What the exam asks
Directed writing gives you a source text or texts, then asks you to write as someone and for someone in a named form such as a letter, speech, article, report, journal entry or interview.
Across Cambridge and 4EB1, the task usually tests whether you can:
- identify the most relevant ideas in the source material
- cover every bullet point or task requirement
- reshape those ideas into your own wording
- write in an appropriate role, voice and register
- evaluate views from the source, not just repeat them
- stay controlled and concise.
| What you are given | What you must do |
|---|---|
| Source text(s) with facts, opinions and attitudes | Select only the material that fits the task |
| A role, audience and form | Sound believable in that role and pitch your language correctly |
| Bullet points or clear content demands | Cover all of them, usually in order |
| A recommended length (Cambridge often about 250–350 words) | Stay focused and avoid retelling the whole source |
Core ideas
Decode the task before touching the source
Underline five things:
| Feature | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Role | Who am I writing as? |
| Audience |