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KS3 English · Year 8Chapter 12 · Writing for purpose and audience: articles, letters, reviews and speeches
Year 8 · Chapter 12

Writing for purpose and audience: articles, letters, reviews and speeches

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Name the purpose and audience of an article, a letter, a review and a speech
  • Write a headline and a standfirst that tell the reader what the article is about
  • Set out a formal letter, with the right greeting, sign-off and register
  • Write a review with a verdict, criteria, evidence and a recommendation
  • Choose a tone and register that suit the form and the reader

You should already know

  • Fact, opinion and bias in a text (Year 7, Chapter 5 of this book)
  • Writing to persuade and analyse (Year 7, Chapter 11 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Spoken language: presenting, debating and Standard English (Chapter 13 of this book)
  • Tense, aspect, mood, cohesion and register in writing (Chapter 8 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 8. Content: Write for a range of purposes and audiences in Standard English: an article, a letter, a review and a speech (KS3 writing, W2), Use the features of a news article: headline, standfirst, byline, and a clear structure (KS3 writing, W2), Use the features and register of a formal letter: address, salutation and sign-off (KS3 writing, W2 and W5), Write a review with a verdict, criteria, evidence and a rating, and a tone that suits the reader (KS3 writing, W1 and W2), Plan, draft and edit for the form, with punctuation and layout to suit it (KS3 writing, W3 and W5).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word for the short line under a newspaper headline that gives more detail. Write one word.
2
FWrite the word for the line that names the writer of an article. Write one word.
3
FWrite the word for the greeting at the start of a letter, such as Dear Sir. Write one word.
4
FWrite the word for the final judgement of a review. Write one word.
5
FWrite the word for the attitude that a writer shows through word choice. Write one word.
12.1

Articles: headline, standfirst, byline and structure

Year 8
Use the features of a news article: headline, standfirst, byline, and a clear structure (KS3 writing, W2)
Video lesson: Articles: headline, standfirst, byline and structureComing soon
Story. A local newspaper reporter writes an article for readers of the town. The headline must catch the eye, the standfirst must tell the reader the main point, and the byline shows who wrote it. The most important facts come first.

Text 1: a news article (invented)

Town park to get a new skate area

Young people have waited years for a safe place to skate. Now the council has confirmed the funding.

By Rosa Lin, Local Reporter

The council has confirmed £40,000 for a skate area at Crane Park, which is due to open next spring. The design will include ramps, a rail and a smooth bowl. Councillor Dev Hall said the project had been requested by more than two hundred young people in a survey last year. 'We listened, and we are acting,' he said. Some residents have raised concerns about noise, and the council will hold a meeting in January to answer them.

Key ideas

  • A headline is a short title that gives the main news in a few words.
  • A standfirst is a line under the headline that adds the key detail.
  • A byline gives the writer's name and role.
  • A news article puts the most important facts first, then details, then comments from people involved.
Worked example 12.1.1
What is the main news in the headline "Town park to get a new skate area"?

Method. Read the headline for the news it gives.

  1. Find the subject. The town park is the place.
    Town park
  2. Find the news. A new skate area is coming.
    new skate area
  3. Name the main news. The main news is that a new skate area will be built.
    a new skate area will be built in the park
  4. Write the answer.
    a new skate area will be built in the park

Check. The main news is named. ✓

Worked example 12.1.2
What is the purpose of the standfirst? Choose one: to add the key detail under the headline, to name the printer or to close the article.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. A standfirst gives the reader the next key detail, so they know what to read.
    to add the key detail under the headline fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Printers and closing lines are not the job of a standfirst.
    to name the printer and to close the article do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    to add the key detail under the headline

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.1.3
Why does the article name Councillor Dev Hall in its body text?

Method. Think about why a news article names a person.

  1. Find the name. Councillor Dev Hall is named with his role.
    Councillor Dev Hall
  2. Find the claim. He says the council listened.
    We listened
  3. Name the reason. Naming a source gives the claim authority.
    to give a source for the claim
  4. Write the answer.
    to give a source for the claim

Check. The reason for naming the source is given. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a headline should be short and clear. Do not write a headline that is a sentence with a full stop.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Put the most important fact first, and the detail after. Check your headline tells the main news in a few words.

