WFVkyQn6NYybSjcm (1)
WFVkyQn6NYybSjcm (1)
WFVkyQn6NYybSjcm (1)
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Steps to success
Following these steps will give you a strategy for answering this question effectively:
1. Read both tasks and highlight:
1. What you are being asked to write (the genre)
2. Who you are being asked to write for (the audience)
3. Why you are being asked to write (the purpose)
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Form
This task will ask you to write in a particular form which will determine the layout, structure and context
of the writing (where it is used in real life)
The task will provide you with a statement which directs the topic and task:
It is best to construct the most effective argument you can
This does not have to reflect your actual opinion
You should consider where your writing would appear in a real-life context:
A magazine, for example, tends to be more informal than a newspaper article
A letter tends to be more formal and, normally in the exam, written to someone you do not know
The mark scheme rewards answers which consider how the conventions of form can be used to convey
ideas:
A letter is more personal than a news article, which targets a large audience
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A speech is more interactive than a leaflet and will actively attempt to engage and persuade the
audience
You may be asked to write in the form of: Your notes
A letter
An article
A leaflet
A speech
A guide
A review
Whichever form you are writing in, there are likely to be some elements which you will have to make up:
However, your writing still needs to be realistic and believable for the most convincing arguments
While your choice of register will largely be dictated by the task, the following guidelines are always helpful:
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Leaflet This is similar to an article, but often focuses on providing information or advice
It should have a title and use sub-headings to guide the reader through the Your notes
information
You can also use bulleted or numbered points to organise steps or pieces of advice
However, do not attempt to divide your answer booklet into columns - this is not
necessary
Guide This type of writing could again be considered an article, using a title and sub-
headings to help guide the reader
It will provide information, advice and recommendations
It may be humorous or serious, depending on the topic
However, it is not an advertisement, so do not go too heavy on the persuasive
techniques
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article a headline. Make sure you have correctly identified the form required in the task, and avoid
writing letters to indiscriminate recipients, or writing speeches for unspecified events. Respond to
what the task is, rather than what you hoped it would be. Your notes
Audience
This task assesses the ability to use sophisticated language:
It is important, however, to consider your audience in terms of your ideas, language and overall
tone
Remember, you are being assessed on your ability to adapt your language and tone to suit your
intended audience
For example:
A parent will have different concerns and values to a student
A local MP would need convincing using facts and evidence to support your arguments
Readers of a local newspaper would be more persuaded by emotive language
A letter to a headteacher or someone in authority requires formal, respectful language which is not
aggressive or inappropriate
Teenagers would need something to relate to, so personal anecdotes would work well
Addressing your audience or reader specifically is a convincing technique to persuade people to agree
with your point of view, or at least to acknowledge its validity
You can use inclusive language, such as “we” and “us”
You can also make your audience feel involved by using terms such as “fellow students” or “parents”
The judicious use of colloquial language is fine, depending on the topic, but avoid using slang or terms
not common to Standard English
Below are some examples of language that has been adapted to suit a target audience:
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Teenagers I’m sure we’ve all had our parents or guardians moan at us for how long we spend on our
gaming machines. However, gaming can help us develop important skills, such as
Your notes
teamwork, as well as being an awesome way of connecting with friends from all over the
world!
The use of inclusive pronouns and colloquial language, such as “awesome”, demonstrates that this
example is aimed at teenagers or younger people
Adults Using animals for sports, such as fox-hunting, has been debated for many years, and it is
an issue which elicits strong emotions from both sides.
The use of more sophisticated vocabulary, such as “elicits”, as well as complex sentences, demonstrates
that this is aimed at adults reading about a serious topic
Older The purpose of wearable technology, such as smart-watches and fitness trackers, is to
people make staying connected as easy and hands-free as possible. In addition, wearable
technology can have important health benefits, as they can monitor your blood sugars,
heart rate, blood pressure and quality of sleep.
The simple explanations and examples show that this is written for people who might not know much
about wearable technology
Purpose
The question will ask you to write for a specific purpose. This means you are required to deliberately use
language to achieve that purpose and that you will be rewarded for the ability to select relevant language
techniques appropriate to this purpose. The question asks you to organise your writing in a way that
conveys your opinions and ideas convincingly. It will generally be necessary to use persuasive devices in
order to achieve the purpose of the task.
Generally, the purpose of the task will be one of the following:
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Write to argue: Write in the first person as you are putting forward your
thoughts and opinions
Argue your point of view about…
Use personal and inclusive pronouns:
Using words like “we” and “us” builds rapport between
you and your reader and makes them feel involved
Present your opinions as facts - as a truth that shouldn’t be
challenged
Be persuasive and passionate about your argument, but not
aggressive:
Readers do not respond well to an aggressive tone
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Write to persuade: Write in the first person as you are putting forward your
thoughts and opinions
Persuade the audience of your
point of view about… Use personal and inclusive pronouns:
Using words like “we” and “us” builds rapport between
you and your reader and makes them feel involved
Present your opinions as facts - as a truth that shouldn’t be
challenged
Be persuasive and passionate about your argument, but not
aggressive:
Readers do not respond well to an aggressive tone
Use emotive language and rhetorical questions to persuade
your reader of the validity of your argument
Use imperatives to call your audience to action
Use rhetorical techniques such as a triplet to convince the
reader of your argument
Decide on your position or opinion and stick to it throughout
Avoid sounding like an advertisement
Write to guide or advise: Use the passive voice and a more detached tone - you are
not writing an advert
Write a guide to a great day out
for all of the family Use imperative verbs and bullet points for tips, e.g.,
“exercise”, “eat”, “sleep”
Write an article to advise
teenagers about how to Use modal verbs, e.g., “may”, “should”, “could”
manage exam stress
Employ facts and statistics
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Direct address Addressing your audience directly When it comes to the issue of animal cruelty,
to build rapport you cannot stand back and not take a stand.
