Question 1

How do I choose the right tone for my audience?

Accepted Answer

Think about who you are writing for and your relationship with them. For a formal audience like a headteacher or council, use polite language, avoid contractions, and choose sophisticated vocabulary. For an informal audience like friends or a school magazine, you can use contractions, colloquialisms, and a more conversational tone. Always match the tone to the context – a speech to Year 7s can be lively and encouraging, while a letter of complaint should be serious and respectful.

Question 2

What's the difference between writing to persuade and writing to argue?

Accepted Answer

Writing to persuade aims to convince the reader to agree with your viewpoint or take action, often using emotional language and rhetorical devices. Writing to argue presents a balanced case, acknowledging counterarguments, and uses logical reasoning and evidence. In an exam, a persuasive task might ask you to 'convince' or 'encourage', while an argument task asks you to 'discuss' or 'debate'. Both require clear structure, but persuasion is more one-sided and emotive.

Question 3

How can I make my writing more engaging for the reader?

Accepted Answer

Start with a hook – a question, a surprising fact, or a vivid description. Use direct address ('you') to involve the reader. Vary your sentence structure: mix short, punchy sentences with longer, descriptive ones. Include sensory details (sight, sound, smell) in descriptive writing. In non-fiction, use anecdotes, statistics, and rhetorical questions to keep the reader interested. Always think about what would make you want to keep reading.

Question 4

What should I include in a speech to make it effective?

Accepted Answer

A speech should have a clear opening that grabs attention (e.g., a rhetorical question or a powerful statement). Use direct address ('we', 'you') to create a connection. Include repetition for emphasis (e.g., 'We must act. We must change. We must succeed.'). Use short, punchy sentences for impact, and vary your tone to show emotion. End with a memorable call to action or a strong closing line. Remember to write as if you are speaking – use pauses and emphasis.

Question 5

How do I structure a letter for the exam?

Accepted Answer

Start with your address and the date in the top right, then the recipient's address on the left. Use a formal salutation (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith,'). In the first paragraph, state your purpose clearly. Use paragraphs for each key point, with a topic sentence. Use formal language and polite tone. End with a suitable closing (e.g., 'Yours sincerely,' if you know the name, or 'Yours faithfully,' if you don't). Sign off with your full name. For informal letters, you can be more relaxed.

Question 6

Can I use the same techniques for creative writing as for non-fiction?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many techniques overlap, but the purpose differs. In creative writing, you aim to entertain and evoke emotions, so you can use more figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification), sensory details, and varied sentence structures. In non-fiction, you focus on clarity and persuasion, so rhetorical devices and factual evidence are key. However, both benefit from a strong opening, vivid vocabulary, and a clear structure. Adapt your style to the genre – creative writing allows more freedom, while non-fiction needs to be purposeful.

Writing for audience, impact and purpose

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Study Guide Available

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in OCR GCSE English Language

Communicating information and ideas (01)

E2E stub topic

Exploring effects and impact (02)

Presenting information and ideas

How to Revise Writing for audience, impact and purpose — OCR GCSE English Language

Examiner Tips for Writing for audience, impact and purpose

Common Mistakes in Writing for audience, impact and purpose

Key Marking Points