Transactional Writing - example tasks

Hi folks - in case any of you are looking to practice planning under timed conditions, here are a whole bunch of typical Transactional Writing tasks. Remember, you need to plan to the AO demands.

How will you shape your response so that you reflect an understanding of the target audience, purpose and features of that text type?

How will you ensure you secure the highest number of marks possible for structure and organisation of paragraphing, varied vocabulary, sentence variation, punctuation and spelling?

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Your local newspaper is holding a speech-writing competition and entries are invited with the title ‘School is cruel’. Write a speech as your entry. You could:

·       Give examples of ways schools might provide a negative experience

·       Describe what kind of pupils might struggle with school

·       Explain your ideas

Write an article for the school magazine advising your peers on how they can cope with the pressures of school life. In your answer you might:

·       Describe your own experiences as a pupil

·       Explain the kinds of stresses experienced by pupils

·       Provide some practical guidance

The Headmaster of your school has banned all smart phones from the school site. Write a letter expressing your views on this decision. You could:

·       Explain why you agree or disagree with the decision

·       Describe why you think smartphones are a good or bad tool for young people

·       Give examples of how smart phones affect the lives of young people

Write a blog post for an online journal exploring the topic of ‘How music affects people’. In the article you might:

·       Describe how music affects you

·       Explain the way people use music to impact their mood or performance

·       Explore the importance of music in our lives

‘It’s not possessions that matter; it’s the memories associated with them that count’.

Write a magazine article expressing your views on this topic. You could:

·       Describe your most prized possessions

·       Explain the reason why those items are important to you

·       Explore both sides of the claim made here

Write a review for a local online public forum, offering your views on an album, film or book which you feel strongly about. You might:

·       Describe the text or experience

·       Explain why you feel strongly about it

·       Make recommendations based on your opinion

You have recently read an editorial in your local newspaper which included the following comment - ‘Our public libraries are expensive to maintain, under-used and should not be funded now that we have access to online texts instead.’

Write a letter to your local newspaper, expressing your response to this view. You could:

·       Explain why you agree or disagree 

·       Describe the role of public libraries in your community

·       Explore the consequences of defunding libraries

Write an entry to a tourist guidebook, giving advice to young people planning to travel abroad during their gap year. You could:

·       Describe the reasons why students travel overseas

·       Explain some of the precautions which might make travel safer

·       Consider what planning in advance they should take and what items they might take with them

Your school has invited suggestions for an inspirational public figure to give a speech to the staff and pupils. Write a letter to the Headmaster to offer your suggestion. You could:

·       Explain what you feel the criteria should be for choosing an inspiring figure

·       Recommend your chosen figure

·       Argue for why this person would be ideal to deliver a speech at your school

A local businessman has applied to your local council for permission to hold an outdoor music festival in your area. Write a letter to the committee supporting or opposing this event. You might:

·       Describe the consequences of the event taking place

·       Explain why the event should or shouldn’t go ahead

·       Persuade the council to grant or deny permission

‘An enjoyable day out for all the family’. Write an article for a local newspaper with this title, recommending a local place or activity. You could:

·       Describe the place or activity

·       Explain why it offers something for all the family

·       Explore how a family might make the most of their visit

You have a friend or relative who is considering taking up boxing as a sport. Write them a letter expressing your views on this decision. You might:

·       Explain why you think boxing is or is not a good sport to take up

·       Explore why you hold this view

·       Persuade your friend/relative why they should consider your viewpoint