Writing for Purpose
Section: Writing | Syllabus: Cambridge Primary English as a Second Language (0057)
Writing a Sequence of Instructions
- Writing instructions means giving a reader clear steps to follow so they can complete a task successfully.
- Features of good instructions:
- Imperative verbs at the start of each step, e.g. "Fill," "Plant," "Water"
- Steps in the correct order, linked with sequencing words: first, next, then, after that, finally
- Precise details (exact amounts, exact actions), so nothing is ambiguous
- Often a list of materials or ingredients before the steps begin
Question: Write clear instructions for planting a seed in a pot, using imperative verbs and sequencing words.
Step 1 — List what is needed first: a pot, soil, a seed, water. Step 2 — Write each action as an imperative verb: fill, plant, water. Step 3 — Add sequencing words to show the order: first, next, then, finally. Answer"First, fill the pot with soil. Next, plant the seed just below the surface. Then, water the soil gently. Finally, place the pot somewhere sunny."
Describing People, Places, Objects and Actions
- Writing description means helping the reader picture people, places, objects or actions clearly.
- To describe well:
- Use adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, smell, touch
- Use precise nouns instead of vague ones, e.g. "puppy" instead of "animal"
- For routine actions, keep the tense consistent: present simple for something that happens regularly now ("She walks to school every day"), past simple for something that happened regularly in the past ("She walked to school every day last year")
- Organise description logically, e.g. general appearance first, then specific details
Expressing Opinions and Feelings
- Writing to express opinions and feelings means sharing your personal view, and giving reasons to support it.
- Useful opinion language: I think..., In my opinion..., I feel that..., followed by a reason introduced with because or this is because.
- A clear opinion has two parts: the opinion itself, stated clearly, and at least one reason or example that supports it.
Each type of writing has its own purpose, structure and language
Common Mistakes
MistakeGiving instructions out of order, or missing a step, so the reader cannot complete the task.
FixList every step first, check nothing is missing, then write the steps in the exact order needed.
MistakeUsing vague words when describing (e.g. "nice," "good," "thing") instead of precise, sensory details.
FixReplace vague words with specific details that appeal to the senses, e.g. "the sweet smell of fresh bread" instead of "a nice smell."
MistakeStating an opinion without giving any reason to support it.
FixAlways follow an opinion with "because" and a reason, so the reader understands why you feel that way.
Worked Example: Expressing an Opinion with a ReasonQuestion: Write two sentences giving your opinion about school uniforms, with a reason.
Step 1 — State the opinion clearly using an opinion phrase: "I think school uniforms are a good idea." Step 2 — Give a reason using "because": "...because they stop students worrying about what to wear." Step 3 — Check that the opinion and reason together form a complete, clear argument. Answer"I think school uniforms are a good idea because they stop students worrying about what to wear."
Interactive revision notes, videos and practice questions load below.