This is your fight as well.
Audience Acknowledging the whole of your Parents, you must surely agree that banning
audience in your writing mobile phones in classrooms will improve
concentration and enable your children to
make better progress in their studies.
Not only, but Used as part of your sentence to Not only does this issue affect local
also add to an argument communities, but also it has wider
implications for the whole of the country.
Facts Something that can be proven to be London Zoo is the oldest zoo in the UK.
true
Opinions What you believe or think, often In my view, banning fox hunting with hounds is
presented as fact the best thing to have happened for a long
time.
Rhetorical A question which does not require Is it right that reality TV stars are paid vast
questions an answer amounts of money while not actually having
any skills?
Emotive Language deliberately chosen to The horribly cruel, brutal and violent manner in
language make the audience or reader feel a which hunting hounds murder a fox when
particular emotion or have an caught, ripping them apart, is completely
emotional response wrong.
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Statistics Factual data used in a persuasive Eighty percent of commuters agree that rail
way fares currently do not represent good value
Your notes
for money.
Personal and “I”, “you”, “we”, “us” We must act now on climate change, as it
inclusive matters not only to us, but to our children and
pronouns children’s children.
Exaggeration Also known as hyperbole - If we do nothing, we will regret our inaction for
exaggerated language or examples the rest of eternity.
used for effect
Alliteration Two or more words that begin with the same Is fast food making us fatter, or is this
consonant sounds - the words do not have to idea just a fad?
be consecutive
Antithesis Opposing words or ideas presented together Just a small act of defiance could have
to show a contrast a huge effect.
Double Starting your sentence with two adjectives Smart and exciting, new wearable
adjectives technology is the latest craze.
However, using too much of any one technique can actually weaken your argument, so make sure you are
using persuasive devices judiciously. As you read the short example below, consider which persuasive
techniques have been used and how they contribute to the writer’s arguments:
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Task: “Some people believe it is preferable to holiday at home rather than travel abroad on holiday.
Travelling abroad is expensive, damaging to the environment and takes away important income from
Your notes
local tourism businesses.”
Write a letter to a newspaper giving your views on this topic.
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the opinion recently expressed in your newspaper that holidaying at home is
preferable to holidaying abroad. I am the first person to express a love for my country, as we have
amazing countryside and some beautiful beaches. However, I simply cannot agree with the idea that
holidays abroad should be avoided. Surely this takes away one’s right to choose how to spend their free
time and money?
While I am very mindful of the environmental impact of air travel, this must be utterly negligible
compared to the hundreds of coal-based power stations around the world that pump millions of tonnes
of toxic waste into our atmosphere every year. Let me make it clear to every one of your readers: I am
passionate about the natural world and I am not one of those people who claim that global warming is a
myth. I recycle. I never drop litter. I have solar panels on my roof at home. But these measures are still a
drop in the ocean compared to the collective impact of humanity on the health of our planet. I hardly
think that one family spending their hard-earned money on a flight to Spain and back once a year is the
biggest contribution to climate change, do you? So you can keep your wet weekends in Weston-Super-
Mare; I’d rather be sipping cocktails on a beach in Greece, as I am sure would 90% of your readers!
Exam tips
Plan your response:
Alternating facts and opinions throughout your writing will be more effective than producing a
purely emotional response
One way to do this is to consider how your paragraphs will use persuasive techniques to convey
your points in a more developed and convincing way
Focus on the effects of your choices:
Using too much hyperbole and emotive language will weaken your argument
Rhetorical questions which are not answered with facts or an anecdote will lose their impact
Statistics can be made up for the purposes of the exam, but keep them credible and believable
Avoid placing all your facts in one paragraph:
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Plan how you can convey facts across your writing using:
Polls and studies Your notes
Expert quotes or witness statements
Statistics
Remember to use anecdotes and personal examples or stories to bring your ideas alive:
The examples do not have to be based on your real experiences
Being humble and showing your reader you are not perfect is a great way to build rapport
Using emotive language is effective as long as it is not overused:
Emotive language can highlight your attitude and present your ideas passionately, but it should not
take the place of facts
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Sentence demarcation
Sentence demarcation means that you have started your sentences with a capital letter and ended them
correctly, using either a full-stop, question mark or exclamation mark. This sounds simple enough, but
comma-splicing and run-on sentences are some of the most common errors made in terms of technical
accuracy in the exam, so it is important to review that you know exactly when a sentence finishes and how to
indicate that it has finished.
Sentences end with three types of punctuation:
A full stop (for a statement)
A question mark (for a direct question)
An exclamation mark (to indicate surprise, shock, anger or happiness)
All sentences must begin with a capital letter.
Have a look at the example below. Sentence demarcation is absent, so consider how much harder it is to
make sense of what has been written:
Whether or not you think smartphones are a good thing, the fact of life in today’s society is that the
mobile phone is no longer just a phone in fact they are our lives we network, socialise, gossip and get
information from them, we have our bus passes, train tickets, bank cards, timetables and reminders on
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them we can even do our college work on them what we use them for is constantly changing and
expanding.
Your notes
Now compare the example above with the example below, which uses the correct sentence demarcations:
Whether or not you think smartphones are a good thing, the fact of life in today’s society is that the
mobile phone is no longer just a phone. In fact, they are our lives. We network, socialise, gossip and get
information from them. We have our bus passes, train tickets, bank cards, timetables and reminders on
them. We can even do our college work on them. What we use them for is constantly changing and
expanding.
