Pass Check: Transactional & Persuasive Writing
Write clear, purposeful letters, articles and speeches matched to audience, purpose and form.
Transactional writing
Non-fiction writing with a real-world purpose, e.g. to advise, argue, inform or persuade.
Audience
The intended reader of a text, which shapes vocabulary, tone and formality.
Purpose
The reason a text is written, e.g. to persuade, argue, advise or inform.
Form
The type of text, e.g. letter, article, speech, review, each with its own conventions.
Register
The level of formality used, adjusted to suit audience and purpose.
Standard English
The grammatically correct, widely accepted form of English expected in formal writing.
Counter-argument
An opposing view raised deliberately, then challenged, to strengthen an argument.
Technical accuracy
Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar, worth 16 of the 40 marks for writing.
Quick check
Mixed quiz
1. 'Is it fair that so many children go to bed hungry every night?' Which persuasive device is this?
2. 'Statistics show that 90% of local residents support the new cycle lanes.' Why might a writer include this statistic in a persuasive letter?
3. 'Hey mate, you free this weekend? Fancy grabbing a coffee?' Is this an example of formal or informal language?
4. 'We need cleaner air, safer streets and healthier communities.' Which persuasive device is used here?
5. 'Should students be given homework every night? This essay will consider the arguments for and against.' What form of writing is this?
6. 'Good morning, everyone. Today I want to talk to you about the importance of recycling.' What is the purpose of this speech?
7. 'The council claims to care about young people, yet it has closed three youth clubs this year alone.' What is the effect of contrasting 'claims to care' with the actual closures?
8. 'Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my concern about the litter in our local park.' What form of writing is this?