10.5. Original writing
(assessed by a piece of handwritten work )
including work on a number of key genres whose nature and form have been explored in lessons
which focus on language study

EN3 Assessment Objectives:
This Unit assesses the students' writing skills. The assessment objectives state that:

Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to:
(i) Communicate clearly and imaginatively, using and adapting forms for different readers and purposes;
(ii) Organise ideas into sentences, paragraphs and whole texts using a variety of linguistic and structural
features;
(iii) Use a range of sentence structures effectively with accurate punctuation and spelling

       
AO3 i

What is description?

Explain to
students that effective
description allows a reader to
see, hear, feel, taste - even
smell - imaginary things.

Discuss key features of
descriptive writing.


Power words www.englishbiz.co.uk		 Students will
understand key
features of
descriptive writing
techniques.
AO3 ii Identification of imagery. Get students to identify 'sensory
images'

perhaps use 1984 extract or any other suitable piece.

See www.
englishbiz.co.uk or
worksheet on
'Sensory Images'.

Students should be
able to identify and use imagery
effectively.
AO3ii

Read the opening of HARD TIMES and or THE CATCHER IN THE RYE.

 

Think about the ideas that both extracts present about education.

 

Pupils to explore these ideas in their own writing.

copies of the texts

(in the KS4 cupboard)

 Students will show an appreciation of a model piece of description from a pre- or post-1914 author.
They will also
consider structure and language.
AO3 I, II, III
Practical Activity: 'It's in the
Bag!' Students take portraits of each other and the contents
of their school bags. Class
split into pairs and discuss contents of their school bag.
Describe.Use the photos as a stimulus and illustration for
creative writing. 		Camera
Contents of
students'
bags!
Use of
camera and
projector
when
discussing
images.
Through practical
group work students
will develop their use
of description and
enhance the quality of
their written work.
AO3ii Adapt KS3 Literacy style
lesson focusing on range of sentences to create different impacts. Students create a
variety of openings/scenes
using different sentences.
whiteboards
different pieces of
writing that create
varying effects 		whiteboards and relevant KS3 packs and plans Students will recognise
the importance of sentences & paragraphs
AO3ii KS3 Literacy format: use of commas and full stops. What is the purpose of these?
Examine pieces of writing
with and without full stops and commas. How does it read? What are the key differences?
different types of
writing 		Use of
word-
processor
to
encourage
drafting
and
checking. Note: final piece must be hand written.		 Students will develop their understanding of punctuation and grammar and recognise
the importance of checking their work.
AO3 i, ii, iii

The Story of the Picture.

 

using a range of different photographic images

(here are some)

pupils can respond to them telling the story that lead up to them being taken; from the perspectives of photographer or subject; what happened next the list is endless.

 

they can respond in what ever way you want them to: poetry, prose, scripts etc... just look carefully and the AOs and the grade descriptors and make sure that the task you choose marries with them.

 images Through practical
group work students
will develop their use
of description and
enhance the quality of
their written work.


The specific activities are in no particular hierarchy with regard to achievement – grade A* could be achieved by a candidate writing a well-crafted short story and less able candidates could tackle a task which involved autobiography for example.