FLE Exam Preparation

Directed Writing
Starter

Types of non-fiction writing

people use/encounter in everyday life
Learning Objectives

1. Understand the skills needed for Directed Writing

• What is Directed Writing (DW)?

• Which skills are required?

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the skills needed for Directed Writing

• What is Directed Writing (DW)? A piece of writing based on a reading passage

About 50% Comprehension & 50% Creative
Writing
• Which skills are required? Ability to identify and transform key information
Learning Objectives

1. Understand the skills needed for Directed Writing

• What is Directed Writing (DW)? A piece of writing based on a reading passage

About 50% Comprehension & 50% Creative
Writing
• Which skills are required? Ability to identify and transform key information

2. Be able to identify, understand and start to apply the different non-fiction

genres required for DW
Non-Fiction Genres for Directed Writing
Can you use these picture clues to work out the NINE non-fiction
genres that might come up in Q3 of the exam?
A B C D E
Ok guys

F G H I
Ok guys
Non-Fiction Genres for Directed Writing
Can you use these picture clues to work out the NINE non-fiction
genres that might come up in Q3 of the exam?
A B C D E
Ok guys

NEWS REPORT SPEECH JOUNRAL/ DIARY TALK INFORMAL LETTER

F G H I
Ok guys

REPORT MAGAZINE ARTICLE INTERVIEW FORMAL LETTER

Directed Writing – Key Info and Genres
Basic Requirements What skills are required for Directed Writing?
Write in your own words
Develop information from the text Reading
250 - 350 words 1. Using details in the text to get your ideas
2. Retrieving information from the text
Address all three Bullet Points
3. Inferring information
15 marks reading, 10 marks writing = 25 total
Writing
Non-Fiction Genres 4. Including a strong opening and closing
1. News Report 5. Paragraphing
2. Magazine Article 6. Varying sentence structures
7. Using the correct style for the genre
3. Journal/ Diary
4. Formal Letter Both
5. Informal Letter 8. Planning
6. Report 9. Using an appropriate ‘voice’ for the character
7. Speech 10. Paraphrasing into own words
8. Talk
9. Interview
Examples of Directed Writing Tasks
Non-Fiction Genres Read the examples of DW tasks. For
1. News Report each one, see if you can answer the
2. Magazine Article following:
3. Journal/ Diary
1. Who are you?
4. Formal Letter
2. What genre/ style are you writing in?
5. Informal Letter 3. Who is your audience?
6. Report
7. Speech
8. Talk
9. Interview
Examples of Directed Writing Tasks:
1. You are the Head Guide, Chris (Peter’s boss). You are responsible for training the safari guides. When a group of new
trainee guides arrives at the camp, you give a talk to prepare them for what lies ahead.

2. Imagine you are the zookeeper. Later that day you write in your journal reflecting on your feelings about life now and
how things have changed.

3. You are a journalist writing for the local weekly newspaper reporting on recent events and reactions to them.

4. You are Willie, the trainee Inuit guide. After the Arctic cruise is over, you write a letter to your girlfriend, Eska.

5. Imagine that you are a journalist preparing a magazine article about through-hiking. You interview Bo and Alex about
their experiences.

6. Imagine you are Andrei. You have noticed the changes in Lois which have made you reconsider how your business
operates. A few weeks later, you give a speech to other business owners.

7. You are the grandfather. Some years later you are interviewed about your memories of that night for a radio
programme about local history. The interviewer asks you the following three questions only…

8. Imagine you are the Commander of Satellite Control. After this incident, you decide to write a letter to all satellite
stations about safety issues for astronauts who go on missions.

9. Imagine you are Dad. The owner of the company wants to introduce holiday work experience for more young people.
You have been asked to present a report to the company-owner following your son’s experience.
Examples of Directed Writing Tasks:
1. You are the Head Guide, Chris (Peter’s boss). You are responsible for training the safari guides. When a group of new
trainee guides arrives at the camp, you give a talk to prepare them for what lies ahead.