The more sophisticated and complex your sentences, the more important accurate sentence demarcation
is. Varying the length of your sentences will create a more dynamic rhythm to your writing.
Range of punctuation
For the highest marks, you need to use a wide range of punctuation accurately and purposefully to achieve
specific effects. This means that you make conscious choices about the type of punctuation you are using
in your writing, and why you are using it. However, it is worth remembering that using apostrophes, semi-
colons and colons accurately just a few times is preferable to using them indiscriminately and incorrectly.
The bottom tier of the following punctuation pyramid below shows the range of punctuation you should be
aiming to use:
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Your notes
Students often find it difficult to know when to use colons and semi-colons correctly, so we have included
a brief explanation of both below:
Colons:
Colons can introduce lists, quotes or long explanations. They can be used in an article, for example, to
introduce a list of tips if you are giving advice. They can also be used before a direct quote (one you may
have made up from an “expert”).
For example:
The media officer for London Zoo advised: “We take the protection and welfare of our animals extremely
seriously. Any reported concerns regarding the health of our animals would be acted upon immediately.”
Semi-colons:
Semi-colons can be used to connect two related sentences instead of a full stop or a conjunction. They are
therefore a good way of adding variety to your writing.
For example:
Most celebrities in today’s culture do very little except promote themselves tirelessly; they do no actual
work and rely on social media to do the work for them.
They can also be used instead of commas when separating items in a very long or wordy list.
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urgency, especially if they are written in the imperative form. Long, complex sentences can sound quite
formal, but too many of them can be monotonous and difficult to read.
Your notes
Some of the ways you can vary your sentences include:
Type of Explanation
sentence
Sentence This means varying how you start your sentences, avoiding starting each one with personal
openers pronouns (“I”) or with the same word
Sentence Try to vary the length of your sentences, as too many long sentences can overshadow your
length arguments, whereas too many short sentences sounds simple or makes your arguments
stunted
In general, if your paragraph consists of only one or two long sentences, you need to
revisit it to consider how easy it is for your reader to identify your main points and the
purpose of the paragraph
For example:
The oil company reported that their profits had risen by more than 10% over the period of
half a year. This information shocked the public. How, in a period of financial difficulty for
the entire nation, could a single company justify raising prices and lining their pockets
while ordinary people suffered?
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Complex: a complex sentence contains one main clause and at least one dependent
clause (which relies on the main clause for meaning)
Understanding sentence type will help you avoid repetition and monotony in your writing
Your notes
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Leaflet
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Because a leaflet is intended for publication, it is important to use Standard English and to vary your
sentence and paragraph lengths to keep your audience engaged.
Leaflet structure
As this is a longer writing question, you should allocate 45 minutes to complete it. Spend about 5 minutes
planning your answer, 35 minutes writing and 5 minutes at the end to re-read to check for any obvious
errors.
To plan a range of points, you can:
Mind-map or write a list of points and techniques to use:
It can also be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order
It is important to use the bullet points given to you in the task to structure your response
Your leaflet should start with a brief introduction
Your leaflet should then be divided into 3–4 sub-headings:
Develop separate ideas or points in each paragraph under each sub-heading
Ensure you have developed each point or idea thoroughly before moving on
Finish with a concluding paragraph:
This could indicate where your reader could find further information, advice or guidance
Below is an example of how you might structure a leaflet about bullying, aimed at school students:
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Question breakdown
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of
the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
G A P
For example:
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Your notes
For this task, the focus is on communicating advice to parents and carers about how to help and guide
teenagers. However, the type of advice you give or what you choose to focus on can be up to you. You
could write general advice about bringing up teenagers, or focus on a specific issue, such as mental health
or exam stress. Generally, more focused responses gain higher marks.
Above all, there should be an attempt to engage and influence the audience, and you should use some
stylistic conventions of a leaflet such as a heading, sub-headings and the occasional use of bullet points.
There should be clear organisation and structure with an introduction, development of points and a
conclusion.
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Your notes
Leaflet plan
AO6 16-18 The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and
marks grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion
The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional
spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning
The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a
range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular
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effects
Your notes
The following model answer is an example of a top-mark response to the above task:
Raising a teenager to be a well-rounded, mature individual is viewed as one of the most difficult
challenges in the life of a parent or carer. [Marking comment] Teenagers are often given a lot of negative
press, from being moody, sleeping all the time to being susceptible to gangs, or worse. But there are
more adolescents in the world today than ever before, making up 16–20% of the world’s population.
[Marking comment] The period from age 13 to 20 is when young people experience significant growth
and development. It is the time when they need the most encouragement and support, even though this
can seem difficult, and parents/carers have a huge part to play in helping them navigate their physical,
emotional and social changes. So what are some of the main issues facing young people today?
[Marking comment]
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opportunities to talk. She also took me to the GP to get advice about my skin and helped me to develop
a skin routine, promoting good habits that I continue to this day. Modelling positive behaviour and taking
time to take your teenager’s concerns seriously is therefore extremely important. Your notes
Mental health
The negative effects of social media on impressionable young adults has been well-documented, and it
is no secret that as many as 20% of young adults may experience a mental health problem in any given
year. According to the World Health Organisation, depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are
among the leading causes of illness among adolescents. Young people with mental health conditions
are particularly vulnerable to “social exclusion, discrimination, stigma and educational difficulties”.
