Paper 2 Question 5: Format, Audience and Purpose (AQA GCSE English Language)

Revision Note

Sam Evans

Written by: Sam Evans

Reviewed by: Kate Lee

Paper 2 Question 5: Format, Audience and Purpose

The writing task in Paper 2 invites you to write a piece of non-fiction in response to a statement. The format you should write in will be given to you in the task. You could be asked to write an article, letter, speech, guide or blog. However, whichever format you are given, the purpose of your writing will be to argue, persuade or explain to your audience your point of view.

Overview of Paper 2 Question 5

Question 5 is the writing question. It asks you to apply what you know about non-fiction writing, such as the texts you read in Section A, and use these same techniques in your own writing.

AO5 rewards you for your ideas, as well as the style and the fluency of your writing. As Question 5 is worth 50% of the paper, it is worth making sure you set aside enough time to answer it well. The Assessment Objectives for Question 5 are AO5 and AO6:

AO5 (24 marks)

Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences

Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts

AO6 (16 marks)

Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation

In Question 5, you will be set a task that asks you to write on a topic related to the texts in Section A. It asks you to consider structure and language and adapt these relevant to the form, audience and purpose given to you in the task.

Overview

  • Question 5 is a writing question

  • Question 5 is worth 40 marks

  • You should aim to write 2-3 sides of A4

  • You should spend approximately 45 minutes on this question

How to approach Paper 2 Question 5

It is important to remember that writers plan their texts deliberately to make the reader think and feel certain things. Question 5 asks you to think about how you can effectively structure your writing and adapt your language and tone to reach your audience and achieve your purpose. 

When you reach Question 5, you will already have read two sources which relate to the topic in your task. You can use these ideas to inform your answer. You should spend some time thinking about the task, and making sure you know who you are writing to (your audience), what you want to achieve (the purpose) and how the writing should look (its form).  

In your answer you must:

  • Adopt a convincing tone of voice

  • Use language techniques relevant to the purpose and style

  • Ensure you use the correct form of writing

Question 5 tests your ability to create a text which is constructed in an appropriate manner.

This question assesses your skill in crafting a convincing non-fiction text. The question will be worded according to a specific task, for example:

english-languageaqa-paper-2-question-5

You will be given a statement as the basis of the task. However, you are not required to cover every thread in the statement; selecting one or two threads can lead to a clearer argument.

In the above example, there are three threads: eating meat, keeping pets and visiting zoos. You can select which of these you feel the most strongly about and use these as the basis for your arguments. You do not have to cover all three.

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

Genre (format)

Audience

Purpose

What am I writing?

Who am I writing for?

Why am I writing?

We will now explore format, audience and purpose further in the following sub-sections:

Format

  • This task will ask you to write in a particular format 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 consider the most effective argument you can make, on which you have plenty to say

    • 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 news article

    • A letter tends to be more formal and, 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

    • 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 a: 

    • Letter

    • Article

    • Leaflet

    • Speech

    • Guide

    • Blog

    • Autobiographical account (e.g., a review or diary entry)

  • Whichever form you are writing in, there are likely to be some elements which you have to make up

  • However, your writing still needs to be realistic and believable for the most convincing arguments

Here, we will consider the layout and structure of the three most common formats given to you in this part of the exam. This is what the examiner is looking for in your answer, as awareness of the correct form and adapting your style appropriately to the task is required to reach the higher marks:

Formal letter

A formal letter should:

  • Include a date

  • Use the correct salutation:

    • If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, then use “Dear Sir/Madam”

    • You can use “Dear Editor” if writing in response to an article or letter seen in a newspaper or magazine

  • If you use either of the above salutations, then use “Yours faithfully” at the end

  • Your introduction should state what you are writing about, why you are writing and what your opinion is

  • Paragraphs should be clear and well sequenced, using appropriate connectives

  • Use topic sentences to begin each paragraph, and then develop that point appropriately and in detail

  • Do not try to include multiple, different arguments in one paragraph

Magazine or newspaper article

  • An article should:

    • Use a snappy heading:

      • Consider using alliteration, a rhetorical question or a pun (a play on words) for this

      • For example: “The Cruelty of Captivity”

    • A strapline underneath the heading can summarise your point of view:

      • For example: “Why keeping animals in captivity has fallen out of favour”

