Marks reward a clear line of reasoning, well-organised paragraphs and accurate, adaptable language. Our teachers coach planning and drafting so an argument builds rather than rambles.
What this task asks in OxfordAQA 9270
Your child writes non-fiction that argues a case or presents a viewpoint on a given topic. It is written for a specified audience, usually in a set form such as a letter, article or speech. The marks reward how clearly and appropriately the piece communicates, with tone, register and form suited to the audience.
They also reward how well ideas are organised into a coherent line of reasoning, plus vocabulary range and accuracy. Examiners look for a genuine argument that builds and, ideally, acknowledges another view, not a list of unconnected points. Made-up statistics are risky and unnecessary.
Confirm the form, audience and marks for the task with the school or specification.
How we approach it, step by step
- Read the task twice, underlining the topic, your stance, the required form and (crucially) the audience.
- Fix your single line of argument in one sentence before you write anything else.
- Plan three or four distinct reasons, each its own paragraph, ordered to build towards your strongest.
- Follow the form's conventions: a speech greets and addresses listeners; an article uses a headline and a hook.
- Open with a grip: a question, a brief anecdote or a bold claim, then state your position clearly.
- Support each reason with a specific but honest example, and answer one likely objection to sound fair.
- End on a deliberate call to thought or action that echoes your opening.
An original model: writing to present a viewpoint
This is the opening of a model article written by our teacher. It argues that the school day should start later and is aimed at parents and teachers.
The passage and model above are our own original teaching material, written to show the technique. None of it is a reproduced exam text or mark scheme.
A teacher can turn Writing to present a viewpoint: OxfordAQA 9270 into clear, practised skills. The trial hour shows how.
Where students lose marks
- Students ignore the specified audience and form, writing the same piece whether it is a letter, a speech or an article.
- They list unconnected points instead of building one clear line of reasoning.
- They invent precise statistics and studies, which is dishonest and easy to spot.
- They rant on one side and never acknowledge or answer an opposing view.
- They stop abruptly, with no real conclusion to leave the reader thinking.
Practise it
Start with the skills guide for the method. Then try the OxfordAQA 9270 practice tasks.
In a paid trial lesson, an experienced teacher can mark your child's own attempt against the criteria. Lessons are one-to-one and online, from RM70/hr.
Marks and word guidance can change between syllabus versions. Confirm the current requirements for your exam year with your school or the board's official syllabus, linked below.