This document provides an overview of the AS Language Paper 2 exam on writing. It consists of two sections, Section A on imaginative writing and Section B on writing for an audience. In Section A, candidates choose one of three descriptive or narrative writing prompts of 600-900 words. The document outlines six types of prompts focused on contrasts, descriptions, narrative openings/endings, and complete stories. It emphasizes creating atmosphere, characters, and effective writing techniques. Section B requires argumentative or discursive writing for a specified audience. Overall, the exam tests a candidate's ability to write imaginatively and persuasively.

1. AS LANGUAGE PAPER 2: WRITING

2. QUICK GLANCE AT THE SYLLABUS OUTLINE
PAPER 2—WRITING
• TIME: 2 hrs MARK: 50%
• The paper contains 2 sections: Section A & Section B. There are 3 questions in each section
• Candidates answer 2 questions: 1 question from Section A and 1 question from Section B
• Questions carry equal marks
SECTION A: IMAGINATIVE WRITING (narrative/descriptive)
• Candidates choose one out of 3 questions
• Questions require a narrative or descriptive piece of continuous writing of 600-900 words
• Candidates are required to show that they can write imaginatively, using language to create
deliberate effects, e.g. in conveying a mood or describing a character
SECTION B: WRITING FOR AN AUDIENCE (discursive/argumentative)
• Candidates choose one out of 3 questions
• Questions require a piece of continuous writing of 600-900 words.
• In each question a specified form for the writing will be given (e.g. a magazine feature,
article, review, letter to a newspaper, scripted speech, voiceover) for a specified audience
HERE, CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO:
• To show that they can present a view clearly, construct an argument carefully, an write
coherently and persuasively

3. SECTION A: IMAGINATIVE WRITING
TYPES OF QUESTIONS:
You may be asked to write:
1. Two contrasting pieces based on a ‘before’ and ‘after’
scenario. For example:
Write two contrasting descriptive pieces (300-450 words
each) about a location immediately before the arrival
of a storm and some days after it has passed. In your
writing, create a sense of setting and atmosphere.
Another example:
Write two contrasting descriptive pieces (300-450 words
each) about two different times of the day and their
effect on a particular place. In describing each time,
you should create clear contrasts in mood and place.

4. TYPES OF QUESTIONS cont...
2. Write a complete composition about one particular
topic, perhaps focusing on specific qualities such as
sounds, colours and textures, or to explore a particular
experience or process. For example:
Write a descriptive piece called The Shower, in which the
narrator describes in detail her or his experience of
being caught in falling rain. In your writing, focus on
colours and sounds to help your reader imagine the
scene.
Another example:
Write a descriptive piece called The Shopping Centre. In
your writing created a detailed sense of people and
setting.

5. TYPES OF QUESTIONS cont...
3. The third type of question may have a more narrative element
to them and ask you to compose the opening to a novel, a
story or short story for example. The focus in this kind of title
is on creating a sense of possibilities for future development
at the end of the piece: for example the gradual revelation of
a character’s motivation; the way in which the narrative may
go as it ends on a cliffhanger; or the way the mystery or
suspense of the characters and setting may contribute to
future events. For example:
Write the opening chapter of a novel entitled The Private
Detective. In your writing, create a sense of mood and place.
Another example:
Write the opening to a story called The Cheat. In your writing,
create a sense of character and motivation.
Another example:
Write the opening to a short story called When the Evening
Comes. In your writing, create a sense of mood and place.

6. TYPES OF QUESTIONS cont...
4. You may be asked to write a complete story.
For example:
Write a short story called The Unexpected
Guest. In your writing create a mood of
tension and suspense.
Another example:
Write a short story called Arriving for the First
Time. In your writing, convey thoughts and
feelings of a narrator moving to a new and
previously unseen location.

7. TYPES OF QUESTIONS cont...
5. This type of question may ask you to begin
your composition with words given in the task.
These types of question usually stress that you
do not have to bring the writing to a close or
offer a final ending. For example:
‘The open road stretched ahead of them. There
was only one way they could go.’ Continue the
opening to this story (although you do not have
to write a complete story). In your writing,
create a sense of a mysterious future.

8. TYPES OF QUESTIONS cont...
6. Some titles may require you to end your
composition with words given in the task. For
example:
Write a short story which ends with these words:
‘...gradually the light grew clearer: it was real.’

9. RECAP
What were the 6 types of imaginative writing tasks just discussed?
1. Two contrasting pieces
What is the focus here mainly?
• Clear contrasts add a sense of setting and atmosphere
• in mood/atmosphere and place
2. Complete composition (Descriptive)
What is the focus here mainly?
• Focus on specific qualities such as sounds, colours textures, and/or...
• To explore a particular experience or process
3. More narrative pieces that may ask you to compose the opening to a novel, story or short story.
What is the focus here mainly?
• Creating a sense of possibilities for future development at the end of the piece
4. Complete story (Narrative)
What is the focus here mainly?
• Creating a mood of tension and suspense
• Convey thoughts and feelings of the narrator/character
5. Begin your composition with words given in the task
What is the focus here mainly?
• Ensure you begin with the words given in the task!
• Usually stress that you do not have to bring the writing to a close or offer a final ending
• Creating a sense of mystery
6. End your composition with words given in the task
What is the focus here mainly?
• Ensuring you END with the words given in the task!

10. IMPORTANT!
Although each type of question focuses on slightly different things,
it is important that you are able to:
• Incorporate effective descriptive detail
• Showing, not telling
• Use of ZOOM IN detail
• Use of the senses
• Develop a sense of atmosphere/mood
• Develop a sense of place/setting
• Develop characters (if applicable)
• Have a strong sense of voice
• Use varied vocabulary (effective Figures & Parts of Speech),
punctuation and sentence structures
• Your writing is well sequenced
• KNOW THE MARK SCHEME!