A directed writing task requires students to write a short passage of 120-150 words based on a given source text. There are two main types: 1) Maintaining the same style and language of the original passage but changing the content or context. 2) Using the same material from the original passage but taking on a new perspective or viewpoint. The document provides examples of both types of tasks and emphasizes reading the questions carefully to understand what elements to focus on maintaining from the original text versus what can be changed in the new passage. Students are advised to shape the new passage carefully based on the directives while drawing from the language and content of the source text.

1. AS LANGUAGE: PAPER 1
PASSAAGES FOR COMMENT:
APPROACHING ‘DIRECTED WRITING’
QUESTIONS (part b) of the question)

2. WHAT IS A DIRECTED WRITING TASK?
A directed writing task is a piece of writing
based on either:
• The style and language of the original
passage, or
• The material of the original passage

3. Directed writing may involve:
• Adapting a piece of writing for a similar task,
but maybe with a different content, using the
same language and style
• Rewriting a passage with a different purpose
and/or viewpoint (for example from the
perspective of a different character mentioned
in the passage) using the same material
In the exam you will be asked to write between
120 and 150 words for a directed writing task.

4. SAME STYLE, DIFFERENT CONTEXT
Tasks might ask you to remain ‘in role’ as the same
speaker or writer of the original passage, keeping a
similar style and language, but changing the topic,
focus or content of the writing. Here is a typical task:
The following text is from an online promotion for an
adventure trek by pony in South America. The same
company decides to organise a trek, using a different
means of transport, in your own country.
Write the opening (120-150 words) for this promotion.
Base your answer closely on the style and language of
the original text.

5. From this, (even though we cannot see the
original text) you can see that the task tells
you:
• The writer/role: someone from the travel
company (the same writer as the original)
• The purpose/type of text: to promote the
trek, still an online promotion
• The length (120-150 words)
• The content/context: the different elements
you must include – just the opening; different
means of transport and own country.

6. Read this similar task:
1. The following passage is part of a speech delivered by Hilary
Clinton, wife of the American president at the time. In it she
considers the issue of women’s rights.
a) Comment on the style and language of the passage.
b) The same speaker delivers another speech to an international
audience. In it she considers the rights of children. Write the
opening of her speech (between 120-150 words). Base your
answer closely on the style and language of the original
extract.
On your own, note down:
• The writer/role (whose perspective you will be writing from)
• The purpose/type of text
• The style (if stated)
• The length
• The content/context (different elements, if any, you must
include or change).

7. SAME MATERIAL, DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
In directed writing tasks you may also have to use the material in
a different way, or write from a new person’s perspective:
1. a)Read this extract from a review of a film about Princess
Diana. Comment on the style and language of the passage.
b) Another reviewer visits the same restaurant at the same time,
but has a different viewpoint on his/her dining experience.
Basing your answer closely on the material of the original
extract, write the opening section (120-150 words) of the
review.
Remember that you would need bear in mind the following
points:

8. • The writer/role: this will be a different reviewer
(not the original one)
• The purpose/type of text: this is the same – to
review the meal/visit
• The style: this is not mentioned, but as it is a
review, you should use similar language features
and conventions as those in the original passage.
• The content/context: (what elements to include,
what viewpoint, etc): the viewpoint is to be
different; the original was very negative, so it is
implied that your response should be a positive
one. You only have to write the opening section
of the review, so this might deal with the arrival
and first course, for example.

9. Whether the tasks require you to maintain a similar
voice and style, or to take a new role or
perspective, the important thing is to take what
you can from the original passage and shape it
carefully to your needs.
Remember:
• Directed writing tasks will be short texts of 120-
150 words based on a passage you have already
commented on
• Read the questions carefully to identify whether
it is a ‘style’ or ‘material’ type of question, and
perhaps, even a combination of the two (e.g. As
shown in the restaurant review task previously).