How to Write a Guide for GCSE (AQA GCSE English Language) : Revision Note
Writing a guide is one of the possible tasks in Paper 2, Section B of your AQA GCSE English Language exam. If you are given this task to complete, the purpose will usually be to advise, inform and possibly to entertain the reader.
The following notes on writing a guide in your AQA English Language GCSE exam includes:
Key features of a guide
How to structure your guide
Sample guide questions
Key features of a guide
When writing a guide, your main purpose is to inform or advise the reader
This type of text often includes:
Clear information
Helpful advice
A guide can also include subtle persuasion to keep the reader engaged
Although you might be asked to write a section for a textbook, leaflet or book, the focus of the task is always the same:
How well you can explain and organise your ideas clearly
You should use features like:
A main heading
Subheadings
You do not need to include layout features such as:
Images
Diagrams
Columns
Guide |
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In a guide you should:
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Some expectations of more specific tasks are as follows:
Travel guides |
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Leaflets |
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Booklets or textbooks |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Always stay focused on the purpose of the task.
If your goal is to inform, ensure every section of your guide supports that aim. Use a mix of clear information and helpful advice to influence your reader’s thinking.
Structure of a guide
As with all of the other text types in Section B, you should spend 10 minutes planning what you are going to write before you begin your response.
To plan a range of points, you can:
Start by creating a mind map or writing a list of ideas that you want to include:
Numbering your points can help you decide on a logical order
Ensure you use the bullet points in the task as a guide
These will help you structure your response
Begin with a brief introduction that clearly outlines the topic and purpose
Divide the main section of your response into three sections, each with its own subheading:
Under each subheading, develop one to two key points
Take time to develop each idea before moving on, using examples to support your points
End with a concluding paragraph:
This could direct the reader to further information, offer practical advice or include recommendations
Paragraph structure for a guide
Below is an example of how you might structure a guide to healthy eating for teenagers:
Heading | Is healthy eating really worth the effort for teenagers? |
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Paragraph 1: Introduction | This is your opportunity to engage your reader, so use inclusive language and some facts:
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Paragraph 2: Sub-heading | What does healthy eating actually mean? |
Paragraph 3: Sub-heading | Why it matters |
Paragraph 4: Sub-heading | Food and mental health |
Paragraph 5: Conclusion | Finish with a conclusion indicating where the reader could go for further information, e.g.:
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As an example, let’s consider the following introduction to a guide about healthy eating:
Is healthy eating really worth the effort for teenagers? Let’s face it — between school, hobbies, friends and screens, thinking about what goes on your plate is not always a top priority. Many young people skip meals, grab snacks on the go, or rely on fast food without realising the impact it can have on their energy, focus and overall well-being. The good news? Healthy eating does not mean giving up everything you enjoy. In fact, small changes can lead to big benefits, both physically and mentally. This guide will explore what healthy eating really means for teenagers, why it matters and how you can make it work for your lifestyle. | |
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This example uses a range of informative techniques effectively to establish the purpose of the guide. It engages the audience through direct address and relatable language and sets out the information in a clear and accessible way.
Guide sample questions
Here are some examples of the type of question you might be asked:
Key features the examiner is looking for
Correct formatting:
A heading
Subheadings to structure your response
A strong introduction:
This needs to be engaging and direct
It should introduce the topic you have been given and capture the reader’s attention
A well structured argument:
Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and flow logically into the next
Use facts, fictional research and other evidence to support your points
Keep your target audience in mind and adapt your language and tone accordingly
A direct and engaging conclusion:
End with a recommendation or a call to action to reinforce your message
You can find a full worked example on our GCSE Guide Text: Model Answer page.
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