Transactional Writing Past Exam Questions – Edexcel English Language A IGCSE (4EA1/01) Paper 1

We have collated the transactional writing questions from past year papers and listed them here. If you are taking the Edexcel English Language specification A (4EA1/01) for your iGCSE, and need more practice for this part of the paper, you have come to the right place.

Transactional Writing is in Paper 1 Section B.

You are expected to answer one question out of two prompts. Both will involve a given audience, form or purpose. The task therefore requires the answer in the form that it asks in the question – speech, article, leaflet or letter. In each form of writing it is important to use the expected conventions.

For example a speech will have a greeting to the audience, written in direct speech and uses personal pronouns such as ‘you’, ‘we’ etc. In writing a letter, you are expected to know the layout of a formal and informal letter including a suitable greeting and a correct sign off.

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

AO4 communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences

AO5 write clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Related

• Exam Paper Format
• Anthologies Exam Questions Analysis
• Paper 1 Section A Non-fiction Text Past Exam Questions
• Paper 1 Section B Transactional Writing Past Exam Questions
• Paper 2 Poetry and Prose Text Past Exam Questions
• Paper 2 Imaginative Writing Past Exam Questions

External Link: Specification (Pearson)

Transactional Writing Questions Extracted from Past Year Papers (2014 – current)

Current Syllabus (4EA1/01) Answer ONE question.

Choose one of the two questions (Question 6 and 7)
Total mark = 45 marks. Recommended time 45 minutes

Nov 2023

‘Extreme sports may build confidence and discipline but they are dangerous and can encourage a selfish attitude.’

Write an article for a sports website expressing your views on this topic.

Your article may include:

• the positive aspects of extreme sports
• the negative aspects of extreme sports
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘There are certain rules of behaviour that we should all try to follow in life.’

Write the text for a speech you will give to your peers expressing your views on this statement.

Your speech may include:

• suggestions as to what such rules might be
• why the rules suggested are important
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2023

‘By helping others, we can also help ourselves and our communities.’

Write a guide for young people suggesting ways in which they might help other people.

Your guide may include:

• suggestions as to who might be helped and how
• ways in which helping others can help us and our communities
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

A magazine is inviting readers to send in an article about the people, places or things that they will never forget.

Write the article that you would submit to the magazine.

Your article may include:

• a description of the people, places or things that you will never forget
• an explanation of why these are so memorable
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2023 Resit

There is concern in your community that a local school is not meeting the needs of all of its students.

Write a letter to the headteacher suggesting some improvements. Your letter may include:

• what needs students have and why there is concern
• ways in which the school could make improvements
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘No one becomes successful without hard work, support from others and a little luck.’

Write an article for a magazine entitled ‘How to achieve success in life’. Your article may include:

• what is meant by ‘success’
• what factors help somebody to become successful
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Jan 2023

A magazine is running a competition to reward the best ‘Letter to teenagers of the future’.

Write the letter that you would enter for this competition. Your letter may include:

• information and opinions about life at the present time
• advice for teenagers of the future
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘Do celebrities make the best role models?’

You have been asked to deliver a speech in which you give your views on this topic. Your speech may include:

• reasons why celebrities may or may not be good role models
• consideration of who else might be an effective role model
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Jan 2023 Resit

‘Sports involving animals are very popular around the world, but some people may feel that it is not acceptable to use animals in this way.’

Write a speech for your peers in which you give your views on this topic.

Your speech may include:

• different types of sports which involve animals
• the reasons why it is/is not acceptable to use animals in sports
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘City or countryside: where is the better place to live?’

Write an article for a magazine in which you give your views on this topic.

Your article may include:

• the advantages and/or disadvantages of living in a city
• the advantages and/or disadvantages of living in the countryside
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2022

‘Raising a teenager is one of the most difficult challenges in life.’

Write a leaflet for parents/carers that gives advice on how to help and guide teenagers.

Your leaflet may include:

• what issues teenagers may face
• how parents/carers can best support teenagers
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘University is not the only option for those leaving school or college.’

You have been asked to deliver a speech to an audience of school or college leavers and their parents/carers in which you express your views on this topic.

Your speech may include:

• the different choices that are available to school/college leavers
• what factors to consider when selecting the best option
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2022 R

‘Overcoming a challenge makes you a stronger person.’

