1.2 Formal Writing

Reaching Excellence

• 1.2 is marked across four categories– Ideas– Style– Structure– Writing Conventions

• In order to achieve Excellence it is necessary to reach the Excellence standard in all four of these categories

Ideas

• Develop idea(s) convincingly with supporting detail and explanation in a piece of formal writing.

• You must include evidence (supporting detail) of some form. Without this your essay becomes little more than a rant. Evidence can be facts and figures but can just as easily be anything that has a definite link to ‘real life’.

• You must work through your point in a logical fashion (explanation). Once you have used some evidence it is vital you explain why it is significant. Do not make assumptions or leaps of logic. This means the eXplanation section of your paragraph should be the longest section.

Style• Use a controlled writing style appropriate to

audience, purpose and text type, and which commands attention.

• Get used to using rhetorical language. Refer back to the sheets I provided you with for your speeches.

• Vary your syntax. Use long sentences to explain points but don’t be afraid to use short, snappy sentences for effect.

• Avoid slang. Use colloquialisms sparingly and appropriately. Try to think about the language used in a debate.

Structure• Structure material clearly and effectively in a way

that is appropriate to audience, purpose and text type.

• Use either the Umbrella or the Progression– Umbrella – one over arcing idea or situation– Progression – cause, effect, solution

• Thinking about POOing, OOPsing and having a SEXC body

• Remember to use linking words to connect paragraphs together

Writing Conventions• Use writing conventions accurately.• The odd accident might be tolerated but anything that looks like

you can’t do something properly will knock you back.• Spelling – Learn any difficult words as part of your revision. If you

are not sure about a word then don’t use it.• Punctuation – Whenever you pause you need to have punctuation.

Semi-colons can be used to separate out lists of phrases or to replace a conjunction for effect. Colons can be used to start lists or when a statement is made and then its consequence.

• Tense – not as common in formal writing as in creative writing but still ensure that if you change tense it is for a logical reason.

• Capital Letters – Proper nouns need capital letters. Some words and phrases (God/global warming) can be argued either way – pick one and make sure you stick with it.

Planning

• Before you start writing use the planning box provided. Write the following:– Name of chosen topic– Umbrella or Progression– If Umbrella write down what the Umbrella will be– For your three points write down the S (ie what

the paragraph will be about) and the E (ie the evidence you’ll use)

– Make sure your paragraphs are in the best order before you start writing