2. Imagine you are the zookeeper. Later that day you write in your journal reflecting on your feelings about life now and
how things have changed.

3. You are a journalist writing for the local weekly newspaper reporting on recent events and reactions to them.

4. You are Willie, the trainee Inuit guide. After the Arctic cruise is over, you write a letter to your girlfriend, Eska.

5. Imagine that you are a journalist preparing a magazine article about through-hiking. You interview Bo and Alex about
their experiences.

6. Imagine you are Andrei. You have noticed the changes in Lois which have made you reconsider how your business
operates. A few weeks later, you give a speech to other business owners.

7. You are the grandfather. Some years later you are interviewed about your memories of that night for a radio
programme about local history. The interviewer asks you the following three questions only…

8. Imagine you are the Commander of Satellite Control. After this incident, you decide to write a letter to all satellite
stations about safety issues for astronauts who go on missions.

9. Imagine you are Dad. The owner of the company wants to introduce holiday work experience for more young people.
You have been asked to present a report to the company-owner following your son’s experience.
Examples of Different Genres 
Non-Fiction Genres Now read the following examples of writing
1. News Report in the different genres. The theme for all
2. Magazine Article examples is mountain climbing. For each
3. Journal/ Diary example, answer the following questions:
4. Formal Letter
1. What is the genre?
5. Informal Letter
2. What is the evidence for your answer?
6. Report
7. Speech
8. Talk
9. Interview
Can you identify the genre?
A. Day 1 of our expedition didn’t start well. We were up at dawn but had to wait two hours for the fog to clear. All I really
wanted was to be on that mountain, feeling the adrenaline running through my veins.
B. I am writing in response to the article you published last month, entitled ‘Perils Without Limits – or Ropes’. As an
experienced climber myself, I completely disagree with the picture you paint of free-climbing as a reckless activity for
wannabes and show-offs.
C. Ok guys, listen up! What we are about to do is considered dangerous by many and downright stupid by the rest. But if you
listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you, we should all be able to keep the risks to the bare minimum.
D. The accident, which occurred on the famous north face of Mount Eiger in the Swiss Alps, is the fourth such incident in the
last three months, and has raised serious concerns about the safety of free-climbing as a sport.
E. Please don’t worry and definitely don’t panic when I tell you this, but next week I’m going on my first free-climbing
expedition! We fly out to Peru on Monday. I will keep you posted on our progress from there… Wish me luck!
F. Anyone who has visited YouTube recently will know that it is awash with clips of daredevils freeclimbing every rockface from
the Andes to the Alps. But just how dangerous is this extreme sport? We visited one climbing centre to get the lowdown on
the high jinks…
G. That’s an interesting question. I just don’t think it’s possible to think about the dangers when you’re up there. Sure, we all
know what the risks are, but you have to focus on the bit of rock in front of you, nothing else! 
H. There will be those of you sitting in the audience today who believe that free-climbing is a dangerous and irresponsible
sport which should be banned. I am here to convince you that it is not; that is in fact a safe, enjoyable and character-
building activity.
I. Following the accident which occurred on Kilimanjaro last year, a thorough investigation has been conducted and the
committee have come up with the following range of recommendations to improve mountain safety.
Can you identify the genre?
A. Day 1 of our expedition didn’t start well. We were up at dawn but had to wait two hours for the fog to clear. All I really wanted
was to be on that mountain, feeling the adrenaline running through my veins. Journal
B. I am writing in response to the article you published last month, entitled ‘Perils Without Limits – or Ropes’. As an experienced
climber myself, I completely disagree with the picture you paint of free-climbing as a reckless activity for wannabes and show-
offs. Formal Letter
C. Ok guys, listen up! What we are about to do is considered dangerous by many and downright stupid by the rest. But if you
listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you, we should all be able to keep the risks to the bare minimum. Talk
D. The accident, which occurred on the famous north face of Mount Eiger in the Swiss Alps, is the fourth such incident in the last
three months, and has raised serious concerns about the safety of free-climbing as a sport. News Report
E. Please don’t worry and definitely don’t panic when I tell you this, but next week I’m going on my first free-climbing expedition!
We fly out to Peru on Monday. I will keep you posted on our progress from there… Wish me luck! Informal Letter
F. Anyone who has visited YouTube recently will know that it is awash with clips of daredevils freeclimbing every rockface from
