## **Learning Outcomes**

After working through this article, you will confidently apply the expected conventions for each of the four main forms tested in Paper 2 Section B: articles, letters, speeches, and essays (AO5). You will be able to open and close each form correctly, use form-specific structural features, and adapt your language and tone to match the conventions of the specified text type. Mastering these conventions demonstrates awareness of audience and purpose, which is essential for high marks.

## **AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Syllabus**

For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, this article helps you:

- Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style, and register for different forms, purposes, and audiences (AO5)
- Organise information and ideas using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and each text's purpose (AO5)
- Demonstrate understanding of the conventions associated with articles, letters, speeches, and essays (AO5)
- Use form-appropriate openings, closings, and presentational features to signal awareness of audience (AO5/AO6)

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. What three features should an article include that a speech does not?
2. True or false: A formal letter should end with "Yours sincerely" if you have addressed the recipient by name.
3. Why is direct address particularly important in a speech?
4. What is the main difference between the tone of a speech and the tone of a balanced essay?

## **Introduction**

Each writing form has conventions — expected features that signal to the reader (and the examiner) that you understand the text type. Using the wrong conventions or mixing features from different forms suggests you have not read the task carefully and will cost you marks for organisation under AO5.

Conventions are not just about format. They shape how you open, how you develop your argument, and how you close. A speech that lacks direct address is not really a speech. A letter without a greeting is not really a letter. Knowing and applying these conventions is a straightforward way to secure marks.

> **Key Term: convention**
> An expected feature or rule associated with a particular writing form, such as a headline in an article or a formal greeting in a letter.
>
> **Key Term: form**
> The type of text you are asked to produce. In Paper 2 Section B, this is typically an article, letter, speech, or essay.
>
> **Key Term: direct address**
> Speaking directly to the audience using "you" or "we," or addressing them by name or title. This is a key feature of speeches and persuasive writing.

## Article Conventions (AO5)

An article is written for publication — typically in a newspaper or magazine. Its conventions are designed to attract readers and present information or argument in an accessible, engaging format.

Key features of an article:

- _Headline_ — a short, attention-grabbing title that signals the topic and angle
- _Engaging opening_ — a hook that draws the reader in, such as a bold statement, a question, or a striking fact
- _Clear paragraphs_ — each paragraph develops one point, with topic sentences guiding the reader
- _Subheadings_ (optional) — can be used to break up longer articles and signal new sections
- _Concluding statement_ — a final paragraph that reinforces the main argument or leaves the reader with something to consider

The tone of an article can range from balanced and informative to strongly opinionated, depending on the task. The register is usually formal or semi-formal, but articles for younger audiences may be more conversational.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

A model article opening for the task: "Write an article for a school magazine arguing that students should have more say in how their school is run."

> **Answer:**
>
> **Student Voice: Why Your Opinion Should Matter**
>
> Every day, decisions are made about your education — what you study, when you study it, even what you eat for lunch — and yet the people most affected by these decisions are never asked for their input. It is time for that to change. Students deserve a genuine voice in how their school is run, not a suggestion box that gathers dust in the corridor.
>
> This opening includes a headline ('Student Voice: Why Your Opinion Should Matter'), an engaging hook that draws the reader in with a relatable observation, and a clear statement of the writer's argument. The tone is direct but measured, appropriate for a school magazine audience.

### **Exam Warning**

> Do not forget the headline. An article without a headline is missing its most basic convention and signals to the examiner that you are not fully aware of the form. Even a simple, clear headline is better than none at all.

## Letter Conventions (AO5)

A letter is a direct communication with a named or specified recipient. Formal letters follow strict conventions that demonstrate respect for the audience and seriousness of purpose.

Key features of a formal letter:

- _Greeting_ — "Dear Sir/Madam" (if name unknown) or "Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms [Name]" (if name known)
- _Statement of purpose_ — the first paragraph should clearly state why you are writing
- _Structured body_ — develop your argument in logically ordered paragraphs
- _Polite closing_ — "Yours faithfully" (after Dear Sir/Madam) or "Yours sincerely" (after a named greeting)
- _Formal register_ — Standard English throughout, avoiding contractions and colloquial language

The tone of a letter should always match the relationship with the recipient. A letter to a headteacher or council official must be respectful and reasoned, even when expressing strong disagreement.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

A model letter opening and closing for the task: "Write a letter to your local MP arguing that more funding is needed for youth services in your area."

