Directed Writing: Transforming Texts: English – First Language 0500 (Cambridge O Level / IGCSE)

You are the Head of the Eco-Committee and have been asked to open a two-minute speech to your year group in assembly, using the following notes.

Notes:

• The school's new recycling scheme starts next Monday.
• Bins for paper, plastic and cans will be placed outside every classroom.
• Last term's litter survey found that over 60% of what went into classroom bins could actually have been recycled.

Which of the following would be the most effective OPENING SENTENCE for this speech, given its form, audience and purpose? [1]

You have been asked to write a formal letter to the manager of a local sports centre, on behalf of your school's football team, requesting a discounted rate for weekly pitch hire.

Which opening sentence uses the register most appropriate for this form, audience and purpose? [1]

You interviewed Marcus Webb, who runs the "Library of Things" scheme at Fenwick Library, and made the following notes.

Interview notes:

• The library now lends out tools such as drills and sewing machines, and even a carpet cleaner, alongside its usual books.
• "People don't want to spend eighty pounds on a drill they'll use twice a year," he says.
• Over 200 items have been borrowed since the scheme launched six months ago.
• The most popular item is a set of garden strimmers, booked out almost every weekend in spring and summer.
• The scheme is funded by a small annual membership fee of £10, which covers repairs and replacements.

You are writing a short feature article for a community newspaper, introducing local readers to the "Library of Things" scheme in order to encourage them to try borrowing an item.

Using at least THREE ideas from the notes above, write a headline and the opening paragraph of your article (about 70–90 words). [8]

The Student Council surveyed 150 students about introducing a "Peer Mentoring" scheme, in which Year 12 volunteers would support Year 7 students. The findings were recorded as follows.

Survey findings:

• 82% of Year 7 respondents said they would feel more confident asking an older student for help than a teacher.
• Three other local schools already run similar schemes; two of them reported fewer Year 7 students visiting the school nurse with anxiety-related concerns since starting.
• A trial last term, pairing 10 Year 12 volunteers with 10 Year 7 students, received entirely positive feedback from both groups.
• Some teachers raised a concern that mentors might miss lessons if meetings are scheduled during class time.
• The estimated cost is minimal, since training would be run by the school counsellor with no additional budget needed.

You are a member of the Student Council. Using at least FOUR ideas from the findings above, write the opening of a FORMAL REPORT to the Headteacher recommending that the school introduce a Peer Mentoring scheme. Include a title/heading and at least one sub-heading, and write about 100–130 words. [10]

Read the following passage, then complete the task below.

Nkechi Odusanya has tended the same allotment plot behind the community centre for eleven years, and her runner beans have won the county show's top prize four years running. She keeps a battered notebook of sowing dates going back to her first season, when, she admits, she "killed every single seedling by June." These days she spends Saturday mornings answering questions from anyone who wanders past her fence, insisting that "the only way to learn is to get your hands dirty and expect to fail a few times first." She has offered, more than once, to run a free beginners' session for any student willing to turn up early.

You are a student journalist about to interview Mrs Odusanya for the school newsletter, in order to encourage other students to join the allotment club.

(a) Using ideas from the passage, write THREE interview questions you would ask her, each one designed to draw out a different idea from the passage. [4] (b) For ONE of your questions, briefly state the register/tone you would use when asking it, and why it suits interviewing an adult community member for a student newsletter. [2]

You are helping to produce a "New Starters' Guide" leaflet, handed out to incoming Year 7 students in their first week, using the following notes about school clubs.

Notes:

• The Chess Club meets every Wednesday lunchtime in Room 14; no experience is needed, and there is always a spare board for beginners.
• The Wildlife Society looks after the school pond and has "adopted" two rescued hens that live in the garden.
• The Drama Club stages one full production a year, and even backstage roles such as lighting count towards the cast photo at the end of the year.
• Membership of any club is free, and every club has a table at the Week 1 "Clubs Fair" in the main hall.

Using at least THREE ideas from the notes above, write an extract from the leaflet (with a heading) introducing the clubs on offer, in a style designed to reassure and welcome nervous new students. Write about 80–100 words. [8]

Read the following two viewpoints about the possible closure of Fenbridge's public swimming pool, then complete the task below.

Council press statement: Fenbridge Council has confirmed that the Riverside Pool will close permanently in September unless running costs can be reduced. A spokesperson said, "The pool loses the council over £40,000 a year, and with maintenance costs rising, keeping it open is simply not sustainable without cutting other services."

"Save Our Pool" campaign statement: Campaign leader Priya Chandra argues the closure would hit the town's most vulnerable residents hardest. "The Riverside Pool is the only pool within ten miles," she says. "Our over-60s water aerobics class has forty regular members, some of whom can't manage any other form of exercise. Three local schools use it for compulsory swimming lessons, with no alternative venue arranged." She adds that the campaign has identified £15,000 of possible savings through reduced opening hours in winter, which the council has not yet responded to.

You are a member of the "Save Our Pool" campaign. Using ideas from BOTH statements, write the opening of a SPEECH to be delivered at a public town hall meeting, arguing that the pool should remain open. Address the council's own reasoning directly, and use techniques suited to a spoken speech. Write about 130–160 words. [12]

You made the following jottings after a disappointing experience with an online purchase.

Notes:

• Ordered a "SoundWave Mini" bluetooth speaker on 3 June as a birthday present; box arrived on 6 June with a crushed corner and a cracked plastic casing visible through the gap.
• The speaker turns on but cuts out completely every few minutes, even at low volume.
• Called customer service on 9 June; waited on hold for 34 minutes before speaking to anyone.
• The advisor promised a replacement would be sent "within five working days", order reference SW-2214.
• It is now 30 June and no replacement has arrived; two follow-up emails have gone unanswered.

Using at least FOUR ideas from the notes above, write the opening of a formal EMAIL of complaint to the company's customer service department, aiming to secure a replacement or refund. Keep the tone firm but controlled throughout. Write about 100–120 words. [9]

Read the following passage, then complete the task below.

Every autumn, the Year 9 form groups take turns running a bake sale in the school foyer, and this year's proceeds are going to Willowbrook Animal Shelter, which is currently caring for over thirty rescued cats and dogs. The sale takes place this Friday from 3:15pm, straight after the final bell, and will run for just half an hour in the foyer outside the main hall. Most items are homemade by students and their families, and prices start from as little as £1 for a single cookie. There will also be a small gluten-free table, run separately so that anyone with allergies can browse safely.

You are a Year 9 student helping to advertise the bake sale. Using ideas from the passage, write the text for a POSTER to be displayed around school, including a heading and short, eye-catching information. Write about 40–60 words. [5]

A student is transforming the following notes into a short paragraph for the school newsletter.

Notes:

• The talent show was held on Friday.
• It raised £340 for the school library.
• Fifteen acts took part, including a magician who was the audience's favourite.

Which of the following paragraphs best demonstrates a GENUINE transformation of these notes into the newsletter's own voice, using the notes accurately, but reshaping them rather than simply copying or inventing details? [1]