the Andes to the Alps. But just how dangerous is this extreme sport? We visited one climbing centre to get the lowdown on the
high jinks… Magazine Article
G. That’s an interesting question. I just don’t think it’s possible to think about the dangers when you’re up there. Sure, we all know
what the risks are, but you have to focus on the bit of rock in front of you, nothing else! Interview
H. There will be those of you sitting in the audience today who believe that free-climbing is a dangerous and irresponsible sport
which should be banned. I am here to convince you that it is not; that is in fact a safe, enjoyable and character-building activity.
Speech
I. Following the accident which occurred on Kilimanjaro last year, a thorough investigation has been conducted and the
committee have come up with the following range of recommendations to improve mountain safety. Report
Can you identify the genre?
A. Day 1 of our expedition didn’t start well. We were up at dawn but had to wait two hours for the fog to clear. All I really wanted
was to be on that mountain, feeling the adrenaline running through my veins. Journal
B. I am writing in response to the article you published last month, entitled ‘Perils Without Limits – or Ropes’. As an experienced
climber myself, I completely disagree with the picture you paint of free-climbing as a reckless activity for wannabes and show-
offs. Formal Letter
C. Ok guys, listen up! What we are about to do is considered dangerous by many and downright stupid by the rest. But if you
listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you, we should all be able to keep the risks to the bare minimum. Talk
D. The accident, which occurred on the famous north face of Mount Eiger in the Swiss Alps, is the fourth such incident in the last
three months, and has raised serious concerns about the safety of free-climbing as a sport. News Report
E. Please don’t worry and definitely don’t panic when I tell you this, but next week I’m going on my first free-climbing expedition!
We fly out to Peru on Monday. I will keep you posted on our progress from there… Wish me luck! Informal Letter
F. Anyone who has visited YouTube recently will know that it is awash with clips of daredevils freeclimbing every rockface from
the Andes to the Alps. But just how dangerous is this extreme sport? We visited one climbing centre to get the lowdown on the
high jinks… Magazine Article
G. That’s an interesting question. I just don’t think it’s possible to think about the dangers when you’re up there. Sure, we all know
what the risks are, but you have to focus on the bit of rock in front of you, nothing else! Interview
H. There will be those of you sitting in the audience today who believe that free-climbing is a dangerous and irresponsible sport
which should be banned. I am here to convince you that it is not; that is in fact a safe, enjoyable and character-building activity.
Speech
I. Following the accident which occurred on Kilimanjaro last year, a thorough investigation has been conducted and the
committee have come up with the following range of recommendations to improve mountain safety. Report
Example Style 1. News Report
The accident, which occurred on
the famous north face of Mount Key Features
Eiger in the Swiss Alps, is the • Focuses on a very recent event or
fourth such incident in the last incident
three months, and has raised
• Gives factual information: what, when,
serious concerns about the safety
of free-climbing as a sport. where, who etc
• Written in a fairly formal register
Example Tasks • Factual details and background
1) You are a journalist writing for the local information often embedded within the
weekly newspaper reporting on recent events main narrative
and reactions to them.
• Usually includes quotes and comments
2) You are a national news reporter. You have from friends, colleagues, witnesses,
investigated events leading up to the rescue of experts etc
the two men and have interviewed them to
discover their views on what happened. Write • May make links to wider context – has
your newspaper report of the incident. this happened before? How? Why?
Example Style
2. Magazine
Anyone who has visited YouTube recently will Article
know that it is awash with clips of daredevils free-
climbing every rockface from the Andes to the Key Features
Alps. But just how dangerous is this extreme sport? • Usually focuses on an interest, topic or
We visited one climbing centre to get the lowdown
on the high jinks…
trend rather than a single incident or
event
• However, is often inspired by a series of
Example Tasks fairly recent events or incidents
1) Imagine that you are a journalist preparing a • Sometimes aimed at a specific audience
magazine article about through-hiking. You • May explore a question or issue in depth
interview Bo and Alex about their experiences.
• May include opinion as well as fact
2) You are a journalist writing an article for a • Style is usually quite lively and
monthly music magazine. You were at the gig in somewhat informal
the park, and at the party afterwards, and
interviewed band members and some of their • May make use of humour and word-play
audience. • May include an in-depth interview
Example Style