Exercise 12A  Practice: articles

1
FCopy the byline that names the writer.
2
FCopy the amount of money the council has confirmed.
3
FWhich feature is the short title of an article? Choose one: headline, a joke at the reader's expense, a list of sources or a question with no answer.
4
FWhich feature gives the writer's name and role? Choose one: byline, a joke at the reader's expense, a list of sources or a question with no answer.
5
FWhich feature adds the key detail under the headline? Choose one: standfirst, a joke at the reader's expense, a list of sources or a question with no answer.
6
FWhich is the best headline for the article? Choose one: Town park to get a new skate area, Once upon a time in the park, Read about skating, and more or A long list of many things the council does.
7
PSWhich fact comes first in a news article? Choose one: the most important news, a joke about the weather, the writer's childhood or a list of sources.
8
PSWhich is a quotation from a named source? Choose one: "We listened, and we are acting," he said., The park is nice., Many people like skating. or It might be good..
9
PSWhich sentence is the standfirst of an article about a new library? Choose one: The council will open a new library next spring, with computers and a children's reading room., Libraries are important., Read this article. or By Sam Ray..
10
PSWrite a headline for an article about a new bus route, in six words or fewer.
11
RWhich is a comment from a named person in an article? Choose one: "We need more buses," said a parent., Buses are always late., Everyone agrees with the bus plan. or The bus is blue..
12
RExplain why a news article uses the most important facts first, in one sentence.
13
RExplain the purpose of a byline, in one sentence.
14
RWhich sentence best suits the register of a news article? Choose one: The council has confirmed the funding for the new skate area., Lol, the council finally did something!, Hey guys, skate area is coming. or Yo, the park is getting a ramp..
15
RChallenge: write a standfirst of one sentence for the headline "Town park to get a new skate area".
12.2

Letters: register, layout and purpose

Year 8
Use the features and register of a formal letter: address, salutation and sign-off (KS3 writing, W2 and W5)
Video lesson: Letters: register, layout and purposeComing soon
Story. A resident writes to a councillor about a skate area. A formal letter needs the right layout, a polite greeting and a clear sign-off, and the register must suit the reader, who holds a public role.

Text 2: a formal letter (invented)

14 Mill Road, Crane Town

3 November

Dear Councillor Hall,

I am writing about the proposed skate area at Crane Park. I welcome the plan, and I have seen how much the young people in my street have wanted somewhere safe to skate. I would be grateful if you could consider a quiet hour in the evening, so that the neighbours can rest. Thank you for your time, and for listening to the residents who attended the last meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Amira Begum

Key ideas

  • A formal letter gives the sender's address and the date at the top.
  • Dear Councillor Hall is a formal salutation; Yours sincerely is used when the name is known.
  • Formal register uses full words, polite phrases such as I would be grateful if, and no slang or contractions.
  • The purpose of the letter is stated early, so the reader knows why it has been written.
Worked example 12.2.1
Which sign-off is correct for a letter that begins "Dear Councillor Hall"?

Method. Match the salutation to the sign-off.

  1. Look at the salutation. Dear Councillor Hall uses a name.
    Dear Councillor Hall
  2. Match the sign-off. When the name is known, Yours sincerely is used.
    Yours sincerely
  3. Name the sign-off. The sign-off is Yours sincerely.
    Yours sincerely
  4. Write the answer.
    Yours sincerely

Check. The sign-off matches the salutation. ✓

Worked example 12.2.2
Which phrase suits the register of a formal letter? Choose one: I would be grateful if you could consider, Hey, can you do this? or Cheers for sorting it, mate!.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It is polite and formal, which suits a letter to a councillor.
    I would be grateful if you could consider fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Hey and cheers are informal, so they do not fit a formal letter.
    Hey, can you do this? and Cheers for sorting it, mate! do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    I would be grateful if you could consider

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.2.3
What is the purpose of the letter in its first sentence?

