Writing task
“Living with your family is always a mix of the good and the bad.” Use this statement as the basis for an article in a teenage magazine giving advice to teenagers about living with their families.
Time: 30 minutes (as indicated for this published task).
Marks: 25.
Practise this exact question with personalised feedback on your writing.
Understand the task
Teenage Guide to Getting Along at Home is a teen magazine advice article task that tests audience awareness, practical advice, accessible register. Offer specific practical advice in a friendly but not patronising voice.
- audience awareness
- practical advice
- accessible register
- structure
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: 3a (where the source offers alternatives, pupils answer the paper's specified number, not all)
Plan your response
- Offer specific practical advice in a friendly but not patronising voice.
- 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
Sharing a Home Without Losing Your Mind
Families can be comforting, noisy, funny and frustrating—sometimes all before breakfast. If an argument begins, try explaining what you need without insulting the person listening. Agree on small responsibilities, such as washing up or keeping shared spaces tidy, before they become bigger battles. Remember that adults can be tired or worried too. You will not always agree about bedtime, music or plans with friends. But showing respect makes it easier to ask for the same respect in return.
Learn from the example
- The response chooses an angle for its intended readers. Its details serve that purpose instead of trying to cover every part of the topic.
- Use the requested article or leaflet form, with each paragraph offering a useful point for that audience. Headings and direct address should serve the purpose of the piece.