ExpertHard40 marksExtended Response
AQA GCSE · Question 05 · Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
A magazine has asked for contributions for their creative writing section.
Either
Write a description of a very hot place as suggested by this picture:
[A picture showing a vast, dry, cracked-earth landscape under a hazy, orange sky. A bright, white sun hangs in the sky, and distant, hazy mountains are visible on the horizon. The foreground is detailed, showing the texture of the parched ground.]
or
Write a story about a disagreement.
A magazine has asked for contributions for their creative writing section.
Either
Write a description of a very hot place as suggested by this picture:
[A picture showing a vast, dry, cracked-earth landscape under a hazy, orange sky. A bright, white sun hangs in the sky, and distant, hazy mountains are visible on the horizon. The foreground is detailed, showing the texture of the parched ground.]
or
Write a story about a disagreement.
How to approach this question
1. Choose one task: the description or the story.
2. Plan your response. For a description, think about the five senses and how you can structure your writing (e.g., starting with a wide view and zooming in). For a story, plan a simple plot with a beginning, a build-up of tension, a climax, and a resolution.
3. Use a wide range of ambitious vocabulary and varied sentence structures.
4. Employ literary devices like similes, metaphors, and personification to make your writing more engaging.
5. Pay close attention to spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
6. Leave time to proofread your work at the end.
Full Answer
This question assesses your creative writing skills. AO5 focuses on your ability to produce clear and coherent text, matching your tone and style to the purpose and audience. It also assesses your ability to structure your writing and use imaginative vocabulary. AO6 assesses your technical accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and your ability to use a variety of sentence forms for effect.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include writing a story when asked for a description, or vice-versa. Another is failing to plan, leading to a disorganised piece of writing that loses focus. Finally, many students lose marks on technical accuracy by not proofreading their work for simple errors.
Practice the full AQA GCSE English Paper 1
5 questions · hints · full answers · grading
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