Method. Find the purpose in the first lines.

  1. Find the first lines. The writer is writing about the skate area.
    skate area
  2. Find the attitude. The writer welcomes the plan.
    I welcome the plan
  3. Name the purpose. The purpose is to welcome the plan and ask for a change.
    to state that the writer welcomes the plan
  4. Write the answer.
    to state that the writer welcomes the plan

Check. The purpose is named. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a letter to a councillor is not a text message. Avoid contractions such as I'm and can't, and avoid slang.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Write the address, the date, the greeting, the purpose, the request and the sign-off in that order.

Exercise 12B  Practice: letters

1
FCopy the phrase that makes the request polite.
2
FWhich is the correct sign-off when the name is known? Choose one: Yours sincerely, Love, Cheers or See ya.
3
FWhich is a formal salutation for a councillor whose name is known? Choose one: Dear Councillor Hall,, Hey Dev,, Yo! or Hiya mate,.
4
FWhich feature comes at the top of a formal letter? Choose one: the sender's address and the date, a list of jokes, a headline or a byline.
5
PSWhich phrase is formal? Choose one: Thank you for your time., Thanks a lot, bye!, Cheers! or See you soon..
6
PSWhich sentence has a contraction that breaks the formal register? Choose one: I can't wait to see the plans., I am writing about the plans., I would be grateful for your help. or Thank you for your time..
7
PSState the purpose of a letter to a councillor, in one sentence.
8
PSWhich sentence best makes a request to a councillor? Choose one: I would be grateful if you could consider a quiet hour in the evening., Give us a quiet hour., Do a quiet hour, please. or You had better do a quiet hour..
9
PSWrite a formal salutation and a sign-off for a letter to a head teacher whose name you know.
10
RWhich is the best reason to avoid slang in a letter to a council? Choose one: the reader holds a public role and expects formal language, slang is always wrong, slang makes the letter shorter or slang is only for speech.
11
RExplain how the sentence "I welcome the plan" shows the writer's tone.
12
RWhich is the correct layout order for a formal letter? Choose one: address, date, salutation, body, sign-off, sign-off, body, address, date, salutation, salutation, sign-off, body, date, address or body, headline, byline, sign-off.
13
RChallenge: write a formal letter opening, with an address, a date, a salutation and one polite request, in four lines.
12.3

Reviews: verdict, criteria and evidence

Year 8
Write a review with a verdict, criteria, evidence and a rating, and a tone that suits the reader (KS3 writing, W1 and W2)
Video lesson: Reviews: verdict, criteria and evidenceComing soon
Story. A reviewer writes for readers who want to decide whether to use a place or a service. A review gives a verdict, judges the criteria (such as surface, signs and cost), gives evidence for each, and ends with a recommendation.

Text 3: a review of a cycle path (invented)

Verdict: a worthwhile ride, with a few flaws.

The new cycle path is well surfaced and clearly signposted, and it links the station to the park in less than ten minutes. However, the lighting is poor after dusk, and two junctions have no crossing. I would recommend the path to families and to confident cyclists, but not to beginners riding at night. Rating: three out of five.

Key ideas

  • A review gives a verdict, usually at the start or the end, which sums up the judgement.
  • Criteria are the things judged, such as surface, lighting or cost.
  • Each judgement needs evidence: a detail from the place or the service.
  • A recommendation tells the reader who the thing suits, and who it does not suit.
Worked example 12.3.1
What is the verdict in the review?

Method. Find the sum-up.

  1. Find the opening line. The first line states the verdict.
    Verdict
  2. Read the verdict. It is a worthwhile ride, with flaws.
    a worthwhile ride
  3. Name the verdict. The verdict is a worthwhile ride, with a few flaws.
    a worthwhile ride, with a few flaws
  4. Write the answer.
    a worthwhile ride, with a few flaws

Check. The verdict is named. ✓

Worked example 12.3.2
Which is a criterion judged in the review? Choose one: the lighting after dusk, the reviewer's birthday or the name of the printer.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. Lighting is a criterion, and the review gives evidence about it.
    the lighting after dusk fits
  3. Reject the other choices. A birthday and a printer are not criteria of a cycle path.
    the reviewer's birthday and the name of the printer do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    the lighting after dusk

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.3.3
What evidence supports the criticism of the lighting?