[Marking comment]Multiple factors affect mental health, including media influence and societal
expectations, [Marking comment] but the quality of a teenager’s home life is key to building successful
relationships and positive mental wellbeing. Identifying if your teenager is experiencing any difficulties
with their mental or emotional wellbeing is therefore a crucial first step, along with seeking help from
services that promote resilience, supportive social environments and social networks. [Marking
comment]
What not to do! [Marking comment]
All of the above may seem like an incredibly high mountain to climb, but there are some important
reminders in the above information about what to do and, crucially, what not to do! Firstly, trying to
control everything about your teenager’s life may cause further stress and tension. The internet and
social media are here to stay, so it is vital that you educate yourselves on what is out there and how it is
used. There is little point trying to ban technology when it is already out there and being used on a daily
basis. In addition, shouting and reacting angrily can lead your young person to withdraw further and be
even more reluctant to engage with you. So here are some final tips on how to raise a terrific teenager:
[Marking comment]
Help your teen help others
Be there
Model positive behaviours
Learn to listen
Do not judge
Have family meals
Set boundaries and stick to them
Talk to them!
Allow them to have their own space and privacy
[Marking comment]
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If you’re concerned about the physical or mental health of your child or young person, it may be a good
idea to speak to a GP or contact a children and young people’s mental health service. [Marking
comment] Your notes
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Informal letter
An informal letter will be written to someone you know well, such as a friend or a relative. You may be asked
to offer your ideas and opinions as advice, or to weigh up the pros and cons of something. It is important to
remember that, although you are writing to a relative or friend, this is an exam and you are not actually
writing a letter to that person. Therefore, do not use abbreviations or slang, such as “OMG!”.
Informal letter
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Use topic sentences to begin each paragraph, and then develop that point appropriately and in
detail
Your notes
Try not to include multiple, different arguments in one paragraph
Use the bullet points in the task to structure your letter
Sign off your letter more informally:
Try “Best wishes,” or “Hope to see you soon.”
The level of informality in this style of letter comes from keeping your tone light and adding personal details.
However, you still need to use accurate spelling, with a variety of sentences and punctuation used for
effect.
Formal letter
A formal letter will be written to somebody in authority, such as a headteacher, a manager of a company or
the editor of a newspaper. The purpose of your letter could be to argue, put forward your point of view, or
to inform or advise. There are some typical conventions of a formal letter that you can use, but be careful
not to spend too much time on irrelevant formatting details. The Edexcel mark scheme makes clear that you
do not have to include postal addresses.
Formal letter
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If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use “Yours faithfully,” at the end
If you are given the name of the person, then start with “Dear [name]” and end with “Yours Your notes
sincerely,”
State in your introduction what you are writing about, why you are writing and what your opinion is:
Make this relevant to the purpose of the task
Instead of using “I am writing because…”, use the wording of the task instructions
For example: “I am writing to give my opinion about…”
Write clear and well sequenced paragraphs, using appropriate connectives
Use topic sentences to begin each paragraph, and then develop that point appropriately and in
detail
Try not to include multiple, different arguments in one paragraph
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1. This will add credibility and prove you are knowledgeable about the topic
3. Engage the reader on a personal level using a counter-argument:
Your notes
1. This suggests you understand your reader and have already considered their concerns
4. Provide an anecdote to offer an example which proves your argument:
1. This builds rapport with your reader by engaging with them on a personal level
5. Offer more research or studies:
1. This can be in the form of statistics, a witness statement, poll, or quote from an expert
6. End your letter with an emotive plea or solution to the issue:
1. Use emotive language to engage your reader
2. Ending your letter on a single sentence, perhaps using a triplet, is an effective conclusion
7. Sign off your letter in the correct way
Rеmеmbеr that to produce an effective response, you should aim to develop your points carefully in each
paragraph, using language features and techniques to highlight ideas and emphasise your points.
Please see our Letter Model Answer revision note page for an example of a full-mark IGCSE letter.
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Question breakdown
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of
the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
G A P
For example:
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Your notes
For this task, the focus is on communicating ideas about what items could be displayed in the new
exhibition. However, which museum you choose and what ideas you put forward are up to you. You could
even choose to be writing from the “future”, looking back on the 21st century. Remember, more focused
responses gain higher marks. The response should be set out as a formal letter, using organisational
features, but you do not have to include postal addresses. There should be clear organisation and structure
with an introduction, development of points and a conclusion.
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Your notes
Letter plan
AO6 16-18 The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and
marks grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion
The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional
spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning
The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a
range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular
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effects
The following model answer is an example of a top-mark response to the above task: Your notes
9th April
In a recent mail-out you sent information about an upcoming exhibition entitled “Life in the Twenty-First
Century” and invited suggestions and contributions from previous visitors about possible items for
inclusion in this display. [Marking comment]As a keen supporter of the museum, I welcome the
opportunity to put forward some suggestions and why I think these items should be included in the new
exhibition. [Marking comment]
Firstly, [Marking comment]I believe the exhibition should focus on major world events from the 21st
century, but from the point of view of people in the UK. While the devastating attacks on the World Trade
Centre in 2001 affected mainly US citizens, there were UK citizens also both directly and indirectly
affected. There were nearly 70 British victims of the attacks, as well as some survivors who now live back
in the UK, and it is important for their voices to be heard. One suggestion would be for a series of
recordings by people associated with the event, alongside visual images. [Marking comment] This would
provide a unique British perspective on the event and how it affected people on both sides of the
Atlantic. The exhibit could also feature examples of how life has changed following the attacks, such as
increased security on flights and not being able to take more than 100ml of liquid on board aircraft.
