Transactional Writing Revision Document Year 11 / 2023

Summer session examinations

Definition of transactional writing –

Transactional writing refers to a type of writing that is used to communicate information or ideas for a
specific purpose or transaction. The main purpose of transactional writing is to achieve a particular goal, such
as persuading the reader, informing them about something, or requesting information or action from them.

Examples of transactional writing include letters, emails, memos, reports, notices, and other types of
documents that are used in business or professional contexts. These forms of writing often follow a specific
format and use a formal tone and language.

Transactional writing typically involves a clear and concise style of writing, with a focus on providing relevant
and accurate information. It may also involve a call to action, such as requesting a response or asking the
reader to take a specific action.

The core elements of Pearson Edexcel transactional writing typically include:

Purpose: The writer must have a clear understanding of why they are writing and what they are trying to
achieve. The purpose of transactional writing is usually to inform, persuade, or instruct the reader.

Audience: The writer should consider who their audience is and what their needs and expectations might be.
The tone, style, and language used should be appropriate for the intended audience.

Format: The writer should be familiar with the conventions of the type of transactional writing they are being
asked to produce. This may include letters, emails, reports, articles, or speeches.

Content: The content of the writing should be relevant, accurate, and informative. The writer must ensure
that they provide all the necessary information and that it is presented in a logical and coherent manner.

Language: The language used should be clear, concise, and appropriate for the purpose and audience. The
writer should avoid using overly complex vocabulary or sentence structures that might confuse or alienate
the reader.

Structure: The writing should be well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The writer
should use appropriate headings, subheadings, and bullet points to help guide the reader through the text.

Tone: The tone of the writing should be appropriate for the purpose and audience. For example, a letter of
complaint might be written in a more formal and assertive tone than an email to a friend.
Emails:
Conventions:

 Formal or informal language depending on the context.

 Clear subject line that reflects the content of the email.
 Appropriate email structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
 Use of short paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate to make the content easier to read and
understand.
 Alignment of text to the left margin.

Requirements:

 Use of appropriate tone and language for the intended audience.

 Proper use of formal/informal language, depending on the context of the email.
 Use of polite language and greetings/salutations (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith," "Dear John,") to show
respect and professionalism.
 Use of clear and concise language to ensure the message is easily understood.
 Proper punctuation and grammar to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
 Proper use of capitalization, spelling, and abbreviations to enhance clarity.
 Proper sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely," "Kind regards," "Best regards,") to end the email in a professional
manner.
 Proper use of attachments, if any, to ensure they are relevant and appropriate to the context of the
email.

Letters:

Conventions:

 Formal or informal language depending on the context.

 Correct format and layout (date, address, salutation, body, closing, signature) to ensure the letter
looks professional and organized.
 Clear purpose and structure to ensure the letter is easy to read and understand.
 Proper use of paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
 Alignment of text to the left margin.

Requirements:

 Use of appropriate tone and language for the intended audience.

 Proper use of formal/informal language, depending on the context of the letter.
 Use of polite language and greetings/salutations (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith," "Dear John,") to show
respect and professionalism.
 Use of clear and concise language to ensure the message is easily understood.
 Proper punctuation and grammar to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
 Proper use of capitalization, spelling, and abbreviations to enhance clarity.
  Proper sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely," "Kind regards," "Best regards,") to end the letter in a professional
manner.
 Proper use of attachments, if any, to ensure they are relevant and appropriate to the context of the
letter.

Reports:
Conventions:

 Formal language.
 Clear title and table of contents to help the reader navigate the report.
 Clear purpose and structure to ensure the report is easy to read and understand.
 Proper use of headings and subheadings to organize the report into sections.
 Proper use of paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
 Alignment of text to the left margin.

Requirements:

 Use of appropriate tone and language for the intended audience.

 Proper use of formal language.
 Use of clear and concise language to ensure the message is easily understood.
 Proper punctuation and grammar to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
 Proper use of capitalization, spelling, and abbreviations to enhance clarity.
 Proper sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely," "Kind regards," "Best regards,") to end the report in a professional
manner.
 Proper use of appendices, if any, to ensure they are relevant and appropriate to the context of the
report.

Mark allocation
Total marks: Section B 45

 Content: 15 marks
 Demonstrates a clear sense of purpose and focus.
 Develops a coherent and sustained response.
 Engages the reader through the use of appropriate techniques and devices.

 Organization and Structure: 10 marks

 Uses an appropriate structure and order to the response.
 Demonstrates a clear sense of progression and coherence.
 Uses a range of techniques to create impact and interest.
 Style and Tone: 10 marks
  Uses a range of sentence structures effectively.
 Uses a range of vocabulary effectively.
 Uses language and tone appropriately for the purpose and audience.

 Sentence Structure, Punctuation and Spelling: 10 marks

 Uses a range of sentence structures effectively.
 Uses correct punctuation and spelling.
 Demonstrates good control of grammar and syntax.

 Imagery and Description: 10 marks

 Uses a range of techniques to create imagery and description effectively.
 Uses sensory language and detail effectively.
 Creates a vivid and engaging response.

Requirements and assessment objectives for the whole paper

This AO assesses a candidate's ability to:

 understand and respond to the explicit and implicit meanings of a range of texts
 select and use evidence from texts to support their responses
 analyse language, structure, and form to explore the writer's choices and their effects on the reader.

AO2: Communicate clearly and effectively

This AO assesses a candidate's ability to:

 write accurately, fluently, and coherently

 use a range of sentence structures and vocabulary effectively
 use spelling, punctuation, and grammar accurately and appropriately
 demonstrate good control of register and style.

AO3: Use critical reasoning

This AO assesses a candidate's ability to:

 evaluate and synthesise ideas and information from different sources

 make connections between texts and contexts
 develop and sustain a line of argument.

AO4: Explore contexts

This AO assesses a candidate's ability to:

  explore and analyse the social, historical, and cultural contexts of texts
 evaluate the impact of these contexts on the writer's choices and the reader's response
 make connections between texts and their contexts.

The writing purposes in the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language

exam are the different reasons or intentions for which a candidate may
be asked to write. These purposes are:
Writing to Argue or Persuade - this involves presenting a clear argument or case on a given topic, and using
persuasive techniques to convince the reader to agree with your point of view.

Writing to Describe or Narrate - this involves using descriptive and narrative techniques to create an engaging
and vivid portrayal of a person, place, event, or experience.

Writing to Explain or Inform - this involves providing clear and accurate information on a given topic, with the
aim of enhancing the reader's understanding of the subject matter.

In the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language exam, you will be asked to write responses for different
writing purposes, depending on the question prompt. It is important to understand the requirements and
conventions for each writing purpose, as well as to adapt your writing style, tone, and language accordingly.