GCSC Revision Lesson: Edexcel English Language Paper 2 - Section B

Introduction

• Focus on crafting a perfect response for Section B: Transactional Writing.
• Worth 40 marks, requires significant time allocation.
• Need to anticipate possible questions and forms of writing.
• Importance of understanding form, audience, and purpose.

Transactional Writing Format

• Choice of Two Questions: Article, letter, speech, etc.
• Spend 45-50 minutes on this section.

Key Aspects of Transactional Writing

1. Form:
   • Awareness of the layout (speech, letter, leaflet, guide, etc.).
2. Audience:
   • Tailor writing style to audience (e.g., informal for travel guides, formal for letters to MPs).
3. Purpose:
   • Primary purpose: To inform.
   • Secondary purpose: To entertain.
   • Make writing engaging from the opening.

Anticipating Formats

• Understand and anticipate layouts for different forms (article, guide, speech).
• Standard approach to each form.

Layouts and Approaches

• Article, Leaflet, Guide, Review, Report:

  • Title/Headline (5-6 words, rhetorical question).
  • Opening paragraph addressing the topic (avoid boring intros).
  • Subheadings to break text.
  • Main body paragraphs based on bullet points provided in the question.
  • Closing paragraph.

• Letter or Email:

  • Address and date (for letters).
  • Email title (for emails).
  • "Dear [Recipient]", engaging opening.
  • Main body structured around bullet points.
  • Closing paragraph and sign-off.

• Speech:

  • Address audience ("Ladies and Gentlemen" or "Fellow Students").
  • Engaging opening paragraph.
  • Main points structured around bullet points.
  • Closing paragraph and thank the audience.

Persuasive and Literary Techniques

• Literary Techniques:
  • Direct address, inclusive pronouns, similes, metaphors, rhetorical questions.
• Persuasive Techniques:
  • Made-up statistics (realistic percentages).
  • Anecdotes to illustrate points.
  • Range of examples and imaginary interviews.

Conclusion

• Follow forms and frameworks for transactional writing.
• Choose one of the two questions.
• Use bullet points in questions as a guide for structure.

Next Steps

• Demonstration of a worked model answer using the discussed approach.