You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers in which you express your views on this statement.

Your speech may include:

• what challenges a person might face and how these could be overcome
• the ways in which overcoming a challenge might make a person stronger
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

A magazine is publishing a series of articles with the title ‘The pros and cons of modern technology’.
Write your article on this topic.

Your article may include:

• the benefits of modern technology
• the disadvantages of modern technology
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

January 2022

Write the text for a leaflet aimed at school students which offers advice on how to deal with bullying.

Your leaflet may include:

• the different forms that bullying may take
• strategies for combating bullying
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

A museum is planning to open a new exhibition called ‘Life in the Twenty-First Century’. Write a letter to the museum director explaining what items you think should be displayed and why.

Your letter may include:

• the items you would recommend for display and your reasons for selecting them
• what these items tell us about modern life
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

January 2022 R

‘The finest quality a person can have is a love for all living creatures.’

You have been asked to give a speech in which you express your views on what you consider to be the best qualities that a person can have.

Your speech may include:

• the different qualities that you admire in a person
• examples of people who possess some or all of these qualities
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘If you never take a risk, then you will never know what you might achieve.’
‘Taking risks is dangerous and should be discouraged.’ Write a magazine article with the title ‘Taking a risk’.

Your article may include:

• times when taking a risk might be considered a good idea
• occasions when taking a risk would be inadvisable
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Nov 2021

‘Television educates, entertains and helps global understanding.’
‘Television is to blame for society’s violence and greed and delivers one-sided news.’

You have been asked to deliver a speech in which you express your views and opinions on television.

Your speech may include:

• the benefits of television
• the negative elements of television
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions we ever make.’ Write the text of a leaflet that gives advice to young people on how to choose a career.

Your leaflet may include:

• factors to consider when choosing a career
• how schools, colleges, friends or family can help
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2021

‘Most memorable journeys.’
A website is running a competition to reward the best articles on this subject. Write an article for the competition about a memorable journey.

Your article may include:

• a description of the journey
• what made the journey so memorable
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘Cycling is one form of exercise that can lead to a healthier lifestyle.’
Write a guide for young people on the benefits of exercise.

Your guide may include:

• information on different types of exercise
• how exercise can improve physical and mental health
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Nov 2020

‘Important lessons I have learned in my life.’
You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers on this topic. Your speech may include:

• what lessons you have learned
• how the things that you learned have affected or influenced you
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

Your local/school library wants to encourage young people to read more. Write the text of a leaflet explaining the benefits of reading.
Your leaflet may include:

• the different ways in which reading can help people
• the reasons why young people may not spend much time on reading
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2020

‘Important lessons I have learned in my life.’
You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers on this topic.

Your speech may include:

• what lessons you have learned
• how the things that you learned have affected or influenced you
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

Your local/school library wants to encourage young people to read more. Write the text of a leaflet explaining the benefits of reading.

Your leaflet may include:

• the different ways in which reading can help people
• the reasons why young people may not spend much time on reading
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2020 R

A magazine is running a competition to reward the best articles with the title ‘Animals are important to our world in many different ways’. Write the article that you would enter for the competition.

Your article may include:

• the different ways in which animals contribute to the world
• the importance of animals to you personally
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

A local charity is hoping to gain more publicity for its work.

Write the text of a leaflet that explains the charity’s work and why it is important.

Your leaflet may include:

• who or what the charity helps and why
• the different ways in which people could support the charity
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

January 2020

You and your family have just returned from a holiday that did not turn out as you expected.
Write a letter to the travel agent with whom you booked your holiday, explaining what happened.

Your letter may include:

• your expectations of the holiday
• what the holiday was actually like
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

A magazine is publishing articles with the title ‘Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life’.
Write your article on this topic.

Your article may include:

• your thoughts on friendship
• what else might be considered to be great gifts in life
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

January 2020 R

A newspaper has published an article with the title ‘Competition in sport makes children unwilling to take part’.
Write a letter to the newspaper giving your views on this topic.

Your letter may include:

• whether you agree or disagree with the statement
• the advantages and/or disadvantages of competitive sport
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

Today’s roads are becoming more dangerous. Write a guide for teenagers about road safety.

Your guide may include:

• what some of the dangers on the roads might be
• advice for road users such as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2019

Your local newspaper has published an article with the headline ‘Young people today lack any desire for adventure’.

Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper expressing your views on this topic.

Your letter may include:

• the reasons why you agree or disagree with the statement
• what opportunities there are for young people to be adventurous
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘The key to success in anything is being prepared.’ Write a section for a guide giving advice on the importance of preparation.

Your guide may include:

• what is meant by ‘being prepared’
• how preparation can contribute to success
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2019 R

‘Nowadays there should be no differences in the ways that boys and girls are raised and educated.’
You have been asked to deliver a speech to parents/carers and teachers in which you express your views on this statement.
Your speech may include:

• how girls and boys are treated by parents/carers
• the ways in which boys and girls are educated
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

A magazine is inviting readers to send in articles with the title ‘My hopes and ambitions for the future’. Write the article that you would submit.
Your article may include:

• your personal hopes and ambitions
• your hopes for the wider world
• any other points you wish to make.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

January 2019

‘Zoos protect endangered species from all around the world’
‘No wild animal should lose its freedom and be kept in captivity’

Write an article for a magazine in which you express your views on zoos.

Your article may include

• the advantages of zoos
• the disadvantages of zoos
• any other points you wish to make

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling punctuation and grammar.

…OR

Write a review of an exciting or interesting even that you have seen.
Your review may include:

• where and when you saw the event
• your thoughts and opinions about the event
• any other points you wish to make

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling punctuation and grammar.

January 2019 R

Your local newspaper is inviting people to apply for a job as a trainee reporter.
Write a letter of application to the newspaper editor explaining why you would be suitable for this job.

Your letter may include

• the skills and any relevant experience that make you a good candidate
• the aspects of the job that you would find interesting
• any other points you wish to make

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling punctuation and grammar.

…OR

The person who has had the greatest influence on me
A website is running a competition to reward the best aritcles from young people on this subject.

Write your entry for the competition.

Your contribution may include

• information about the person you have chosen
• the different ways in which this person has influenced you
• any other points you wish to make

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling punctuation and grammar.

June 2018

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.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

…OR

‘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.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

June 2018 R

‘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.

…OR

‘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.

Old syllabus: 2014-2017. Answer both questions

Answer both questions. 10 marks for the first question and 20 marks for the second.

January 2018

“The Dangers of Modern Life.”
A newspaper is inviting readers to send in their ideas on this subject. Write a letter to the newspaper giving your views.

…

“There is too much emphasis on sport which distracts people from taking part in a wider range of leisure activities.”

Give your views on this statement. You may choose to write about:

6. 6. • the benefits and drawbacks of sport
      • the importance of other leisure activities
      • any other points you wish to make.

June 2017

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, defenceless animals.’

Give your views about keeping pets. You may choose to write about:

6. 6. • the advantages and disadvantages for animals
      • the advantages and disadvantages for people
      • any other points you wish to make.

June 2017 R

‘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:

6. 6. • 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.

January 2017

“I know I can’t change my past but, looking back, there are things that I regret.” An internet site is running a competition to reward the best writing from young people on this subject.
Write your entry for this competition.

…
“Children today lack imagination, are unfit and spend too much time indoors.” Explain your views on this statement.
You may choose to write about:

6. 6. • how children spend their free time
      • how much exercise children get
      • any other ideas you may have.

June 2016

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:

6. 6. • what subject(s) you think should be taught
      • the importance of other school activities
      • any other ideas that you may have.\

June 2016 R

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:

6. 6. • 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.

June 2015

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.

June 2015 R

January 2015

Your local newspaper is worried about the number of young people who are injured on the roads.
Write a letter to the newspaper giving your views on how to improve road safety for young people

A magazine is publishing an article entitled ‘Happiness!’.
Write a contribution for the magazine explaining what makes you happy.

You may choose to write about

• your hobbies, activities and interests
• the importance of friends, family and relationships
• any other points you wish to make.

January 2014

Write a speech to be given to a youth organisation informing them about somebody in your life who has had a strong influence on you.

…

Different times of the year bring with the different experiences, celebrations and activities.
Write a magazine article explaining which time of year you like best and why.

You may choose to write about

• The sorts of activities that take place
• Your own experience of special occasions during this time of year
• The different foods clothes and traditions that are associated with his time of year
  as well as any other ideas you may have