Arguably the biggest global event of the 21st century has been the Coronavirus pandemic, affecting all
corners of the world. The exhibition could explore the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on British
citizens, again making use of multimedia to show clips from the Government briefings, including
Professor Chris Whitty’s now infamous “Next slide please” phrase. Items such as lateral flow tests, masks
and PPE equipment could contrast with the human impact of lockdown, and evidence from the UK
Covid-19 Inquiry. Examples of artwork and photographs taken by ordinary people would also contribute
to an overall picture of life during this extraordinary period. [Marking comment]
Another interesting addition to the exhibition would be to demonstrate just how quickly technology has
changed since the beginning of the 21st century. Smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and the latest VR
equipment could be displayed chronologically, along with now obsolete items, highlighting the rapid
scale of development in this area. Innovations in medical technology, such as artificial limbs and
robotics, could also show the pace of change, with maybe some indication of where this technology is
going in the next few years. Young people are especially interested in the latest technology and what
might be coming up next, so this would help encourage more people to attend. [Marking comment] This
part of the exhibition could also be used to showcase new British technology and innovation, and this
area could also be a more light-hearted addition, comparing commonplace technology at the start of
the 21st century to now. Landlines anyone? [Marking comment]
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Finally, as life in the 21st century is extremely varied, I believe it would be useful to maintain a focus or
common thread throughout whatever is exhibited, which is why I’ve suggested a UK perspective. I hope Your notes
my suggestions about world events may be of interest to you, but just as interesting would be a
showcase of everyday life and how this has changed in a relatively short amount of time. Whatever you
decide, I look forward to visiting. [Marking comment]
Yours faithfully,
K.Brown [Marking comment]
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Be light-hearted and entertaining, formal and serious, or provide advice and tips, depending on the
task set
Your notes
Use topic sentences to begin each paragraph, and then develop that point appropriately and in
detail
Try not to include multiple different arguments in one paragraph
Avoid beginning your article with “I’m writing this because...” or “In this article I shall be discussing…”
Because an article is intended for publication, it is important to use Standard English and to vary your
sentence and paragraph lengths to keep your audience engaged. The heading, strapline and opening
paragraph of an article can employ lots of persuasive devices to hook your reader and introduce your point
of view. For example:
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Article structure
As this is a longer writing question, and you should allocate 45 minutes to complete it. Spend about 5 Your notes
minutes planning your answer, 35 minutes writing and 5 minutes at the end to re-read to check for any
obvious errors.
To plan a range of points which will support your point of view, you can:
Mind-map or write a list of points and techniques to use:
It can also be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order
The examiner is not grading you on how much you know about the given topic, as it is impossible to
predict what subject matter will be on the paper. You are marked on your ability to construct a
convincing argument
Your article should be structured into five or six paragraphs:
Remember, each paragraph does not have to be the same length
Better answers vary the lengths of their paragraphs for effect
Develop separate ideas or points in each paragraph
But avoid repeating the same idea throughout your article
Below is an example of how you might structure your article:
1. Introduce the subject of the article and, if appropriate, your argument:
1. You could consider engaging the reader through the use of inclusive pronouns, such as “we” or
“us”
2. Use the bullet points given to you in the task to structure your article:
1. You may wish to use these as sub-headings
3. Provide information, facts, background or context
4. Use specific examples or a personal anecdote (depending on the subject-matter)
5. Remember, not all tasks will require you to put forward an argument, but if it does, then use a counter-
argument:
1. This suggests that you understand your reader and have already considered their possible
concerns
6. Do not forget to conclude your article strongly
Rеmеmbеr that to produce an effective response, you should aim to develop your points carefully in each
paragraph, using language features and techniques to highlight ideas and emphasise your points.
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You can find a full worked example in our Article Model Answer page.
Your notes
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Question breakdown
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of
the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
G A P
For example:
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Your notes
For this task, the focus is on communicating ideas about the importance of hobbies and interests in
readers’ busy lives. You could choose which type of newspaper you are writing for, such as a national
Sunday broadsheet, or even a school or college newspaper, and use this to focus on your intended
audience. You should use some stylistic conventions of an article, such as a heading, sub-headings or
occasional bullet points, but you should not include features of layout such as columns or pictures. There
should be clear organisation and structure with an introduction, development of points and a conclusion.
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Your notes
Article plan
AO6 16-18 The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and
marks grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion
The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional
spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning
The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a
range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular
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effects
Your notes
The following model answer is an example of a top-mark response to the above task:
How often have you heard yourself say, “I haven’t got time”? This seems to be the mantra for 21st-century
living. Life is crazy: jobs, children, other family members, friendships, socialising, exercising, trying to find
some “me” time - it’s a wonder we fit it all in! [Marking comment]Increasingly, having a specific hobby or
interest seems to get pushed further down our list of priorities, but as life gets more stressful, maybe it’s
time we got back into the habit of having a hobby. [Marking comment]
Having a hobby or interest seemed to be commonplace for earlier generations. Crafting, sports,
cooking or baking or being outdoors and spending quality time doing these things was a part of life, but
the pressures and the busy nature of modern-day life seems to have taken over. In addition, our
increasingly technologically advanced world means that we have instant access to a wealth of
information and entertainment literally at our fingertips. However, I’m not sure I would count TikTok as a
hobby! [Marking comment] Every age has its pressures, but having a specific hobby or interest is as
important now as it has ever been, in terms of our mental and physical health and emotional well-being.
