IGCSE First Language English Paper 2: Directed Writing Guide

Introduction

• Objective: Provide a comprehensive guide to tackle the directed writing question in IGCSE First Language English Paper 2.
• Mentioned Resources: YouTube creators such as Miss Duckworth's classroom and Scofield Shakespeare offer insights on the same topic.
• Approach: The video covers a tried and tested method for approaching directed writing, emphasizing on evaluative skills.

Paper Overview

• Focus: Specifically on the directed writing question.
• Structure: Two main sections; directed writing and composition.
• Duration: 2-hour paper, equally weighted sections.
• Marking: 15 marks for reading, 25 marks for writing.

Key Skills

• Core Skill: Ability to evaluate a range of explicit ideas.
• Text Types: Speech, letter, and article.

Strategy for Directed Writing

• Read two nonfiction texts, usually presenting opposing arguments.
• Select and evaluate three explicit ideas from each text.

Advice

• Word Count: Advised to exceed suggested word counts if necessary for thorough evaluation.
• Rewording: Important to reword identified relevant ideas.
• Techniques: Emphasize rhetorical devices such as alliteration, repetition, emotive language, etc.

Evaluation Technique

• Evaluation involves examining positives and negatives of ideas, considering drawbacks, and suggesting solutions.
• Example: Analyzing the statement on homework's impact on students, discussing both sides and proposing a balanced view.

Model Structure

1. Introduction
2. Ideas from Text A (Evaluate three explicit ideas)
3. Ideas from Text B (Evaluate three explicit ideas)
4. Address bullet point 2 from the question
5. Conclusion

Audience and Purpose

• Tailor language, style, and structure according to the audience and purpose.

Example Directed Writing Task

• Task: Write a speech on young people's attitudes toward fashion.
• Includes evaluation of attitudes and ideas in texts, effects of changing attitudes on various aspects.

Tips for Success

• Address the audience and purpose right from the introduction.
• Employ a range of persuasive techniques.
• Ensure evaluations are balanced, proposing solutions where necessary.
• Timing is crucial; dedicate approximately one hour to each section.

Final Advice

• Practice with past papers and focus on planning.
• Use the evaluative technique to discuss ideas in a balanced way, considering both sides and offering plausible solutions.