Edexcel IGCSE English Language 4EA1 (1) Transactional Writing Prompts
1. Your local newspaper is publishing a series of articles entitled “We All Need Help Sometimes”.
Write an article for the newspaper describing a time when you have helped someone or when
someone has helped you.
A website called ‘Respect’ is collecting views on the statement “Everyone deserves to be
treated properly”. Write explaining what respect means to you.
You may choose to write about:
• your own experiences
• how we should treat parents, teachers and others in authority
• any other points you wish to make.
2. Your local newspaper is collecting ideas on what young people can do to care for the
environment. Write a letter to the newspaper giving your ideas.
“Zoos are like prisons for wild animals – cruel and unnatural.” “Zoos are necessary: they educate
the public and save rare animals that are in danger of becoming extinct.” Explain your views on
zoos.
You may choose to write about:
• the advantages and disadvantages for animals
• the advantages and disadvantages for people
• any other points you wish to make.
3. Greenpeace wants the UK Government to improve the environment. Write a letter to your
government to explain what you think could be done to improve the environment in your
country.
‘Not all schools prepare young people for living in the real world.’ Explain your views on this
statement.
You may choose to write about:
• what subject(s) you think should be taught
• the importance of other school activities
• any other ideas that you may have.
4. A magazine is publishing a series of articles entitled “Memorable Experiences”. Write about a
memorable experience you have had, exploring why it was important to you.
“The internet has improved the lives of everyone.” “The internet is dangerous and should be
avoided.” Explain your views on the internet.
You may choose to write about:
• the use of the internet in education and business
• the use of the internet for leisure and enjoyment
• anything else that you would like to add.
5. A travel magazine is collecting contributions for a series called ‘Holiday Memories’. Write your
contribution for the magazine.
‘Keeping any sort of animal as a pet is cruel and unnatural and should be banned.’ ‘Keeping pets
teaches children how to be responsible and gives homes to poor, defenseless animals.’ Give your
views about keeping pets.
You may choose to write about:
• the advantages and disadvantages for animals
• the advantages and disadvantages for people
• any other points you wish to make.
6. ‘If I could go anywhere…………….’ A magazine is running a competition to reward the best
writing on this subject. Write your entry for this competition. Imagine you could have any
special skill or talent.
Write, explaining your choice.
You may choose to write about:
• what your special skill or talent involves
• the effect it would have on your life and the lives of others
• any other points you wish to make.
7. A travel magazine is asking for articles called ‘Dream Destinations’.
Write your contribution, describing the place, or places, you would most like to visit.
Your article may include:
• a description of the place(s) you would like to visit
• the reasons why you wish to go there
• any other points you wish to make.
8. ‘Life in today’s world is just so busy that we do not have time to value the things that really
matter.’
You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers in which you give your views on this
statement.
Your speech may include:
• whether you agree or disagree with the statement and why
• the things in life that we should value
• any other points you wish to make.
9. ‘In our busy twenty-first century lives, hobbies and interests are more important than ever.’
Write an article for a newspaper expressing your views on this statement.
Your article may include:
• what hobbies and interests you enjoy
• the benefits of hobbies and interests, especially in today’s world
• any other points you wish to make.
10. ‘We are harming the planet we live on and need to do more to improve the situation.’ You have
been asked to deliver a speech to your peers in which you explain your views on this
statement.
Your speech may include:
• what harm people might be causing to the planet
• what is being done, or should be done, to improve the situation
• any other points you wish to make.
