Paper 1

Writing 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks – external assessment, 50 percent of qualification

This paper has two sections and candidates answer in a separate answer booklet.

Section 1: Directed Writing (30 marks)

• Candidates are presented with one task, e.g. write a letter, speech, report, article, which is fit
for purpose and relevant to the world of study, work or the community.

• Candidates should write 200–300 words to inform or persuade a particular audience.

• A total of 15 marks are allocated for task fulfillment and 15 marks for language.

Section 1 tests the following assessment objectives:

R1 Demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings

R2 Demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes

W1 Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined

W2 Sequence facts, ideas and opinions

W3 Use a range of appropriate vocabulary

W4 Use register appropriate to audience and context

W5 Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Section 2: Composition (30 marks)

• This is an essay, testing language and content combined.

• Candidates answer one question from a choice of five essay titles.

Candidates will be presented with 1 descriptive, 2 argumentative and 2 narrative essay titles
from which to choose.

• Candidates are advised to write a response of between 350 and 500 words. Section 2 tests
the following assessment objectives:

W1 Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined

W2 Sequence facts, ideas and opinions

W3 Use a range of appropriate vocabulary

W4 Use register appropriate to audience and context

W5 Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar

PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT

Argument is a form of persuasion. If you have an argument with someone, it is

because you disagree with his/her point of view. In order to win an argument, you
must persuade your opponent that your point of view is correct.

1123-P1 LIST OF SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of either a large
or small family? Give reasons and examples to support your view.
2. What is the best advice that anyone has ever given you and what is the
worst advice? Explain how each piece of advice affected you.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of attending either a small
school with few students or a large school with many students
4. ‘Being very popular brings as many disadvantages as advantages.’ What is
your opinion?
5. What are the biggest benefits and drawbacks of travel away from home?
Give reasons and examples to support your view.
6. What are the most important things to think about when choosing a
career? Give reasons and examples to support your view.
7. ‘Young people should obey their elders without question.’ What do you
think? Give examples to support your views, which can be from your own
experience if you wish.
8. What changes would you like to see take place in the next five years in your
country? Clearly present your argument by giving reasons for your views.
9. Town or village life? Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons and
examples to support your view.
10. ‘Young people today have no interest in politics.’ Do you agree?
11. ‘Sports can bring about a social change.’ Do you agree?
12. ‘You’re never too old to learn.’ What is your opinion? Give reasons and
examples to support your view.
13. Do you think that hard work is all that is needed to succeed in life? If not,
what else might be needed? Give examples and reasons to support your
view
14. Who do you think does the more important job, a teacher or a nurse? Give
reasons and examples to support your view.
15. Is it better to have comfort or excitement in life? Give reasons and
examples to support your view.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

WRITING YOUR OWN PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT

Follow the structure: SAMPLE

Paragraph no.1----- Introduction (Take a stand – Agree or Disagree)

Paragraph no.2-----