Lecture Notes: Writing Section C of CSEC English Exam

Overview

• Section C
  • Suggested time: 45 minutes
  • Task: Write a story of 400 to 450 words
  • Aim for the middle of the word limit; better to go over than under
  • Write in standard English; dialects allowed only in dialogue

Assessment Criteria

1. Use of Stimulus

   • Options: Picture or Text
   • Must use the chosen stimulus effectively
   • Example: If a picture is chosen, elements from the picture (like characters or settings) must be central to the story
   • The stimulus should not be an afterthought

2. Content Development and Organization

   • Logical plot development: events should lead naturally to each other
   • Well-organized paragraphs: each paragraph should push plot development and be easy to follow

3. Appropriate Language

   • Language must match the academic level and context
   • Should not sound like a simple children's story
   • Language should be suitable for pre-university level writing

4. Grammar and Sentence Structure

   • High expectations for grammar near perfection
   • Varied sentence structures: use short sentences for action and longer ones for description
   • Paragraphs should make sense and align with the progression of the story
   • Vocabulary should be at a CSEC level, including advanced language

Additional Notes

• Punctuation
  • Important in storytelling; unique to the genre
  • Demonstrate proper punctuation for dialogue and narrative

Tips for Writing

• Plan your story using the blank space provided
• Make annotations to effectively use the stimulus
• Control pacing and mood through varied sentence structures and diction
• Focus on spelling and punctuation as they are critical for scoring

Conclusion

• Follow these guidelines for a well-structured and engaging story that meets the CSEC standards