Writing task
SECTION B: COMPREHENSION
Spend about 40 minutes on this section.
3. Schools devote too much time to subjects that require reading and writing at the expense of creative subjects like Art and Design. [20 marks]
Write the words to a speech in which you argue for or against this statement. [20 marks]
Practise this exact question with personalised feedback on your writing.
Understand the task
Do Schools Neglect the Creative Arts? is a persuasive speech task that tests audience awareness, rhetorical techniques, argument. Recognise both literacy and creativity as valuable; propose a workable balance.
- audience awareness
- rhetorical techniques
- argument
- fluent expression
Requirements to keep in mind
Recommended writing time: approximately 40 minutes (as indicated in the paper/section); Writing marks: 20 (subject to separately awarded SPaG marks); Published task/option: 3 (where the source offers alternatives, pupils answer the paper's specified number, not all)
Plan your response
- Recognise both literacy and creativity as valuable; propose a workable balance.
- 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
Teachers and pupils, reading and writing are essential, but should they crowd out the chance to draw, design and make? Creative subjects ask us to solve problems, persevere through mistakes and express ideas that words cannot always capture. Equally, an artist benefits from reading, research and clear communication. The answer is not to choose one kind of learning over another. Schools should make room for both, because pupils do not come with their abilities neatly divided into subjects. A balanced education helps every kind of talent grow.
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.