IGCSE English Language Tips and Tricks: Transactional Writing
Seeing the wood from the trees is hard enough in an IGCSE English exam, but transactional writing is something that students often find difficult. Senior Tutor Edward Ashdown is here to help clear some things up and share a few IGCSE English writing tips.
Transactional Writing in IGCSE Edexcel and CIE IGCSE English Language
Transactional writing is first and foremost about understanding the transaction that’s taking place. Transactional writing is writing for and with a purpose, such as a letter of thanks, or complaint, a speech, or a newspaper article. While most IGCSE English Language students are capable of using creative writing techniques effectively, demonstrating understanding of form and purpose in transactional writing is worth 50% of the marks in the IGCSE English Language exam. Thus it’s no surprise that failing to effectively meet the expectations of the form is the primary reason why IGCSE English students drop so many marks in this section.
A weaker IGCSE response
Consider this IGCSE English Language exam question:
Write a letter to your MP in support of or opposition to a bill scrapping BTECHs in schools.
A classic student response to that kind of transactional writing question may look like this:
Dear Sir,
Many people think that BTECHs should be scrapped because they are not of academic value, but I do not think this is the right approach. I believe they must be preserved to offer opportunities for our children. With viruses and uncertainty, limiting our children’s options is a bad idea. Some of my mates did BTECHs and are now successful tradespeople and we need to respect them, not take away the ladder for our children to their positions.
What’s missing in this IGCSE sample response?
Firstly, elements of the form of this transactional writing are missing, such as a subject line, date, the MP’s name (yes, you can make one up!).
The response is not clear or organised in its direction. Points in support or opposition must be delineated by paragraphs.
The tone is not as formal as the form of a letter to an MP warrants.
Improved Transactional Writing response
Now, consider the alternative IGCSE transactional writing response:
Rt. Hon. MP Guy Masterson
82 Broadway Way, Snubshire
HX41 7GH
Michael Michaelson
24 Drive Road, Randomshire
BA21 4XY
Re: The bill to scrap BTECHs in schools.
20 February 2020
Dear Mr Masterson,
I am writing to address the bill being debated in the Commons on Tuesday, suggesting that we should scrap BTECH qualifications in schools. It is my firm belief that this should be reconsidered. I hope that you too will realise that this is the case and vote against the bill.
It is often said that employers want a well-educated workforce. This is absolutely the case, but book-learned education and academia is not the only type of education and is not always wholly relevant to the skills needed in the workplace. Is it not the case that schools should be preparing students for adult life and therefore adult employment?
Why is this response stronger?
Initially, the IGCSE English Language examiner can see a clearer understanding of the form of transactional writing, with the date, subject line, MP name, sender/receiver address lines and clear introductory paragraph.
The response uses techniques such as rhetorical questioning to be persuasive.
The tone is consistently professional and reflects the form, using passive voice and third-person perspective.
Indeed, with 50% of the marks up for grabs for adherence to the form, tone, and style of the type of transactional writing the question asks, a clear understanding of the rules of the form will quickly get you to where you need to be in the IGCSE English Language exam.
BartyED’s IGCSE English Language tutors are experts in transactional writing and can give you a deeper understanding of how to make sure you always hit the marks. Find out more about our IGCSE English Language tutoring programmes on our website and get in touch to receive individualised support from our IGCSE English tutors for top marks in any aspect of IGCSE English Language.