Method. Find the claim and the reason.

  1. Find the criticism. The lighting is criticised.
    poor
  2. Find the evidence. The review says the lighting is poor after dusk.
    after dusk
  3. Name the evidence. The evidence is the lighting being poor after dusk.
    the lighting is poor after dusk
  4. Write the answer.
    the lighting is poor after dusk

Check. The evidence is given. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a review is not just a summary. Give a judgement, and support it with evidence from the place or service.

Exam tip

Exam tip. State the verdict, judge two or three criteria with evidence, then recommend it to a named group.

Exercise 12C  Practice: reviews

1
FCopy the rating that the reviewer gives.
2
FCopy the phrase that recommends the path to a group.
3
FWhich is the best verdict for a place that is good but flawed? Choose one: a worthwhile trip, with a few flaws, a perfect place, no flaws, a terrible place, avoid it or it is a place.
4
FWhich criterion is judged in the review? Choose one: the surface of the path, the colour of the bicycle, the price of the coffee or the writer's age.
5
PSWhich sentence gives evidence rather than an opinion? Choose one: The new path links the station to the park in less than ten minutes., The path is fun., The path is the best ever. or The path is nice..
6
PSWhich sentence is the reviewer's criticism? Choose one: However, the lighting is poor after dusk., The station is near the park., It is a cycle path. or Rating: three out of five..
7
PSGive one criterion you would judge for a new library, and say what evidence you would give.
8
PSWhich is a recommendation? Choose one: I would recommend it to families, but not to beginners at night., It was built in 2020., The path is grey. or Some people use it..
9
RWrite a rating for a place with good food but slow service, and give a reason.
10
RWhich tone suits a review written for families? Choose one: friendly, clear and fair, cruel and mocking, slangy and rude or cold and bored.
11
RExplain why a review needs evidence for each criterion, in one sentence.
12
RWhich sentence is a balanced judgement? Choose one: It is good value, but the car park is small., It is perfect and everyone should go., It is awful and nobody should go. or It is a place..
13
RChallenge: write a review verdict and one criterion with evidence for a school canteen, in three sentences.
12.4

Speeches and audience

Year 8
Write for a range of purposes and audiences in Standard English, including a speech (KS3 writing, W2 and W5)
Video lesson: Speeches and audienceComing soon
Story. A speech is written to be heard. A writer addresses the audience directly, uses short sentences and a clear structure, and chooses a register that suits the listeners.

Opening lines such as "Friends, I want you to picture ..." address the audience directly and invite them to imagine.

Key ideas

  • A speech addresses the audience directly, using words such as you, we and friends.
  • Short sentences and a clear structure help the listener follow the speech.
  • The register of a speech depends on the audience: formal for a meeting, friendly for a community event.
Worked example 12.4.1
Which feature is direct address in a speech?

Method. Look for the word that speaks to the listeners.

  1. Find the word. The speaker speaks to the listeners.
    listeners
  2. Name the feature. Friends addresses the audience directly.
    addresses
  3. Name the feature in full. Direct address is Friends.
    Friends,
  4. Write the answer.
    Friends,

Check. Direct address is named. ✓

Worked example 12.4.2
Which register suits a speech at a community meeting? Choose one: friendly and clear, slangy and shouted or technical and unclear.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. A community audience needs a clear, friendly register.
    friendly and clear fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Slangy and shouted would not suit a respectful meeting, and technical and unclear is hard to follow.
    slangy and shouted and technical and unclear do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    friendly and clear

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.4.3
Why does a speech use a rule of three?

Method. Think about the listener.