3. Journal/
Day 1 of our expedition didn’t start well.
We were up at dawn but had to wait two Diary
hours for the fog to clear. All I really
Key Features
wanted was to be on that mountain,
• First-person
feeling the adrenaline running through
• Not usually for an audience
my veins.
• Describes the day’s events/ recent past
Example Tasks • Reflects on events
1) Imagine you are the zookeeper. Later that day you • Shares thoughts and feelings
write in your journal reflecting on your feelings • May look ahead to tomorrow/ near
about life now and how things have changed. future
2) Imagine you are Mama. Later that same day you • Degree of formality may vary
write your journal entry reflecting back on the day’s • Can be very personal and inward-
events. looking
3) You are Mikaela. Write your diary entry for the • Can be more general and outward-
day’s events. looking
Example Style
4. Formal
I am writing in response to the article Letter
published in The Times last month, entitled Key Features
‘Perils Without Limits – or Ropes’. As an • Formal greeting: Dear Mr/Ms/ Editor/
experienced climber myself, I completely Sir/ Madam etc
disagree with the picture that has been painted • Formal sign-off: Yours sincerely (if you
of free-climbing as a reckless activity for
have addressed the person by name)/
wannabes and show-offs.
Yours faithfully (if you began with Sir etc)
Example Tasks • Usually starts by explaining the purpose
1) Imagine you are the Commander of Satellite or focus of the letter
Control. After this incident, you decide to write a • Often written to argue, persuade,
letter to all satellite stations about safety issues complain, thank, congratulate or explain
for astronauts who go on missions.
• Makes use of formal language
2) You are Nick. Following your night-time • May make use of the passive
expedition to spot crocodiles you decide to write a
letter of complaint to Jack’s boss about your
• Often includes the writer’s ideas and
experiences. opinions but not their innermost feelings
Example Style 5. Informal
Please don’t worry and definitely don’t panic when
I tell you this, but next week I’m going on my first Letter
free-climbing expedition! We fly out to Peru on Key Features
Monday. I will keep you posted on our progress • Informal greeting: Dear Jack/ Dearest Jill
from there… Wish me luck! • Informal sign-off: Yours, your friend, take
care, see you soon etc
• Contains an ‘I’ and a ‘you’
Example Tasks • Often begins on a friendly note,
1) You are Willie, the trainee Inuit guide. After inquiring after the recipient’s wellbeing
the Arctic cruise is over, you write a letter to • Fairly informal language, though for
your girlfriend, Eska. exam purposes stick to Standard English
2) Harrold is offered a specialist sales and vocabulary, grammar, spelling etc
managerial position in the Birdland section of • Can be intimate and personal, sharing
the company’s brand new megastore. Unsure
if he should accept, Harrold writes a letter to a hopes, fears, feelings etc
friend. • Might sound similar in style to a journal
or diary entry
Example Style 6. Report
Following the accident which occurred on
Kilimanjaro last year, a thorough Key Features
investigation has been conducted and the • Often written in response to an incident
committee have come up with the or to a proposed change
following range of recommendations to • May be written as a follow-up to a visit
improve mountain safety.
or inspection
• Usually written for a specific audience
Example Tasks
who are familiar with the topic
1) Imagine you are Dad. The owner of the
company wants to introduce holiday work
• Includes factual information and often
experience for more young people. You have makes judgements based on evidence
been asked to present a report to the company- • Very formal style
owner following your son’s experience. • Impersonal – no ‘I’ or ‘you’
2) You are the professor. Write a report for the • May contain lots of passive sentences
marine society after your release from the • Often ends with advice or
submarine. recommendations for improvement
Example Style
There will be those of you sitting in the
audience today who believe that free-
7. Speech
climbing is a dangerous and irresponsible
sport which should be banned. I am here to Key Features
convince you that it is not; that is in fact a • Usually delivered in a fairly formal
safe, enjoyable and character-building context with a relatively large audience
activity. • Often prepared and scripted
Example Tasks • Makes use of fairly formal language
1) Imagine you are Andrei. You have noticed the • Generally addresses the audience with
changes in Lois which have made you reconsider how the plural ‘you’
your business operates. A few weeks later, you give a • Written to argue, persuade, apologise,
speech to other business owners. resign, celebrate, congratulate etc
2) Imagine you are Damian, the guide in the story. • May make use of rhetorical devices
When you return from your expedition , another such as: rhetorical questions, pairs and
group of people express an interest in going with you trios, hyperbole, repetition etc
on a bear hunt. Write the words of a speech in which • Often has a strong sense of an ending
you advise this group of people.
Ok guys

