Section B Creative writing exam tips

: plan descriptive writing: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO5: plan descriptive writing that responds directly to a written or visual stimulus." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Descriptive writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Use precise vocabulary and: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Use precise vocabulary and sensory detail to create atmosphere." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Descriptive writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Organise descriptive writing into: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Organise descriptive writing into a clear sequence of focus and detail." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Descriptive writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Use imagery and figurative: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Use imagery and figurative language where it strengthens the intended effect." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Descriptive writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: vary sentence openings,: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO6: vary sentence openings, lengths and structures for control and emphasis." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Descriptive writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Maintain a consistent descriptive: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Maintain a consistent descriptive viewpoint or perspective." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Descriptive writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: plan a narrative: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO5: plan a narrative response that fits the prompt and develops a clear idea." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Narrative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Create a controlled opening: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Create a controlled opening that establishes character, setting or conflict." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Narrative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Develop a narrative sequence: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Develop a narrative sequence using paragraphing, shifts and transitions." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Narrative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: use dialogue selectively: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO6: use dialogue selectively and accurately where it advances character or action." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Narrative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Build tension or interest: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Build tension or interest through pace, focus and structural choices." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Narrative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Write an ending that: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Write an ending that resolves, reframes or deliberately leaves a narrative idea open." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Narrative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

: use a range: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "AO6: use a range of punctuation accurately to clarify meaning and shape effect." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Technical accuracy in creative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Write sentences that are: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Write sentences that are grammatically secure and varied." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Technical accuracy in creative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Use paragraphs to organise: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Use paragraphs to organise creative writing clearly." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Technical accuracy in creative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Choose ambitious vocabulary accurately: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Choose ambitious vocabulary accurately and appropriately." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Technical accuracy in creative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Maintain tense, viewpoint and: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Maintain tense, viewpoint and register consistently." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Technical accuracy in creative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.

Proofread creative writing to: use the exact skill

Use the task wording for "Proofread creative writing to correct errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar." before writing. For reading, select brief evidence, make an inference, identify language methods such as word choice or imagery, identify structural methods such as focus, opening, ending, shift, pace or sequence, and explain the effect on the reader. For writing, plan audience, purpose, tone, form, register, viewpoint, argument and paragraph structure. For creative writing, use imagery, viewpoint, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, atmosphere, character and setting. Check grammar and punctuation separately by proofreading sentence accuracy, spelling, vocabulary, commas and full stops.

This tip is actionable because it keeps Technical accuracy in creative writing tied to AO1-AO9: evidence and inference, language and structure, comparison, evaluation, writing choices, grammar, punctuation, spoken presentation, listening response and accurate Standard English.