    • Use sub-headings to help structure your article

    • Address your audience directly, with consideration to the fact that an article is intended to be read by a wide audience

    • Be light-hearted and entertaining, formal and serious, or provide advice and tips, depending on the task set

    • Use topic sentences to begin each paragraph, and then develop that point appropriately and in detail

    • Do not try to include multiple different arguments in one paragraph

Speech or talk

A speech or talk should:

  • Address the audience directly

  • Engage the audience in the introduction to the speech:

    • Outline the topic

    • Use rhetorical questions to get your audience thinking

  • Structure your speech logically, building your arguments persuasively:

  • Speeches or talks will use more persuasive language features

  • Use the acronym DAN FOREST PIE to remember these (see Paper 2 Section B Overview)

  • Include your audience using inclusive pronouns (we, us, our)

  • Circle back to your original argument to finish, calling your audience to action if appropriate

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember, Question 5 requires an extended written response. Therefore, the most effective answers will demonstrate a well-planned answer covering a range of points written in the correct form. It is important not to forget to sign off your letter or give your article a headline. Make sure you have correctly identified the format 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.

Audience

  • As this task assesses the ability to use sophisticated language, the question will ask you to write formally using Standard English

  • It is important, however, to consider your audience in terms of your ideas, language and overall tone

  • 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:

Target audience

Language adaptation example

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 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”, demonstrate 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, demonstrate that this is aimed at adults reading about a serious topic

Older people

The purpose of wearable technology, such as smart-watches and fitness trackers, is to 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 asks you to write for a specific purpose. This means you are required to deliberately use language for impact to achieve that purpose. This also means 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:

  • Explain your point of view

  • Argue your point of view or your opinion

  • Persuade

Purpose

Devices and techniques to demonstrate you understand the purpose of the task

Write to explain:

  • Explain your point of view about…

  • Explain your attitude to…

  • Explain your thoughts on…

  • Provide reasons for your ideas

  • Offer examples and anecdotes:

    • Use imagery to describe experiences 

  • Provide facts and statistics:

    • In the exam you can use those provided in the reading section, or make up credible research of your own     

  • Use present-tense verbs:

    • Usually you are explaining about something that is currently the case

  • Use either first or third person consistently

  • Use appropriate connectives:

    • Words like “Moreover”, “Furthermore”, “However” and “On the other hand” provide cohesion and fluency

Write to argue:

  • Argue your point of view about…

  • Write in the first-person as you are putting forward your thoughts and opinions

  • 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

  • You can present both sides of an argument, but decide on your position and maintain it throughout:

    • This means that you can start your counter-argument with phrases such as “While I acknowledge that some people might think…”

    • Then circle back to your original position

Write to persuade:

  • Persuade the audience of your point of view about…

 

  • Write in the first-person as you are putting forward your thoughts and opinions

  • 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 the rule of three 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:

  • Write a guide to a great day out for all of the family

  • Write an article to advise teenagers about how to manage exam stress

  • Use the passive voice and a more detached tone - you are not writing an advert

  • Use imperative verbs and bullet points for tips, e.g., exercise, eat, sleep

  • Use modal verbs, e.g., “may”, “should”, “could”

  • Employ facts and statistics

  • Address your audience directly by using personal pronouns such as “you”

Examiner Tips and Tricks

As part of your planning and preparation for this task, you should write a summary of your argument in response to the task in a single sentence. This should be included in your introductory paragraph, establishing your position, and confirmed in the concluding paragraph. The highest marks are achieved when you are able to establish a central argument and sustain this throughout your writing. This constitutes an argument which is at least clear (Level 3) and potentially convincing and compelling (Level 4). Muddled and rambling arguments will limit you to a Level 2 mark.

Example tasks

Below you will find some examples of Paper 2 Question 5 tasks. As you read each one, consider what you are being asked to write, who you are writing for and why you are writing:

“Taking endless selfies can only have negative consequences for teens. It teaches them to value the superficial surface and seek the approval of others. Selfies are poison to a healthy mindset.”

Write an article for your school website giving your views on this subject.

“Mental health is the number one issue facing teens growing up today. Regardless of the expense, every school should employ a full-time medically trained professional counsellor.”

Write a letter to your headteacher offering your views on this subject.

