Paper 1: Non-Fiction Texts - 1.2 Writing — Edexcel GCSE English Language
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Paper 1: Non-Fiction Texts - 1.2 Writing explained
This criterion focuses on writing that lands with force.
Read the full explanation
You must select the strongest facts, ideas and key points from what you know or from supplied material, organise them so the argument builds, and emphasise the ones that matter most, for example by placing a key point at the start or end of a paragraph. Cite evidence and quotation effectively and pertinently, choosing short, precise material that genuinely supports the view you are advancing rather than decorating the page. Create emotional impact by appealing to the reader's concerns, hopes or sense of fairness. Use language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively, including rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, antithesis and parenthesis, but only where they sharpen the point. Impact comes from control: every device should serve the argument, and the writing should still read as accurate, coherent prose.
Your focus
- Select, organise and emphasise facts, ideas and key points to build a persuasive case.
- Cite evidence and quotation pertinently to support a stated view.
- Use rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, antithesis and parenthesis to create impact.
Paper 1: Non-Fiction Texts - 1.2 Writing exam tips
Marking Points
- Selects relevant facts, ideas and key points and discards weaker material that would dilute the argument.
- Organises material so the argument develops logically and emphasises the most important points through position or repetition.
- Cites evidence and quotation that is short, accurate and directly pertinent to the view being supported.
- Creates emotional impact by appealing to the reader's values, concerns or experience in a controlled way.
- Uses language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively, including rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, antithesis and parenthesis, where they strengthen meaning.
- Keeps persuasive devices subordinate to clarity and accuracy so the writing remains coherent.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Decide your single strongest point and place it where it will have most impact, such as the end of the piece.
- 💡Keep quotations short and integrate them into your own sentence so they support rather than replace your voice.
- 💡Read your draft aloud to hear whether the persuasive devices sound natural and whether emphasis falls in the right places.
Common Mistakes
- Cramming in every available fact so the argument loses focus. Correction: select the few strongest points and develop each fully.
- Dropping in a quotation that is only loosely related to the claim. Correction: choose evidence that directly proves the point and explain the link.
- Using rhetorical questions or parenthesis in every paragraph until they become a tic. Correction: deploy devices sparingly at key moments for maximum effect.