  1. Find the list. A list of three items is memorable.
    three
  2. Explain the reason. The pattern is easy to follow when heard.
    easy to follow
  3. Name the effect. The pattern is memorable.
    it gives a memorable pattern that the audience can follow
  4. Write the answer.
    it gives a memorable pattern that the audience can follow

Check. The reason is explained. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a speech is heard, not read. Avoid long sentences with many clauses; the audience cannot re-read them.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Open by addressing the audience, use short sentences for key points, and end with a clear call.

Exercise 12D  Practice: speeches and audience

1
FWhich is a direct address in a speech? Choose one: Friends, I want you to picture a morning., The speech was given on Monday., The speaker wrote a book. or The hall was full..
2
FWhich sentence type is best for a key point in a speech? Choose one: a short sentence, a long list of clauses, a footnote or a table.
3
FWhich is the best call to action at the end of a speech? Choose one: Come and help us keep the library open., The library is in a town., Libraries have books. or Thank you for reading..
4
PSWhich phrase is a rhetorical question in a speech? Choose one: Who would close a school because it costs money?, The school has 400 pupils., The library opens at nine. or The hall is in the town..
5
PSWrite one opening sentence for a speech to a school council about a new bike rack, that addresses the audience directly.
6
PSWhich register suits a speech to a school council? Choose one: clear, polite and respectful, slangy and loud, technical and cold or secret and private.
7
RExplain why short sentences suit a speech more than long ones, in one sentence.
8
RWhich is the best reason to use a rule of three in a speech? Choose one: a memorable pattern that the audience can remember, to make the speech longer, to confuse the listeners or to hide the main point.
9
RChallenge: write a closing line for a speech that asks the audience to act, using direct address.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod

Can you…?

    Key terms

    Exercise 12Z  Check-up

    1
    Which feature is the short line that gives more detail under a headline? Choose one: standfirst, a joke at the reader's expense, a list of sources or a question with no answer.
    2
    Which feature names the writer? Choose one: byline, a joke at the reader's expense, a list of sources or a question with no answer.
    3
    Which is the correct sign-off for a letter to a known councillor? Choose one: Yours sincerely, Love, See ya or Cheers.
    4
    Which is the verdict of a review? Choose one: a worthwhile ride, with a few flaws, the path is grey, the path was built in 2020 or the path has a station.
    5
    Copy the phrase that closes the letter politely.
    6
    Which phrase is formal? Choose one: I would be grateful if you could consider a quiet hour., Can you stop the noise?, Cheers, quiet hour please. or Hey, quiet hour..
    7
    Which criterion is judged in the review? Choose one: the lighting after dusk, the colour of the sky, the writer's pen or the price of the sun.
    8
    Name the purpose of the article about the skate area, in one sentence.
    9
    Explain why the letter asks for a quiet hour rather than demanding one.
    10
    Which speech feature addresses the audience? Choose one: Friends, I want you to picture a morning., The meeting was held on Monday., The hall was cold. or The chairs were stacked..

    Total 21 marks. Allow about 21 minutes.

    Exercise 12X  Practice test questions

    1
    FName the feature that gives the writer's name and role under an article. Write one word.[1 mark]
    2
    PSWrite a headline of six words or fewer for an article that reports a new bus route for a town.[2 marks]
    3
    FWrite the correct salutation and sign-off for a formal letter to a councillor whose name you know, Dev Hall.[2 marks]
    4
    PSWrite one formal sentence that makes a polite request to a head teacher about a school trip.[2 marks]
    5
    RName the verdict of a review that is good but flawed, and write it in one sentence.[2 marks]
    6
    RGive one criterion for a review of a cycle path, and the evidence you would give for it.[3 marks]
    7
    RWrite a rating for a place with good food but slow service, and give one reason.[2 marks]
    8
    RExplain how a speech addresses its audience directly. Give one example of direct address.[2 marks]
    9
    RExplain how the register of an article differs from a letter to a councillor, in one sentence.[3 marks]
    10
    PSWrite one standfirst of one sentence for the headline "New library opens in the town centre".[2 marks]
    ← Chapter 11: Writing to argue and evaluate: sustained argumentChapter 13: Spoken language: presenting, debating and Standard English →

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