“Most other kids my age obsess over the summer holidays, but I find the endless, unstructured time quite boring. I’m always left feeling I haven’t made the most of my time.”

Write a speech for your fellow classmates giving advice for making the most of the summer holidays.

“Proms are just an excuse to show off in an expensive way, with fancy dresses, posh cars and hair and make-up costs. There are much better alternatives to celebrate the end of school.”

Write a letter to your headteacher arguing your point of view about this subject.

“With rising knife-crime, gang-related violence and acid attacks, it is time to arm every police officer in Britain so that they can properly protect themselves and defend the law-abiding public.”

Write a letter to the newspaper arguing your views on this topic.

“CCTV is every classroom and corridor would reduce poor behaviour and improve standards across school.”

Write an article for your school website giving your views about this topic.

“School is nothing but a popularity contest. Being popular is almost a currency. It is desired by most, but all I see are drawbacks.”

Write a speech for your fellow classmates arguing your point of view on this subject.

“Boxing is brutal, barbaric and bloodthirsty. It has no place in a civilised society.”

Write an article for your school or college magazine giving your views on this topic.

Steps to success for Question 5

  1. Read the task carefully:

    • Identify what you are writing, who you are writing for and why you are writing

    • Highlight these things

  2. Write down one sentence that sums up your opinion about the topic

  3. Spend five minutes planning your writing:

    • Use a mind-map or brief bullet points to map out your arguments

  4. Make your point of view clear in your introduction. State what you are writing about, why you are writing and what your point of view is

  5. Start each paragraph with an appropriate connective and topic sentence

  6. Develop each paragraph in detail:

    • Make your point

    • Explain it

    • Develop it - use anecdotes, statistics, specific examples, consequences, imperatives and any other relevant persuasive techniques

    • It is the development of your point that gets you the marks

    • Make sure you have developed your point thoroughly before moving on to your next point (which should be a different point or argument)

  7. Try to leave five minutes at the end to re-read your writing carefully, correcting any obvious mistakes you have made

Exam tips for Question 5

  • Avoid repeating the same points, ideas or arguments across multiple paragraphs:

    • Each paragraph should contain a different idea or point

    • This does not mean you cannot repeat words for effect in your introduction, conclusion or in a single paragraph 

  • Avoid getting distracted by your own opinion or feelings about the subject:

    • It is best to avoid a rant or an overly emotional response

    • Your tone should not be irate and aggrieved

  • Do not forget to combine facts and opinions throughout to avoid a biased, subjective response:

    • A convincing piece of writing offers a balance of opinion and fact

  • Remember to use the correct features of the form you are asked to write in:

    • It is easy to forget to go back and add a heading if you decided to leave it until after your writing

    • Many students forget to sign their letter or use the correct sign off, and this makes the form of your letter less convincing 

    • Remember, letters, articles and speeches vary in their characteristics

  • You are not required to cover every thread in the given statement in your response - selecting one or two threads can lead to a clearer argument

  • The highest marks are awarded for students who use complex and sophisticated vocabulary

Recap

  • Carefully consider the question’s wording in terms of format, audience and purpose

  • Use the relevant conventions of the format in the task 

  • Consider your purpose and use linguistic techniques appropriately

  • Plan your arguments with your audience in mind

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Sam Evans

Author: Sam Evans

Expertise: English Content Creator

Sam is a graduate in English Language and Literature, specialising in journalism and the history and varieties of English. Before teaching, Sam had a career in tourism in South Africa and Europe. After training to become a teacher, Sam taught English Language and Literature and Communication and Culture in three outstanding secondary schools across England. Her teaching experience began in nursery schools, where she achieved a qualification in Early Years Foundation education. Sam went on to train in the SEN department of a secondary school, working closely with visually impaired students. From there, she went on to manage KS3 and GCSE English language and literature, as well as leading the Sixth Form curriculum. During this time, Sam trained as an examiner in AQA and iGCSE and has marked GCSE English examinations across a range of specifications. She went on to tutor Business English, English as a Second Language and international GCSE English to students around the world, as well as tutoring A level, GCSE and KS3 students for educational provisions in England. Sam freelances as a ghostwriter on novels, business articles and reports, academic resources and non-fiction books.

Kate Lee

Author: Kate Lee

Expertise: English and Languages Lead

Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.