AQA GCSE English - Writing to Analyse, Review, Comment.

Write an analysis of your own thoughts and ideas on a given issue.

Style of Writing

• Consider the purpose of the text and the audience it is aimed at.
• Understand the form and structure your answer should take.
• Use present tense.
• Use expressive verbs, 'shows', 'implies', 'proves'.
• Write in third person for formailty.
• Use connectives, contrasts and comparisons to link different ideas.
• An analytical response must be unbiased and impartial.
• Carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of an issue or idea.
• The response should be evidence based - include quotations, facts and statistics.

Structure of Answer

• Break the topic down into different points to be discussed throughout your writing.
• Arrange the points so that they flow effectively.
• Give a statement of the issue followed by topic sentences in your opening paragraph.
• Use the key writing techniques listed above and develop each point in your response.

Write a review based on a film/play/book/etc.

Style of Writing

• Consider the purpose of the text and the audience it is aimed at.
• Understand the form and structure your answer should take.
• Give a personal opinion as well as an unbiased judgement.
• Use connectives, contrasts and comparisons to link different ideas.
• Use powerful adjectives and verbs.
• Use a variety of sentence structure.

Structure of Answer

• Break the topic down into different points to be discussed throughout your writing.
• Arrange the points so that they flow effectively.
• Consider carefully all aspects of the topic and give specific examples of both negative and positive features.
• Make a critical judgement of the topic, explaining your opinion thoroughly.
• End with a personal opinion, recommendation or a concluding comment.

Comment on the issues relating to a particular idea.

Style of Writing

• Consider the purpose of the text and the audience it is aimed at.
• Understand the form and structure your answer should take.
• Use present tense.
• Use first person to give a personal response.
• Use expressive verbs, 'shows', 'implies', 'proves'.
• Use powerful adjectives and verbs.
• Use a variety of sentence structure.
• Use subordination to discuss and speculate, 'if', 'whilst', 'although'.
• Use rhetorical devices for effect.

Structure of Answer

• Break the topic down into different points to be discussed throughout your writing.
• Arrange the points so that they flow effectively.
• Give a statement of the issue followed by topic sentences in your opening paragraph.
• Give your subjective opinion about the subject/topic.
• Keep your response personal and critical.