IGCSE English Language 0500 - Directed Writing and Composition

Objective: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context.

Understanding Directed Writing

Directed writing is a common task in the IGCSE English Language exam. It involves writing texts based on specific prompts, instructions, or models. These prompts often provide a clear purpose, audience, and format for the writing.

Key characteristics of directed writing:

• Clear instructions on what to write.
• Defined audience to consider.
• Specified format (e.g., letter, article, report).
• Often requires following a given model or plan.

Vocabulary Development

Using a range of vocabulary is crucial for demonstrating language proficiency. This involves:

• Avoiding repetition of words.
• Using synonyms and paraphrasing.
• Employing precise and specific language.
• Considering the register (formal, informal) appropriate for the audience.

Example: Instead of saying "The weather was bad," you could say "The weather was inclement," "A heavy downpour ensued," or "Severe weather conditions prevailed."

Sentence Structure

Varied sentence structure enhances readability and impact. Consider using:

• Simple sentences: Subject-verb-object.
• Compound sentences: Joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).
• Complex sentences: Containing a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
• Sentence starters and linking phrases to create cohesion.

Example: "The rain fell. It was relentless." (Simple sentences) vs. "The rain fell relentlessly, soaking the streets and causing widespread disruption." (Complex sentence)

Common Directed Writing Tasks

You might encounter tasks such as:

1. Writing a letter (formal or informal).
2. Writing an article for a newspaper or magazine.
3. Writing a report (e.g., on an event, a problem, or a proposal).
4. Writing a review (e.g., of a book, film, or restaurant).
5. Writing an email.

Planning Your Response

Before you start writing, it's essential to plan your response. A useful planning structure includes:

Task	Audience	Purpose	Key Ideas	Structure
Letter of complaint	Customer service department	To express dissatisfaction and seek a resolution	Specific details of the problem, desired outcome	Introduction (state complaint), Body (explain details), Conclusion (state desired resolution)
Newspaper article	General public	To inform about a current event	Who, what, when, where, why, how	Headline, Introduction (summary), Body (details), Conclusion (impact/significance)

Using a Range of Vocabulary and Sentence Structures - Practice

Consider the following prompt:

Write a short article for a school newspaper about the benefits of reading.

Think about:

• Who is your audience? (School students)
• What is the purpose of your article? (To persuade students to read more)
• What vocabulary and sentence structures would be appropriate for this audience and purpose?

Example vocabulary:

• Instead of "good," consider: beneficial, advantageous, enriching, stimulating.
• Instead of "like," consider: enjoy, appreciate, relish, delve into.

Example sentence structures:

• "Reading offers a gateway to new worlds." (Metaphor)
• "Furthermore, regular reading can significantly improve vocabulary and comprehension skills." (Complex sentence)
• "Many studies have shown the positive impact of reading on cognitive development." (Formal sentence)

Review and Editing

After writing your response, always review and edit your work. Check for:

• Accuracy of grammar and punctuation.
• Appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Clarity of ideas and organization.
• Whether you have fully addressed the prompt.