Sample Directed Writing Questions and Solutions for
Cambridge O Level English Language (1123) Paper 2
Sample 1: Formal Letter (2023 Summer, Variant 22)
Question: Write a formal letter to a local newspaper arguing for more public
parks, based on two texts about community health and green spaces. Your letter
should:
• Explain why public parks are important for community health.
• Suggest specific features the parks should include.
• Argue how parks could benefit the local economy.
Solution:
Your Address
City, Postal Code
Date
The Editor
Newspaper Name
City, Postal Code
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to advocate for the development of more public parks in our com-
munity, as they play a vital role in enhancing health, providing recreational
spaces, and boosting the local economy.
Public parks are essential for community well-being. They offer spaces for exer-
cise, such as jogging tracks and sports fields, which combat obesity and stress, as
highlighted in recent health studies. Green spaces also improve mental health
by providing serene environments for relaxation, fostering stronger community
bonds through shared activities.
To maximize their impact, new parks should include features like playgrounds
for children, shaded seating areas for the elderly, and walking trails for all ages.
Adding fitness stations and community gardens would encourage healthy lifestyles
and sustainable practices, ensuring inclusivity for diverse residents.
Moreover, parks can stimulate the local economy. They attract visitors, boosting
nearby businesses like cafes and shops. Events such as markets or festivals in
parks can draw tourists, creating jobs and revenue. Studies show that properties
near well-maintained parks increase in value, benefiting homeowners and the
council’s tax base.
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I urge local authorities to prioritize park development to enhance our commu-
nity’s health and prosperity. I hope you will support this cause by raising aware-
ness through your esteemed publication.
Yours sincerely,
Your Full Name
Word Count: 210
Mark Scheme Alignment:
Content (15/15): Addresses all three bullet points (health benefits, specific fea-
tures, economic advantages) with clear arguments and text-based ideas (e.g.,
health studies, property value). Develops each point with relevant detail, main-
taining a persuasive tone.
Language (13–15/15): Formal tone suits the editor audience. Clear structure with
an introduction, one paragraph per bullet, and a conclusion. Varied sentence
structures and vocabulary (e.g., “serene,” “inclusivity,” “revenue”) enhance qual-
ity. Minimal errors assumed in standard response.
Sample 2: Speech (2024 Winter, Variant 21)
Question: Write a speech for a community event persuading against plastic use,
based on two texts about environmental impact. Your speech should:
• Explain the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
• Suggest alternatives to plastic in daily life.
• Persuade the audience to take immediate action.
Solution:
Good morning, everyone! Thank you for joining this community event. Today, I
urge you to stand against plastic use to protect our planet for future generations.
Plastic pollution devastates our environment. Single-use plastics, like bottles and
bags, clog oceans, harm marine life, and take centuries to decompose, as recent
studies confirm. Microplastics infiltrate water sources, threatening both wildlife
and human health. Our local beaches, once pristine, now bear the scars of this
crisis.
We can adopt simple alternatives to plastic. Reusable cloth bags, metal straws,
and glass containers are eco-friendly options that reduce waste. Shops can offer
paper packaging, and we can carry refillable water bottles. These small changes,
when adopted widely, make a significant difference.
I implore you to act now. Start by refusing plastic bags at stores, supporting busi-
nesses that prioritize sustainability, and spreading awareness in our commu-
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nity. Join local clean-up drives to restore our environment. Every step counts!
Let’s commit today to reducing plastic use and safeguarding our planet. To-
gether, we can create a cleaner, healthier future. Thank you.
Word Count: 160
Mark Scheme Alignment:
Content (14–15/15): Covers all bullet points (harmful effects, alternatives, call to
action) with clear, text-derived points (e.g., microplastics, ocean pollution). Per-
suasive tone engages the audience, though slightly concise on alternatives.
Language (12–14/15): Direct, engaging style suits a speech. Rhetorical devices
(e.g., “stand against,” “implore”) and audience address enhance persuasion. Clear
paragraphing, but brevity limits some vocabulary variety. Assumes error-free
grammar.
Sample 3: Article (2024 Summer, Variant 21)
Question: Write an article for a school magazine discussing the importance of
environmental conservation, based on two texts about local pollution issues.
Your article should:
• Describe the local pollution problems.
• Explain why conservation is important for students.
• Suggest ways students can contribute to conservation.
Solution:
Saving Our Planet: Why Conservation Matters
Our town faces serious pollution challenges, from littered streets to polluted
rivers. Factories release toxic waste, and plastic debris chokes our waterways,
harming wildlife and spoiling our natural beauty. Recent reports highlight air
quality issues, affecting our health and environment.
Conservation is crucial for students because it shapes our future. A clean envi-
ronment ensures safe spaces for learning and recreation. By protecting nature,
we secure clean air and water for ourselves and future generations. As young
people, we have the power to drive change and create sustainable habits that
last a lifetime.
Students can make a difference! Join school eco-clubs to organize clean-up drives
or plant trees. Reduce waste by recycling and using reusable items like water
bottles. Spread awareness through posters or social media campaigns to inspire
others. Small actions, like saving energy at home, add up.
Let’s take responsibility for our planet. Start today by making one eco-friendly
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choice. Together, we can keep our town green and thriving!
Word Count: 150
Mark Scheme Alignment:
Content (13–14/15): Addresses all bullets (pollution issues, importance for stu-
dents, student actions) with text-based details (e.g., toxic waste, air quality). En-
gaging for magazine readers, but slightly brief on conservation’s student-specific
impact.
Language (12–14/15): Lively, appropriate tone for a school magazine. Clear struc-
ture with a catchy title, introduction, three content paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Varied vocabulary (“chokes,” “sustainable”) and imperative verbs engage read-
ers. Assumes minimal errors.