What this lesson teaches
I can vary my sentences, link my paragraphs logically and use measured, precise language.
Syllabus 8881, Paper 1 Language, Band 5. Excellent linguistic ability and organisation of ideas: very few errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar; meaning is not impeded; varied and complex sentence structure; choice of vocabulary is sophisticated and wide in range, with nuanced and convincing language; paragraphing is coherent, making use of a range of linking devices and logical sequencing.
I can write in a tone that suits the task and an exam reader.
Syllabus 8881, 3.2.1. demonstrate proficient and effective use of the English language appropriate to the purpose, context and audience
I can avoid the grammar and word-use errors that examiners mark down most often.
Syllabus 8881, 3.2.3. use the accepted conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar
I can choose precise words and explain what a writer's choice of words does.
Syllabus 8881, 3.2.4. use and demonstrate understanding of a range of vocabulary
Make a guess
Which sentence sounds most like a top-band GP essay?
- Social media is destroying society, and this is plain for anyone to see
- Social media often deepens division, though it can also unite
- Social media is a double-edged sword with pros and cons
Show the answer
Social media often deepens division, though it can also unite
Right. 'Often' and 'though' make the claim measured, so it sounds thoughtful rather than sweeping.
Language is 20 of the 50 Paper 1 marks. Write measured claims, vary your sentences, link ideas clearly and avoid common errors.
Language is worth 20 of the 50 marks in Paper 1, and it shares 15 of the 50 marks in Paper 2. The top language band asks for very few errors, varied and complex sentences, precise and wide-ranging vocabulary, and paragraphs linked in a logical order. None of this means long or fancy words. It means control.
Measured language is the first habit. GP questions are about complex issues, so sweeping claims sound careless. Use hedges such as 'often', 'largely', 'tends to' and 'may'. Add conditions such as 'for older residents' or 'in the short term'. A measured claim is also easier to defend.
Concession and distancing show balance in the sentences themselves. 'Admittedly' and 'While it is true that...' concede a point before you answer it. 'Critics argue that...' or 'Some may claim...' present a view without making it yours. These moves let the reader see you weighing ideas.
Linking words carry your logic. 'Therefore' and 'As a result' show consequence. 'However' and 'Yet' show contrast. 'Moreover' adds a point. 'Similarly' compares. Choose the word that matches the real link, because a wrong linker confuses the argument. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence that answers the question.
Vary your sentences. A short sentence after two longer ones adds emphasis. A longer sentence can hold a cause and its effect together, with 'because', 'which' or 'although'. Avoid stacking clauses until the reader is lost. If a sentence runs past about 30 words, split it.
Sort these
Is each sentence correct, or does it contain a common error?
Groups: Contains an error, Correct.
- The rise of streaming has cut CD sales sharply.
- With the rise of streaming, it has resulted in fewer CD sales.
- The new rule will effect every driver in the city.
- This change may affect lower-income families most.
- Many elderly people live alone.
- Many elderlies live alone in Singapore.
- This essay will discuss about the role of the state.
Show the answer
Contains an error
- With the rise of streaming, it has resulted in fewer CD sales. 'It' refers to nothing. Write 'The rise of streaming has led to fewer CD sales'.
- The new rule will effect every driver in the city. The verb meaning 'to change' is 'affect'. 'Effect' is usually the noun, as in 'the effect of the rule'.
- Many elderlies live alone in Singapore. 'Elderly' does not take an s. Write 'many elderly people' or 'many of the elderly'.
- This essay will discuss about the role of the state. 'Discuss' already means talk about, so 'about' is extra. Write 'discuss the role of the state'.
Correct
- The rise of streaming has cut CD sales sharply. The subject does the action directly, so the sentence is clear and correct.
- This change may affect lower-income families most. 'Affect' is the verb here, and 'may' measures the claim carefully.
- Many elderly people live alone. 'Elderly' is used as an adjective before 'people', which is the correct form.
Some errors appear again and again in examiner reports. 'With X, it resulted in Y' leaves 'it' with nothing to refer to. 'Elderlies', 'discuss about' and 'emphasise on' are common slips. Words that sound alike get confused, such as 'affect' and 'effect', or 'oppression' and 'suppression'. 'Which' is for things and 'who' is for people.
Precise vocabulary helps you think, not just sound clever. Words such as 'erode', 'exacerbate', 'mitigate', 'trade-off' and 'unintended consequence' each name a precise relationship. Learn them with an example sentence, and use one only when it is exactly the word you mean.
- Language marks
- 20 of 50 in Paper 1; 15 of 50 in Paper 2.
- Measured claim
- A hedge plus a condition: 'often', 'for older residents'.
- affect and effect
- Affect is usually the verb; effect is usually the noun.
Useful words and phrases
Hedging
often, largely, to a large extent, tends to, may, arguably, in many cases.
Conceding
Admittedly, ... ; While it is true that ..., ... ; Granted, ... ; This is not to say that ...
Distancing
Critics argue that ... ; Some may claim that ... ; It is often said that ...
Linking
Consequence: therefore, as a result, hence. Contrast: however, yet, conversely. Addition: moreover, furthermore. Comparison: similarly, likewise.
Precise verbs
erode (wear away slowly), exacerbate (make worse), mitigate (make less severe), undermine (weaken), foster (help develop), entrench (fix firmly in place).
Concept words
trade-off, unintended consequence, social cohesion, accountability, pragmatism, meritocracy, agency, legitimacy.
Common errors and fixes
With X, it resulted in Y
Write 'X led to Y' or 'X resulted in Y'.
elderlies
the elderly, or elderly people.
discuss about, emphasise on
discuss the issue, emphasise the point.
affect and effect
Affect is usually the verb; effect is usually the noun.
oppression and suppression
Oppression is cruel and unjust treatment over time. Suppression is forcibly stopping something, such as a protest or the news.
which and who
Which refers to things; who refers to people.
Worked example: Revising one sentence
Draft: 'Social media destroys our society because everyone is addicted and nobody talks anymore.'
- Cut the overclaims: 'destroys', 'everyone', 'nobody'.
- Add a hedge and a condition: 'can erode', 'for heavy users'.
- Name the mechanism: time online replaces time face to face.
- Revised: 'For heavy users, social media can erode close relationships, because hours online often replace time spent face to face.'
Watch out for this
Good GP language means using as many long and impressive words as possible.
Examiners reward precise, controlled language. A plain word used exactly beats a long word used wrongly, and errors cost more than simple words do.
Check your understanding
Which sentence is correct and measured?
- Rising costs may affect older residents in Singapore most
- Rising costs will effect elderlies in Singapore badly
- With rising costs, it affects the elderly
Show the answer
Rising costs may affect older residents in Singapore most
Right. 'May' measures the claim, and 'affect' is the correct verb.
Check your understanding
Which linking word fits? 'Online classes saved travel time. ___, many students felt isolated.'
- However
- Moreover
- Therefore
Show the answer
However
Right. The second sentence contrasts with the first, so a contrast word is needed.