2. • 5.1 Teacher’s Notes
• The Directed Writing question carries a total of 35 marks – 15 marks for
content and 20 marks for language. The marks for format, which can vary
between 1-3 marks depending on the text type, are included in the 15 marks
allocated for content. In this section, candidates are given only one question.
This means that candidates do not have the luxury of choice which they are
given in the Continuous Writing section.
• Most candidates find this question quite manageable. In fact, even weak
candidates can be taught to cope with this question to a certain extent. Several
factors make this question quite do able. Firstly, candidates are given help
with content. This means candidates do not have to worry about what to write
as content points are provided. It is not difficult to score full marks for content.
In fact, candidates can score full marks for content if they are able to use the
information given in grammatically sound sentences, irrespective of the
sentence type or length. It is also easy to get marks for format if they have
been exposed to the formats of different text types. Secondly, this question
does not demand much linguistically unlike the continuous writing question.
Most candidates are able to cope with this question, even if they are
linguistically limited. Thirdly, the question is usually set around the
experiences of students. Hence, there is no reason for candidates not to
attempt this question.
3. • Common errors
• Poor time management. Do not spend more than the allocated
45 minutes on this question. Otherwise you will not have
enough time for the second question.
• Lengthy essays. Do not write too much. As mentioned earlier,
this question does not make many demands on a candidate.
Directed writing is a succinct piece of writing. All you have to do
is use the given points and provide a sentence or two (maybe
three) to elaborate on them. A response of 1 ½ - 2 pages is
more than sufficient. After all, the more you write the more
mistakes you might make. Some candidates make the mistake
of writing one paragraph for each point. If you do this, your
essay is going to be very lengthy. Save the time and energy for
Continuous writing.
• Usage of informal language. This paper tests your written
English. Do not use spoken language. Avoid using slang words
(such as guys, …..), contractions, and informal language (such
as informal idiomatic expressions or informal phrasal verbs).
• Poor punctuation. Some candidates do not punctuate their
sentences correctly. Make sure you end your sentence with a
full stop and not a comma. Also, make sure that the pronoun I
is written in upper case and not lower case (i) as is the practice
among some candidates.
4. • 5.2 Student’s Tips
• General Guidelines for Directed Writing
• Read the question carefully. Identify your task, your role and your audience.
• Use the 45 minutes allocated for this question wisely.
• Plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write and
how to elaborate on points)
• Include an introduction and a conclusion and make sure your paragraphs are
well organized.
• Use all content points given. It is advisable to cross out the points you have
used, so that no point is left out.
• Include points of your own only if you are asked to. Otherwise, do not waste
precious time doing so because you will not get any extra marks.
• Elaborate on the points given. Write 2-3 sentences to elaborate on each
point. Remember a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to
write can only be tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner to
gauge your linguistic ability.
• Use a variety of sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and
monotonous.
• Always read through what you have written. Correct grammatical, spelling
and punctuation errors.
5. • Sample essay and practice 1
• Articles
• General guidelines
• Articles are pieces of writing giving information, advice or
suggestions to the readers.
• They are usually written for the school magazine or
school newsletter.
• The tone and style are formal.
• An article’s format
• Title – can be taken from the rubric
• Writer’s name – Just write ‘By,’ and then followed by your
name just below the title.
• The people who are going to read the article.
6. • Question
• Many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of
them really do not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their
homework or school projects on time. You want to make a few suggestions
on how they can manage their time in a better and more effective way.
• Write an article for your school magazine giving your suggestions on how to
manage time. Include the following points.
• Change attitude
• Pay attention in class
• Try to complete as much homework as possible during school hours
• Make a ‘To do’ list
• Set priorities right
• Set a realistic target for examination
• Plan a personal timetable
• Make time for rest and relaxation
• Join study groups
• Seek help from parents, teachers or friends
• Speak to school counsellor
• Stay happy and healthy
7. • When writing the article, you
should remember to:
• Include the title
• Include the writer’s name
• Include all the points given
• Write in the format of an article
10. Today many students feel
that they have too many things to
do in one day. Many of them really
do not manage their time wisely and
end up not completing their
homework or school projects on
time. So, here I would like to give
some suggestions to students on
how to manage time.
11. Firstly, students must change
their attitude. Next, students
should pay attention in class.
Thirdly, students must try to
complete as much homework as
possible during school hours.
Furthermore students can make
a ‘To do’ list.
12. Students ought to set
their priorities right. Students
should set a realistic target for
their coming examination.
Furthermore, students can plan
a personal timetable. Students
must also make time for rest and
relaxation.
13. Students can join study
groups. All students should seek
help from parents, teachers or
friends if needed. Students
should speak to the school
counsellor if necessary. Finally
students should be happy and
healthy when they spend their
time wisely.