After a particularly lazy January sat on the sofa doing nothing in particular, I decided to embark on my own
journey of getting back into the habit of having a hobby. I used to be a keen tennis player when I was
younger, and there was a tennis club close to my home which I had resolutely ignored for the past few
years. But, for the purpose of research, I decided to become a member and joined a Tuesday night
“Rusty Racket” group. My apologies at the start of my first session were endless: “I haven’t played for
ages”, “My serve is terrible”, “Good luck to whoever is partnering me!” But everyone was friendly,
welcoming and, crucially for me, not that competitive. After a few warm-up serves, I was happily dancing
around the court, swinging my racket left, right and centre like I was on Centre Court at Wimbledon. It
was a clear evening, and it felt good to be out in the fresh air, trying to improve my technique but not
taking myself too seriously at the same time. And I’ve kept it up! I still can’t serve very well, but I enjoy the
process of trying to get better at something, as well as being out in the fresh air to brush away any
stresses of the day. I make sure I prioritise that time and can now count “tennis” as my hobby. [Marking
comment]
Benefits of hobbies
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Taking up a sport seems the obvious choice, and there is no doubt that being outside is beneficial to your
health, but this does not mean you need to go out and join the first running club you see. Just making time Your notes
for regular walks in nature can help decrease anxiety levels and feelings of stress. Regular access to
green spaces has been linked to lower instances of depression and improved concentration and
attention. The charity Mind says that “being outside in natural light can be helpful if you experience
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)”. Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, geo-caching, orienteering, or even
rambling can all become something to be passionate about. If you are lucky enough to live near the
coast, open water swimming and paddleboarding are increasingly popular, and will definitely wake you
up! [Marking comment]
Less active hobbies are just as beneficial. Brain-training activities, such as Sudoku, word-searches and
crosswords can all help keep our minds active, and crafting is both a way of keeping your fingers supple
and possibly saving money. Lots of people have turned their hobbies into their careers, possibly due to
the popularity of shows such as The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Sewing Bee. [Marking
comment] Anything creative can also help to reduce stress, and several studies have shown that hobbies
such as art, writing and music can even prevent stress in the first place. Hobbies can also help people
socialise, bringing like-minded individuals together, which can have a further positive impact on our
mental well-being. But above all, having a hobby or interest helps to reduce screen time and is, well, fun!
So, whether it’s gardening, sewing, go-karting or ice-skating, finding a hobby or interest that you find
fun, relaxing and rewarding can have real physical and mental benefits for you and for your loved ones. So
maybe it’s time to dust off your own rusty racket and take the plunge! [Marking comment]The good thing
about the internet is that it has never been easier to find a club or a hobby to try, so why not try one today?
[Marking comment]
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Speech or talk
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Persuasive writing
A speech is often more persuasive than other forms of writing. You are trying to persuade your audience
that your point of view is valid, and sometimes encourage them to join you.
Here are some tips for how to make your speech persuasive:
Write in the first person (write from your own perspective)
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This example uses a number of persuasive devices, but in a sophisticated way in order to set out what the
purpose of the speech is. It addresses the audience directly through the use of inclusive pronouns, but only
uses one rhetorical question, which makes it more effective.
So remember, the basic features of a speech or talk that the examiner would expect to see are:
A clear introduction:
This needs to be engaging and motivating
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It should introduce what the speech is about, address the audience directly and use a persuasive
device to hook the audience
A well structured argument: Your notes
Paragraphs begin with topic sentences and are effectively linked
Objection to the argument is handled in a paragraph
A dynamic and memorable conclusion
You can find a full worked example on our Speech Model Answer page.
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Question breakdown
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of
the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
G A P
For example:
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Your notes
For this task, the focus is on communicating your point of view about the ideas of celebrities and role
models. The intended audience is not specified in the question, but given it is better to write about
something you are familiar with, it would be sensible to infer that this is a speech to your peers or
classmates. The response should be set out effectively as a speech, maintaining a clear argument
throughout and including persuasive devices.
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Your notes
Speech plan
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AO6 16-18 The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and
marks grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion
Your notes
The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional
spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning
The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a
range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular
effects
The following model answer is an example of a top-mark response to the above task:
As we grow and mature, we all have people we look up to. From an early age, this would be your parents,
grandparents or main care-givers. But as we get older, we start to become more aware of people in the
public eye that we might like or start to admire. We [Marking comment]may look at these people and
think that we want to grow up to be just like them. However, not many of us actually “know” famous
people well; we might think we do, due to how many of them we can access via the internet, television
and social media platforms, but can we truly count someone we do not really know on a personal level as
a role model? Fellow students, [Marking comment]I am here today to discuss the idea of role models and
question whether celebrities should be counted as such. [Marking comment]
People we look up to can shape our behaviour and how we see ourselves. We learn about how to present
ourselves and how to conduct ourselves in the world via these people. If you grew up in a household in
which bad language is used as the norm, then it is highly likely that you will routinely use bad language as
well. We learn right from wrong, morals, ethics and what we should stand for from these people; even, for
many of us, which football team we should support! [Marking comment]A good role model then, in my
opinion, should be someone who exemplifies the characteristics we would expect to see in other
people: respect for themselves and others, manners, a good moral code, resilience, determination,
creativity - basically, what we might consider to be a good person. We learn how to behave in different
situations, how to respond appropriately and how to communicate well in a variety of circumstances.
Taking what I’ve said into consideration, there are many people currently in the public eye, or who might
be considered famous, who would therefore be considered good role models for young people.
[Marking comment] Take Greta Thunberg, for example. She is a young activist who stands up for what she
believes is right, and has learnt how to communicate effectively on a world stage so that people actually
listen. Sir David Attenborough is respected globally, not only for his television programmes, but for his
work on managing climate change and conservation. And there are many sports personalities who
embody resilience and determination, such as Ellie Simmonds, the paralympic British swimmer, or
Marcus Rashford. [Marking comment] These people use their status and influence to try to effect
positive change in their communities and more widely. This is highly commendable, and all of these
examples embody characteristics that we should all try to emulate as much as possible.
