Writing for different purposes

ARGUE, PERSUADE = point of view, expressing an opinion

Argue
 Make several, separate, clear key points
 Examples/facts/opinions/= support
 New point=new paragraph=clear first sentence
 Rhetorical questions/alliteration/triples
 Use “we” to involve reader
 Humour/counter-argument/repetition

Persuade
 Must convince your reader
 Several, separate, persuasive reasons
 Try shock and/or humour
 Use “we”/”us”/”our” to involve reader
 Rhetorical questions/alliteration/triples

INFORM, INSTRUCT, EXPLAIN, DESCRIBE = give details, instructions, elaborate upon or

help clarify something

Inform
 Must clearly tell your reader something
 Address the reader directly using “you”
 Best order for your info? = PLAN
 Paragraphs? Links between paragraphs?

Instruct
 Language should be simple
 Sentences should be short, with no unnecessary steps included
 ‘Must’ and ‘Must not’ are often used
 Order or chronology is crucial

Explain
 Must clearly show or demonstrate
 Develop the detail in your explanation
 Use examples to illustrate your points
 Careful step-by step order
 Paragraphs must be arranged sensibly

Describe
 Try to paint a picture with words
 Use five senses: Sights? Sounds? Smells? Touch? Taste?
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 Writing for different purposes

 Invent similes and metaphors

 Use best descriptive vocabulary
 Use adjectives and adverbs

ANALYSE, REVIEW = a considered response

Analyse
 You should be thinking: How? Why? Effect?
 Usually in the present tense
 Third person: maybe first if personal opinion
 Vocabulary that offers a judgement e.g.: ‘involving’, ‘engaging’

Review
 Show strengths and weaknesses of something
 Contains analysis/evidence/judgement
 Usually in the third person (not ‘I think …’)
 Connectives – e.g. as a result/however/ consequently/therefore/although
 Usually in the present tense

IMAGINE, EXPLORE, ENTERTAIN = fiction / original or creative writing

You may be asked to write a story: in which case you will have to invent. First of all, read the
question or instructions carefully to see what is required. Then construct a simple plan to ensure
you stay on track.

When writing a story, you might like to follow this six-stage structure:
 Beginning: catch reader’s attention
 Introduce a problem: trouble of some kind
 Gather pace: tension mounts/complications
 Crisis: peak of action and tension
 Adjustment: cool it/hint at ending
 Resolution: put things right?/final twist?
 Remember all of this with the mnemonic: BIG CAR

A few additional tips:

 You may choose to write in the past tense. Check that this stays consistent throughout
 First or third person? (check instructions). Check that this stays consistent throughout
 You might be able to choose where or when
 Try to create tension/atmosphere
 Vary your sentences in strategic places or use a combination of different types of
sentences where appropriate and for effect
 Use thoughtful/interesting vocabulary

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