Appendix 4 Composition questions: exam focus

Composition is the focus of Section 2 of Paper 3 (Core and Extended). This question
allows you to write more freely without the need to draw information from a specific
passage or text. It offers a real opportunity to ‘show off’ your writing skills in original,
yet appropriate ways.
The composition question tests your ability to:
• articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
• sequence facts, ideas and opinions
• use a range of appropriate vocabulary
• use register appropriate to audience and context
• make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Paper 3, Section 2 (25 marks)

Section 2 makes up 50% of Paper 3 and is worth 50% of the marks, i.e. 25 marks.
You have about an hour to write a 350–450 word composition, choosing one title out
of a choice of:
• two descriptive titles
• two narrative titles.
For the composition response, up to 13 marks are awarded for content and structure
and up to 12 marks are awarded for style and accuracy.

Checklist for success For descriptive or narrative tasks:

Choose your task carefully:
 Read all tasks/titles – do not just choose the
first task you find in the list that you like.
 Choose the task that will allow you to shine
and ‘show off’ your skills.
Draw on what you know:
 You will have spent a great deal of time
learning how to write in each of these two
different styles. Remember the specific ideas
about content, structure and style which your
teacher will have discussed with you.
 Use ambitious and well-chosen vocabulary.
 Create vivid images in the reader’s mind through
simile, metaphor, use of the senses and varied
sentences.
 Consider and take an original ‘angle’ on the
story or description, particularly when considering
its structure, where experimentation and
conscious use of structural techniques is
rewarded.
 Maintain a focus on correct grammar,
punctuation, paragraphing, spelling, etc.

282 © HarperCollins Publishers 2013