> **Answer:**
>
> Dear Ms Patterson,
>
> I am writing to urge you to support increased funding for youth services in the Westfield area. Over the past three years, our community has lost two youth centres, a sports programme, and a mentoring scheme, leaving young people with fewer safe spaces and fewer opportunities. I believe this is a matter of urgent public concern.
>
> [Body paragraphs would develop the argument here.]
>
> I hope you will consider these points and take action on behalf of the young people in your constituency. I look forward to your response.
>
> Yours sincerely,
> [Student name]
>
> The opening uses a named greeting ('Dear Ms Patterson'), immediately states the purpose of the letter, and provides specific evidence to support the argument. The closing is polite and forward-looking, and 'Yours sincerely' is correct because a named recipient was used. The register is formal throughout.

## Speech and Essay Conventions (AO5)

### Speech conventions

A speech is delivered to a live audience, and its conventions reflect this. The key difference between a speech and other forms is the direct relationship with the audience.

Key features of a speech:

- _Direct address_ — "Ladies and gentlemen," "Fellow students," or "You" to engage the audience
- _Rhetorical techniques_ — rhetorical questions, repetition, and tricolon to create emphasis and rhythm
- _Personal pronouns_ — "we" and "our" to create a sense of shared purpose
- _Call to action_ — a clear statement in the conclusion telling the audience what to do
- _Persuasive, confident tone_ — the writer speaks with conviction and energy

### Essay conventions

An essay is a structured written argument, typically more balanced and measured than a speech or article.

Key features of an essay:

- _No headline or greeting_ — an essay begins directly with an introduction
- _Clear thesis_ — the opening paragraph states the writer's position or the question being explored
- _Structured argument_ — each paragraph develops one point with evidence and explanation
- _Balanced approach_ — a strong essay may acknowledge the other side before reinforcing its position
- _Formal register_ — third person is common, and the tone is measured and analytical

### **Worked Example 1.3**

The same topic written as a speech opening and an essay opening: "Should the voting age be lowered to sixteen?"

Speech: "Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you a simple question: if a sixteen-year-old can work, pay taxes, and join the armed forces, why on earth can they not vote? This is not a radical idea. This is common sense."

Essay: "The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to sixteen has been debated with increasing urgency in recent years. While opponents argue that young people lack the maturity to make informed political decisions, there is a strong case that enfranchising sixteen-year-olds would strengthen democratic engagement and better represent the interests of a generation that will live longest with the consequences of today's policies."

> **Answer:**
>
> The speech uses direct address ('Ladies and gentlemen'), a rhetorical question to challenge the audience, and short, punchy sentences ('This is common sense.') that would land powerfully when spoken aloud. The essay uses a measured, analytical tone, introduces both sides of the debate, and develops a thesis in a longer, more complex sentence. The speech is designed to provoke and energise; the essay is designed to inform and reason. Both are valid approaches, but their conventions are distinct and must not be mixed.

### **Revision Tip**

> Memorise a quick features checklist for each form. In the exam, write down the form's three key features at the top of your plan before you start writing. This takes thirty seconds and prevents convention errors that cost marks.

## **Summary**

Each writing form has conventions that you must apply to demonstrate awareness of audience and purpose. Articles need headlines and engaging openings. Letters need formal greetings and polite closings. Speeches need direct address and rhetorical techniques. Essays need structured arguments and balanced tone. Applying the correct conventions is one of the most straightforward ways to secure AO5 marks, and mixing or omitting conventions signals a lack of planning that will be penalised.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Apply article conventions: headline, engaging opening, clear paragraphs, concluding statement
- Apply letter conventions: formal greeting, statement of purpose, polite closing, correct sign-off
- Apply speech conventions: direct address, rhetorical techniques, personal pronouns, call to action
- Apply essay conventions: clear thesis, structured argument, balanced approach, formal register
- Avoid mixing conventions from different forms within a single response

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- convention
- form
- direct address
- headline
- formal greeting
- sign-off (yours faithfully / yours sincerely)
- call to action
- rhetorical question
- thesis
- register


Writing to present a viewpoint - Conventions of articles, letters, speeches, and essays