Writing task
SECTION B: EXTENDED WRITING
You should spend 30 minutes on this section You are reminded of the importance of clear and accurate written English and of careful presentation in your answer. All questions carry equal marks.
Question 3: You must be over 16 to own a pet in England and Wales. Write a speech giving your views as to whether you agree with this law about pet ownership. [25 marks]
Practise this exact question with personalised feedback on your writing.
Understand the task
Should Under-16s Be Allowed to Own Pets? is a persuasive speech task that tests audience awareness, rhetorical techniques, argument. Treat the legal assertion as wording from the examination, not as independently verified legal advice; argue about ability and responsibility.
- audience awareness
- rhetorical techniques
- argument
- fluent expression
Requirements to keep in mind
Recommended writing time: approximately 30 minutes (as indicated in the paper/section); Writing marks: 25 (subject to separately awarded SPaG marks); Published task/option: 3 (where the source offers alternatives, pupils answer the paper's specified number, not all); Exam proposition is not independent verification of English and Welsh law
Plan your response
- Treat the legal assertion as wording from the examination, not as independently verified legal advice; argue about ability and responsibility.
- Plan a clear beginning, development and ending within the time available.
- Use precise vocabulary and vary sentence lengths where appropriate.
- Proofread spelling, punctuation and paragraphing before finishing.
Check your response against the task requirements. Leave time to review sentence clarity, punctuation and spelling.
Short atoply teaching example
Written by atoply, not an official school answer or mark scheme. This short illustration shows selected techniques. It does not set a target length or expected mark for the timed task.
Reveal example and teaching notes
Ladies and gentlemen, should age alone decide whether someone is ready to own an animal? A sixteen-year-old may be careless, while a younger pupil may understand feeding, exercise and the need for veterinary treatment. Yet pets are living creatures, and adults must be able to ensure that their welfare is protected. I would support clear adult responsibility, with younger people encouraged to share daily care rather than being left to manage alone. The crucial question is not merely how old an owner is. It is whether that animal will be safe, healthy and loved.
Learn from the example
- The response presents a position for an audience, giving the speech a purpose. Notice how reasons or examples support that appeal.
- Read a draft aloud to check that the argument is clear to a listener. A full speech needs developed supporting points as well as an effective opening.