However, the idea of “celebrity”, I believe, is different to people who are famous for their work. [Marking
comment]The rapid rise of social media and reality TV culture has generated a group of people who
consider themselves celebrities due to their appearance and the amount of “likes” they receive. Those
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who are famous for nothing in particular may well be good people, but their public persona is all about
image, and how they present that image, which may well be manipulated through photoshopping, photo
filters or cosmetic surgery. [Marking comment]This can contribute to young people developing anxiety Your notes
or body dysmorphia as we may feel we fall short of the “ideal” image presented to us, whether real or not.
In addition, the increased popularity of those who hold controversial views, such as Andrew Tate,
demonstrates how the label of celebrity can be achieved through ways that would not be considered
praiseworthy. I cannot see, and I am sure that you will agree, how these types of celebrities could be
considered actual role models, given that we are only presented with a version of themselves that they
want us to see.
Therefore, as most celebrities are not known to us personally, maybe we should return to the idea that
the best role models are found closer to home, through family members, teachers, coaches or mentors.
We can learn from their actual experience and actions, rather than placing all of the emphasis on how
things appear to be. [Marking comment]Personally, my own role model is my gran, who has overcome so
many challenges in her life with resilience, positivity and good humour. If I turn out to be half the person
she is, I will feel as though I have done well. [Marking comment]So, let me ask you, who is the person
whose actions and approach to life most resonate with who you would like to be? For me, celebrities do
not make the best role models, but there are lots of people close to us who do.
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Guide
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Because a guide is intended for publication, it is important to use Standard English and to vary your
sentence and paragraph lengths to keep your audience engaged.
Guide structure
As this is an extended writing question, and you should allocate 45 minutes to complete it. Spend about 5
minutes planning your answer, 35 minutes writing and 5 minutes at the end to re-read to check for any
obvious errors.
To plan a range of points, you can:
Mind-map or write a list of points and techniques to use:
It can also be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order
It is important to use the bullet points given to you in the task to structure your response
Your guide should start with a brief introduction
Your guide should then be divided into 2–3 sub-headings:
Develop separate ideas or points in each paragraph under each sub-heading
Each sub-heading should have 2–3 separate points underneath it
Ensure you have developed each point or idea thoroughly before moving on
Finish with a concluding paragraph:
This could indicate where your reader can find further information, advice or guidance, or could
even include suggestions or recommendations
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Below is an example of how you might structure a guide for young people about why they should exercise:
1. Start with an informative heading: “Is exercise actually good for young people?” Your notes
2. Write a brief introduction:
1. This is your opportunity to engage the reader, so use inclusive language and some facts
2. For example: “Many of us fall out of love with exercise due to poor experiences of P.E. at school.”
3. Use the bullet points given to you in the task to structure your guide:
1. These can become your sub-headings
2. For example: “The physical benefits of exercise”, “Positive impact on mental health” and “Types of
exercise”
4. Provide information, facts and statistics to develop each point under each sub-heading
5. Use specific examples or a personal anecdote (depending on the subject-matter)
6. Finish with a conclusion indicating where the reader could go for further information, including
suggestions for how P.E. at school can make more positive contributions
Rеmеmbеr that to produce an effective response, you should aim to develop your points carefully in each
paragraph, using language features and techniques to highlight ideas and emphasise your points.
You can find a full worked example on our Guide Model Answer page.
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Question breakdown
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of
the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
G A P
For example:
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Your notes
For this task, the focus is on the importance of preparation. No specific intended audience is given, but it is
better to write about something you have some experience of, so it would be reasonable to infer that the
intended audience is young people, or school or college students. If the task does not specify the
intended audience, it is important for you to decide who your audience is going to be in your planning
stage, as this leads to a more focused response with clear attempts to engage and influence the reader.
You should use some stylistic conventions of a guide, such as a heading, sub-headings or occasional bullet
points, and there should be clear organisation and structure with an introduction, development of points
and a conclusion.
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Your notes
Guide plan
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AO6 16-18 The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and
marks grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion
Your notes
The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional
spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning
The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a
range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular
effects
The following model answer is an example of a top-mark response to the above task:
Sitting an exam or test, have you ever thought when turning over the first page: if only I’d revised more! I
have. And I didn’t like it. I’d had the time, but I wasn’t organised. I always thought I had more time. I
thought I could put it off until tomorrow. As a result, I didn’t get the outcome I wanted. But I learnt from
that experience and did not make the same mistake again. I now know that the key to success in anything
is being prepared, whether that be tests, exams, sporting events, interviews, or even your first date!
[Marking comment]As Benjamin Franklin famously said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
So, following my failure, the following guide is designed to give you some advice on how to prepare to
succeed. [Marking comment]
Being prepared means getting organised. Whatever you need to be prepared for, it is vital to leave
yourself ample time to sort everything out. Nobody enjoys rushing out of the door at the last minute, so
whether it’s sorting out your college bag the night before, getting out your clothes and ironing them
ready for your job interview the following day, or creating a revision timetable and sticking to it, anything
you can do to minimise last-minute panic contributes to success. This includes mental preparation. We
all have situations which we do not really enjoy, such as going to the dentist or doing homework.
However, having the right mental attitude can help enormously in making these tasks less daunting.
Staying positive and not putting things off will save time, energy and anxiety. Some other tips for being
prepared include:
Do your research in advance
Practise, practise, practise
Make to-do lists, and tick off tasks as you complete them
Make use of organisational apps, such as Tiimo
Use diaries or daily planners to keep yourself organised
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Set reminders
[Marking comment]
How can preparation contribute to success? Your notes
Being prepared means being proactive and taking steps to ensure you are ready for whatever comes
your way. Being prepared for opportunities as they arise can lead to bigger and more exciting
opportunities in the future. When you are prepared, your self-confidence increases, and you are more
able to act quickly and decisively when an opportunity presents itself. [Marking comment]Preparation
also allows you to relax and thrive, and can save time and money. It can help you accomplish more and
prevents you from becoming overwhelmed and anxious. It can have an enormous positive effect on your
mental health and well-being. And when good things start happening, we get into a more positive
mindset overall, attracting more good fortune. That doesn’t mean there won’t be set backs, but you can
even be prepared for these by practising a resilient and growth mindset.
