Year 8: Writing Prepared by: Ms.
Nanthini
Writing Task 1
Your friend Andrew wasn’t at school today and wants to know
what work he missed in PE class.
Write a message to Alex. In your message you should:
tell Alex about the sports activity he missed
offer to explain the rules or skills
arrange a time to practise together.
Write 45–55 words.
Sample A:
Hi Andrew,
Today in PE, we practised basketball shooting. The teacher explained the correct
way to aim and use your wrist. If you'd like, I can review the rules and
demonstrate the techniques. Let’s meet after school tomorrow at the court so we
can practise together.
Teacher’s Notes:
Covers all three bullet points clearly.
Good sentence variety and specific details (aim, wrist, court).
Polite and helpful tone.
Correct length (within 45–55 words).
Appropriate style for a friendly message.
Sample B:
Hi Andrew,
We did basketball. It was good. Teacher said some things. You can learn later. I
will tell you rules if you want. We can maybe meet and play. I don’t know when,
maybe another time. Anyway, that’s all. It was fun, you missed it.
Teacher’s Notes:
Too vague (some things, maybe another time).
Doesn’t fully explain the rules or skills.
No clear arrangement for meeting (uncertain tone).
Repetitive and simple vocabulary (good, fun, some things).
Weak organisation; doesn’t sound helpful.
Writing Task 2:
In your English class, you’ve been talking about films. Your
teacher has asked you to write this essay:
Year 8: Writing Prepared by: Ms. Nanthini
It is better to watch movies at home than to watch them in the cinema.
Write your essay in 110–130 words in an appropriate style below.
Sample A:
It is better to watch movies at home than to watch them in the cinema.
I think watching movies at home is good. It is better because you can sit
at home. You can eat food at home and drink at home also. You don’t need
to go outside and buy tickets. Cinema is noisy and people talk, so I don’t
like it.
Some people say cinema is fun, but I don’t agree. Cinema is expensive. At
home, it is free. At home, it is easy. I can pause the movie and go to the
toilet. I like home more.
So, I think watching movies at home is good. At home is better.
Sample B:
It is better to watch movies at home than to watch them in the cinema.
Many people enjoy watching films, but there is a debate about whether it
is better to watch them at home or in the cinema. Watching movies at
home can be very convenient. You can choose the time, pause the film
whenever you want, and watch comfortably on your sofa. It is also
cheaper because you do not need to buy tickets or snacks.
On the other hand, going to the cinema can be more exciting. The big
screen and sound effects make the experience special. However, it can
also be noisy and crowded.
In my opinion, watching films at home is better. It saves money and allows
you to relax in your own space.
Year 8: Writing Prepared by: Ms. Nanthini
Good Sample Answer (120 words) Weak Sample Answer (120 words)
Strengths / Teacher’s Notes: Weaknesses / Teacher’s Notes:
Clear structure: Introduction, arguments for Poor organisation: Repeats “at home is
both sides, conclusion. better” many times instead of building
Balanced view: Considers both cinema and arguments.
home watching before giving opinion. Repetition: “Eat at home, drink at home,
Good vocabulary: Words like convenient, at home is free” – same idea without
crowded, exciting, experience. development.
Connectors used: On the other hand, Limited vocabulary: Only basic words like
however, in my opinion. good, bad, easy are used.
Appropriate style: Formal enough for an Weak linking: Very few connectors (mostly
essay, no slang. “so, also”). No variety.
Word count: Within 110–130 words. Too informal: Sounds like speech, not a
Overall: Strong essay (Band 5/5 / High level). proper essay.
One-sided only: Ignores positive points
about cinema.
Conclusion is weak: Just repeats earlier
points.
Overall: Weak essay (Band 1–2/5 / Low level).