Question 1 Directed Writing: How to Write an Article
Creating a headline: Writers craft a short, memorable headline using alliteration, rhetorical questioning or a pun to entice readers. This works because headlines serve as quick cognitive hooks, signalling the topic and tone instantly.
Using a strapline: A strapline summarises the central viewpoint in a concise sentence and prepares the reader for the argument that follows. This technique helps readers orient themselves before encountering detailed reasoning.
Developing topic sentences: Each paragraph should begin with a clear statement indicating its focus, which guides the reader through the argument. This step-by-step approach mirrors how professional articles maintain logical progression.
Applying persuasive devices: Techniques such as direct address, emotive language, contrasting ideas or triplets deepen engagement and strengthen arguments. Used strategically, they encourage the reader to feel personally involved in the issue.
Integrating ideas from reading passages: Writers must infer, evaluate and reshape information from the provided texts into their own words. This method demonstrates understanding while blending reading and writing skills into a cohesive article.
| Feature | Article | Letter | Speech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Flexible (serious, light, advisory) | Formal or informal depending on recipient | Often energetic and rhetorical |
| Opening | Headline + hook | Greeting + purpose | Direct address + attention-grabber |
| Audience | Broad or specific group | One named reader | A live or imagined audience |
| Style | Publication-ready, polished | Adapted to relationship | Performative and persuasive |
Distinction between explanation, argument and persuasion: Explanation clarifies ideas through examples and reasons; argument asserts a viewpoint while considering opposing perspectives; persuasion pushes the reader toward agreement through emotional and logical appeal. Understanding this distinction shapes the style and tone of an article.
Difference between narrating and developing an argument: Narrative recounts events, but directed writing requires analytical development of ideas rather than storytelling. Knowing when explanation ends and argument begins prevents drifting away from the task.
Start with a clear viewpoint: Examiners reward clarity and consistency, so the introduction should communicate your overall stance and preview the path of your argument. This ensures your writing feels purposeful from the beginning.
Use paragraph variation intentionally: While five to six paragraphs are typical, they do not need equal length. Strategic variation signals emphasis and helps the article feel dynamic rather than predictable.
Address all bullet points: Every bullet point in the task must be covered with equal development to demonstrate that you have fully understood and evaluated the reading material. Balanced coverage prevents losing marks in reading or writing categories.
Avoid formulaic openings: Phrases like “I am writing this article to...” are discouraged because they break immersion. Instead, begin with a hook that feels natural within the publication format.
Plan before writing: A few minutes of planning ensures that ideas flow logically and paragraphs do not repeat the same point. This strategy maximises clarity and saves time by preventing mid-writing rewrites.
Link to broader persuasive theory: Article writing draws on ethos, pathos and logos, so understanding these can strengthen your reasoning. This connection helps writers create multi-layered arguments rather than relying on a single appeal.
Preparation for real-world writing: These skills mirror those used in blogging, journalism and opinion writing, where audience awareness and clarity are essential. Mastery in exams benefits future communication tasks.
Links to reading comprehension: Effective articles require interpreting explicit and implicit ideas from texts, reinforcing close-reading skills. This connection improves performance across multiple English assessments.