph 5 - Finally,
Conclusion - In conclusion, (repeat the question).
Include a clear sequence of ideas – signpost the direction of the response. By using discourse markers you are clearly structuring your response. There's really no need to write at speed and hurry - you are always marked on quality over length, so write well, not loads.
When you have an argument and a structure that works, you can focus on your expression of your opinions for the examiner. Use a variety of language devices. This may include persuasive writing features such as FATHORSE or DAFORREST. However, these come with a word of caution. You can absolutely use them,but use them appropriately. Once you have used them once (aside from opinion and repetition) you shouldn't use them again. Also, use them relevantly.
As you write your response up, you are now focusing on your 16 marks for SPaG. Make sure you use secure spelling, complex vocabulary and an accurate range of punctuation. Use a variety of sentence forms as appropriate. Use paragraphs (which, if you are using an appropriate structure, should be fine). Use formal English language throughout. Don't be informal or inappropriate in language or tone. This is an English Language qualification, so show off what you can do to the examiner.
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