Stage 2: Extended Writing 1

Congratulations on reaching Stage 2! If you are sitting this paper, it means you passed the Stage 1 screening round. Stage 2 Extended Writing is a 1-hour paper where you must produce one piece of extended writing. This tests your ability to plan, organise, and write at length with accuracy and flair.

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Instructions

• Time allowed: 1 hour
• Choose ONE of the following tasks
• Spend 10 minutes planning before you write
• Write in paragraphs with clear structure
• Check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar carefully
• Aim to fill at least two sides of lined A4 paper
• A model answer is provided at the end — do not read it until you have written your own response!

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Task Options

Option A: Narrative Writing

Write a story that begins with the following sentence:

"The door had been locked for as long as anyone could remember, but today it was open."

Your story should include:

• A clear beginning, middle, and ending
• At least one well-developed character
• Descriptive language including similes or metaphors
• Dialogue between characters
• A change in mood or atmosphere

Option B: Persuasive Writing

"Every school should have at least one lesson per week outdoors."

Write an article for your school magazine arguing for or against this statement. You should:

• State your position clearly in the opening paragraph
• Use at least three well-developed arguments
• Include a counter-argument and respond to it
• Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, rule of three, emotive language)
• End with a strong conclusion

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Planning Template

Use this structure to plan before writing:

Paragraph 1: Introduction — hook the reader, set the scene or state your position

Paragraph 2: First main point or event

Paragraph 3: Second main point or event — develop and build

Paragraph 4: Third main point or turning point

Paragraph 5: Conclusion — resolve the story or summarise your argument

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What the Examiners Are Looking For

• Content and ideas — original, interesting, well-developed
• Organisation — clear paragraphs, logical flow, connectives
• Vocabulary — varied, ambitious, precise word choices
• Sentence structure — a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences
• Accuracy — correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar

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Model Answer: Option A (Narrative)