IGCSE First Language English Paper 3 June 10

							                       IGCSE First Language English Paper 3


Views on computer games and violence

Cut up and debate the statements:

Computer games influence our behavior negatively.
Computer games are important tools in developing essential technological skills
Computer games encourage us to be lazy.
Computer games require the use of higher order thinking skills.
Computer games help develop social skills.
Computer games encourage anti-social behavior.


Planning
Question 1: Directed Writing
Highlight key words of the question.
You are a journalist. Write an article on the subject of young people’s interest in
computer games.
In your article you should:
     Discuss the positive and negative aspects of playing such games;
     Persuade readers to take a balanced view towards the use of computer
       games

Establish
P:
A:
F:

Positive                      Negative                      Persuade balanced view
Article Structure:
    Rooted in texts
    Explore inconsistencies
    Be aware of difference between fact / opinion
    Development of ideas from texts
Topic
Background
Discussion
Prediction
Conclusion

Question 2: Argumentative / discursive writing
    Formal writing
    Linked structure
Section of        Ideas and examples
response

Thesis statement
What is your
stance?
Main body 1 –
alternate view
Controlling idea:
Linking phrase:


Main body 2 –
criticism of
alternate view
Controlling idea:
Linking phrase:

Main body 3 –
your view
Controlling idea:
Linking phrase:


Conclusion




Question 3: Descriptive writing
   

                                            atmosphere




                                                         place


                   time

                                    key moment




                                                                     emotion




                              senses




Gather your ideas.
Be aware of the following techniques in your writing:
    Alliteration /              Precise vocabulary                   Paragraph variety
      sibilance                                                         for pace / rhythm /
                                                                        atmosphere
      Imagery                        Assonance /                     Onomatopoeia
                                       consonance                      Show don’t tell
      Sentence variety
       for pace / rhythm /
       atmosphere

Sequence your work into logical stages. Consider

      Setting
      Positioning
      Approaching
      Arriving
      Farewell



Question 4: Narrative writing
    Consider unusual approach
    Think of details; thoughts and feelings
    Manage tense shifts
           setting



                      characters



                                   problem



                                                 climax



                                                              resolution




Consider openings:
Starting in the Shocking /      Flashback /     Framing the      Setting the
middle          intriguing      flash forward   story            scene

Consider timespan / plot management:
    Dual narrative
    First / 3rd person
    Flashback / flash forward
    Time lapses

Consider endings:
    Twist
    Cliffhanger
    Dramatic / ironic speech
    Return to beginning
    Open
    Finality
    No clichés!