How to Write a Leaflet (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)
Revision Note
Written by: Deb Orrock
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Question 6 or 7 will ask you to write for a specific purpose and in a specific format. It is important to use the correct conventions of the format and directly focus your writing to its purpose, as the mark scheme rewards adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.
This means:
The tone (the sound of the writer’s “voice”) is appropriate and convincing
The register (vocabulary and phrasing) is appropriately formal or informal, and suitable for the purpose
The style of the writing (sentence structure and overall structure) is dynamic and effective
The following guide will detail how to structure your response in the style of a leaflet. It is divided into:
Key features of an leaflet
Leaflet structure
Key features of a leaflet
Being given a leaflet as one of the options for Section B is quite common for the Edexcel IGCSE exam. It is important to note that the Edexcel mark scheme makes clear that, while you should use some stylistic conventions of a leaflet, such as a heading or sub-headings, you should not include features of layout like pictures or columns. You are being asked to write the text of the leaflet.
The purpose of a leaflet is normally to inform and advise, as you are normally asked to communicate ideas and advice clearly. You should therefore focus on organising and structuring your response in a clear and logical way. Some of the key features of a leaflet include:
Leaflet |
In a leaflet you should:
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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:
Start with an informative heading: “Coping with bullying at school”
Write a brief introduction:
This is your opportunity to engage the reader, so use inclusive language and some facts
For example: “Many of us will sadly have experienced bullying in one form or another while at school.”
Use the bullet points given to you in the task to structure your leaflet:
These can become your sub-headings
For example: “Different forms of bullying”, “Combating bullying behaviour”, “Bullying case study”
Provide information, facts and statistics to develop each point under each sub-heading
Use specific examples or a personal anecdote (depending on the subject-matter)
Finish with a conclusion indicating where the reader could go for further support and advice
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 Leaflet Model Answer page.
Examiner Tip
While writing in the correct form as instructed is important in this question, you only need to adhere to the basic conventions of a leaflet. Drawing columns or spending too much time thinking up the perfect headline wastes valuable time and will not improve your mark. Remember, you are being asked to write the text of a leaflet in an exam situation, not produce an actual leaflet for distribution.
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