Example Style
Ok guys, listen up! What we are about to
8. Talk
do is considered dangerous by many and
downright stupid by the rest. But if you Key Features
listen carefully to what I’m about to tell • Usually delivered in an informal context
you, we should all be able to keep the risks • Fairly spontaneous and generally
to the bare minimum. unscripted
• Makes use of fairly informal language
Example Tasks • May include an informal version of the
1) You are the Head Guide, Chris (Peter’s boss). plural ‘you’: you guys, you all, you lot
You are responsible for training the safari guides. • Often designed to give instructions,
When a group of new trainee guides arrives at explain a process, issue a set of safety
the camp, you give a talk to prepare them for guidelines etc
what lies ahead.
• Often has a fairly relaxed and open
2) You are the jumpmaster delivering a talk to a ending: e.g. ‘that’s just about it from
new group of skydiving students to prepare me, unless anyone has any questions?
them for their first jump.
Example Style
That’s an interesting question. I just don’t
think it’s possible to think about the
9. Interview
dangers when you’re up there. Sure, we all Key Features
know what the risks are, but you have to For Cambridge Exam Purposes:
focus on the bit of rock in front of you, • Three questions from the interviewer
nothing else! given as three bullet points for the task
• Each question requires a detailed and
Example Tasks
developed response
1) You are the grandfather. Some years later you are • The language of the three responses
interviewed about your memories of that night for a
does not need to be particularly formal
radio programme about local history. The interviewer
asks you the following three questions:
• Try to use an appropriate voice and
register for the speaker
2) Later the same month, after a tour of the island,
• Do not include any small talk
the mayor returns to his home country just in time
for his re-election campaign to begin. A radio
• Do not add extra questions
programme interviews him about his visit to the • Do not try to imitate real speech with
island. hesitation, pauses, repetition etc
Writing in Different Genres: Practice
Use the bank of past paper questions to practice planning or writing responses to DW
questions in different genres.

You could:
• Highlight ideas for content and compare them to the mark scheme
• Make a detailed plan
• Write an opening paragraph or other section
• Write a complete response

Please note that the format of the exam was updated slightly in 2020, and in the older
papers there were only 20 marks available for DW instead of 25. Also in the pre-2020
papers, DW appears as Q1 instead of Q3.
Writing in Different Genres: Presentations
• Working in groups of three, you will be assigned one non-fiction genre
• Give a presentation to the class on your group’s genre
• Each member should speak for about 2 mins

Cover the following:

1. Introduce the genre: what is it? What are its key features? (profile).
Speaker A
2. Talk through a real-life example – what features did you identify? Why?
Comment on them in detail. Speaker B
3. Write a paragraph of your own and talk through it. Speaker C
4. Answer questions about your genre. Speakers A,B & C