Failing to prepare
An intelligent plan is the first step to success. Even if what you have to prepare for is boring, getting it out
of the way means freeing yourself up for better things later. Imagine you are offered tickets to your
dream concert at the last minute, but you have put off preparing for a really important test the following
day? [Marking comment]Yes, you might decide to still go to the concert, but you would enjoy it a lot more
had you also prepared for the test in advance. Using a couple of hours each week to focus on the boring
stuff will set you up for success in the week ahead, and then even if something unexpected happens, you
have the capacity to deal with it.
So, give yourself the upper hand. Continue reading for specific advice about preparing for different
situations, such as interviews, as here too preparation will be the key to success. [Marking comment]
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Review
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Because a review is intended for publication, it is important to use Standard English and to vary your
sentence and paragraph lengths to keep your audience engaged.
Review structure
As this is a longer writing question, and you should allocate 45 minutes to complete it. Spend about 5
minutes planning your answer, 35 minutes writing and 5 minutes at the end to re-read to check for any
obvious errors.
To plan a range of points, you can:
Mind-map or write a list of points and techniques to use:
It can also be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order
It is important to use the bullet points given to you in the task to structure your response
Mention the name of the author/director (if a film, TV programme or book) or anything specific, and
clearly name the thing being reviewed in the title and first paragraph
Ensure you have conveyed the main theme or idea of the thing you are reviewing in your introduction:
Your reader should immediately know what it is about
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Question breakdown
The first thing you should do is to read the task carefully and identify the format, audience and purpose of
the task. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP analysis or the “3 Ws”:
G A P
For example:
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Your notes
For this task, the focus is on describing an exciting or interesting event and providing opinions and
judgements about it. A range of approaches could therefore be used, and as no specific intended
audience is given, it is better to write about something you have some experience of. If the task does not
specify the intended audience, it is important for you to decide who your audience is going to be in your
planning stage, as this leads to a more focused response with clear attempts to engage and influence the
reader.
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Your notes
Review plan
AO6 16-18 The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and
marks grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion
The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional
spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning
The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a
range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular
effects
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The following model answer is an example of a top-mark response to the above task:
Your notes
The Moonwalkers by Tom Hanks [Marking comment]
At a glance: 5 stars [Marking comment]
“The moon has always been our constant companion, right?” The unmistakable voice of Tom Hanks at the
start of The Moonwalkers experience at London’s Lightroom fills the space and reassures the audience
that they are in safe hands. [Marking comment] He continues to reel us in by reminding us that only 12
people in the history of humankind have ever walked on the moon, and we settle in for a 50-minute
production that immerses the audience into an all-encompassing and magnificent experience.
It is difficult to properly define what The Moonwalkers actually is. It is part film, part show, part immersive
experience. It is housed in a large, single space, with images, films and animations projected in front of,
at the side of and behind us, as well as on the floor. As we file in with anticipation, everyone immediately
gravitates towards the tiered bench seating, sitting nervously, unsure of what to expect. A staff member
invites us to walk around more than once, reiterating that the experience is better if we move. Maybe it’s
our typical British reserve, but everyone is reluctant, preferring to sit. A countdown is projected onto the
screen and the show begins. We are treated to Hanks’ personal fascination with space travel, as he
famously played astronaut Jim Lovell in the film Apollo 13. [Marking comment]
Hanks co-wrote The Moonwalkers and the show looks both backwards at the first moon landing, and
forwards to the future of moon exploration with the Artemis programme. The sheer size of the images
being projected, along with impressive surround sound, make the experience truly mesmerising, and the
narrative combines huge impact pieces with more personal sound-bites from the astronauts
themselves. One highlight for me was the footage of the tense few seconds before Apollo 11 actually
touched down on the moon’s surface, along with Neil Armstrong’s famous first step on alien soil. Having
been born long after the first moon landing, the experience was so all-encompassing it genuinely felt as
though I was watching it live, for the first time. [Marking comment]
As well as being spectacular, the experience also showcased lighter moments, such as astronauts having
fun in the moon’s reduced gravity, bouncing around like children on a space-hopper. [Marking
comment]The braver audience members stood and moved around as suggested, as did I, and it was true
- it really did enhance the experience. However, given that the number of people standing and moving
were in the minority, this part of the experience could have been further encouraged via the narration,
maybe with Hanks himself directing the audience. Given he was involved in how the experience was
staged at the venue, this could have been the chance to really connect with the audience and make
them feel as though they were thoroughly involved. [Marking comment]
Ultimately, however, the experience left me with a sense of wonder and beauty, and an understanding of
humankind’s desire to explore beyond our planet. It was a thrilling experience that involved high-quality
visual and audio innovations, which more than justified the ticket price. It was interesting to note that
there were several children in the audience, who were just as mesmerised as the adults; the show’s
relatively short length no doubt contributed to keeping their attention. I did feel, however, that the venue
itself did not quite match the magic of the experience itself, especially as it so obviously appeals to all
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ages. The coffee shop in which the audience was invited to wait was hardly family-friendly, and before
the show we stood for a while in a queue formation in the rather small and very expensive merchandise
shop. I felt this was missing a trick, as was the lack of any visual build-up as we were led through an Your notes
industrial corridor to the room itself. That being said, however, it was a fantastic production and overall
there was very little not to marvel at; it really was an out-of-this-world experience. [Marking comment]
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