Question 1

How do I plan my writing in 45 minutes?

Accepted Answer

Spend 5-10 minutes planning. Read the stimulus carefully and decide on your form (e.g., story, article). Jot down a quick structure: opening (hook), 2-3 main paragraphs (each with a key idea and language device), and a closing (link back to opening or leave a lasting image). For narratives, plan character, setting, and plot twist. Stick to your plan to avoid going off-topic.

Question 2

What if I can't think of a good idea for the writing task?

Accepted Answer

Don't panic. Use the stimulus as a springboard—if it's a picture, describe what you see and imagine a story behind it. If it's a statement, argue for or against it. Draw on personal experiences, books you've read, or films you've seen. Even a simple idea, well-executed, can score high marks. Start writing something—even a rough sentence—to get your brain going.

Question 3

How important is spelling and grammar in the WJEC writing exam?

Accepted Answer

Very important. Technical accuracy is worth 15 out of 40 marks. Common errors like missing apostrophes (e.g., 'its' vs 'it's'), comma splices, and incorrect verb tenses can lose you marks. Practice proofreading: read your work aloud to catch mistakes. Aim for at least 2 minutes of checking at the end.

Question 4

Should I write a story or an article?

Accepted Answer

Choose the form that best suits the stimulus and your strengths. Stories allow creativity and description; articles are good for persuasive or discursive writing. The mark scheme doesn't favour one over the other—both can score highly. If you're unsure, go with what you've practised most. Ensure your chosen form matches the task (e.g., if it says 'write a speech', don't write a story).

Question 5

How can I make my writing more descriptive?

Accepted Answer

Use sensory details: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste. Instead of 'The room was messy,' say 'Clothes lay strewn across the floor like fallen soldiers; the air smelled of stale pizza and regret.' Use metaphors and similes to create vivid images. Vary sentence length: short for impact, long for flow. Read your description aloud to see if it paints a picture.

Question 6

What's the best way to structure a persuasive article?

Accepted Answer

Start with a strong opening: a rhetorical question or shocking fact to grab attention. Then state your thesis clearly. In the body, present 2-3 arguments, each with evidence and a counterargument you refute. Use persuasive devices: emotive language, statistics (even made-up ones, but plausible), and rhetorical questions. End with a powerful call to action. Keep paragraphs short and punchy.

Writing

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 WJEC GCSE English Literature

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A Taste of Honey

A Wife in London

How to Revise Writing — WJEC GCSE English Literature

Examiner Tips for Writing

Key Marking Points