O-Level English Language — Paper 1 (Writing) Notes

O-Level English Language — Paper 1 (Writing) Notes SECTION A — SITUATIONAL WRITING (15 marks) [Format] Usually an email — sometimes a formal letter, report, or article, depending on the prompt. [Task Structure] ● You're given a scenario (e.g., you're a student council member, class rep, event organiser) ● 3 bullet points telling you WHAT must be included in your response ● A short "visual text" / stimulus (poster, notice, infographic) to extract info from [Marking Split] ● Content (up to 8 marks) → hitting all 3 bullet points with sufficient elaboration ● Language & Organisation (up to 7 marks) → register, tone, structure, accuracy [Register/Tone — CRITICAL] ● Identify WHO you're writing to → determines formal vs semi-formal tone ○ Formal → Principal, teachers, unfamiliar adults, official bodies ○ Semi-formal → classmates, familiar juniors/seniors ● No contractions in formal register (don't → do not) ● No slang / exclamation marks in formal writing [Email Format Checklist] Subject: [clear, specific] Dear [Name/Title], ¶1 → State purpose of email immediately ¶2-3 → Address each bullet point (own paragraph per point is safest) ¶Last → Polite closing / call to action Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully, [Your name]

[Content Rule of Thumb] ● Each bullet point needs: 1 direct answer + 1-2 sentences of elaboration/reason/detail ● Don't just copy the stimulus text — paraphrase and expand in your own words ● Address ALL bullet points — missing one caps your content marks hard SECTION B — CONTINUOUS WRITING (35 marks) You choose ONE out of usually 4 options (mix of picture-based and topic-based prompts). [Types you may encounter] Type What it wants Narrative Tell a story — clear plot, characters, conflict, resolution Descriptive Paint a scene/experience — sensory detail, mood, atmosphere Argumentative/Discursive Take a stance or discuss both sides of an issue Personal Recount Real/realistic experience — reflection is key [Marking Split] ● Content (up to ~13 marks) → relevance, development of ideas, engagement ● Language (up to ~13 marks) → vocabulary range, sentence variety, accuracy ● Organisation (up to ~9 marks) → structure, paragraphing, cohesion NARRATIVE / PERSONAL RECOUNT STRUCTURE [Shape] → Orientation → Rising action → Climax → Falling action → Resolution/Reflection ¶1 [Hook + Orientation] - Start in medias res (mid-action) OR vivid scene-setting - Establish who/where/when quickly ¶2-3 [Build-up / Rising Action] - Introduce the conflict/challenge - Build tension — use pacing (short sentences = urgency)

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