Directed writing

In the second section of the 1st paper of the GCE 'O' level English paper you would be answering the directed composition writing which could be anything from an informal letter to a report or a speech.

Now what is the difference between free composition and directed composition.

In the free composition writing you would have a choice. This means you can choose from the number of options available on what you want to write. The expected length would be a minimum of 350 and not to exceed 500 words if possible. Anyway just beware sometimes the more you write the more the mistakes, unless you proof read before you hand in the paper. Remember you need not write long winding sentence which could confuse the markers resulting in lower marks. Even short clear sentence is acceptable so long it is grammatically correct.

In the directed composition there would be no choice. A topic would be given with 5 or so bullet points and you are required to include those points and add in extra detail and write between 250 to 350 words. You need to understand the question first. Plan it and then incorporate the given points and fill it up with extra information. Draft it. Proof reading the draft is very very important.