This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Revision Summary
Section Seven — Inform, Explain, Describe

It's definitely quite tricky to figure out the subtle differences between 'informing', 'explaining', and 'describing', but it is important for you to know what those differences are.

The main thing is that you're trying to give information to the reader. Otherwise, the basic rules for writing this essay are the same as for any other one. You've got to think about who you're writing for, and how to keep your writing lively, engaging and believable. So run through these questions and make sure that you've got all this knowledge locked up safe in your head.

You'll be thankful for it, come exam time.

1) Explain what is meant by each of these essay instructions in turn —

a) inform

b) explain

c) describe

2) Pick out the key words in the questions below and say what you think the question is asking — a) Explain some reasons for the use of speed cameras by police.

b) Write an article describing an ideal profession. The job could be real or imaginary.

c) Write an informative article for parents about music and the teenagers of today.

3) When choosing a topic to write about, why is it important to choose one that you know a lot about?

4) Explain what a good essay plan should achieve.

5) Why should you use lots of interesting details in your essay?

6) Which of these is the better explanation? Explain why.

a) Feed your dog some food.

b) You must feed your dog the right amount for its size. You can find out what this is from your vet or from books on your dog's breed.

7) Why do you think a balanced argument is more likely to persuade people than a ranting one?

8) Which of these descriptions is more suited to an essay? Why?

a) Pilots should be able to deploy the chute, now fitted to all Cirrus SR20 light aircraft for test purposes, and float the entire bird to safety from 1000m high over Lexington, KY.

b) A new type of emergency parachute for aircraft is being tested in Kentucky.

9) Why do you need to think at all about how the reader will react?

10) What's the point of writing a conclusion?

11) Explain what makes a really good conclusion.

12) Write down all the things you need to check for at the end of the exam.

13) Explain why it's important to leave yourself time at the end to go over your essay.