Revising transactional writing

What is the transaction that takes place in transactional writing?

What are the 5 purposes of transactional writing?

You will only have to write for one of the 5 purposes in the task on the exam paper.

What is the first thing you should do when reading the transactional writing task on the exam paper?

Complete the definition of SPAF by choosing the correct annotation from the drop-down menus. S stands for [blank_start]'subject' the topic[blank_end] you are being asked to write about. It will always be [blank_start]thematically[blank_end] linked to the 2 non-fiction texts from the reading section of the paper so you can use these as source material for your response. P stands for [blank_start]purpose[blank_end]. There are [blank_start]5[blank_end] purposes in transactional writing: [blank_start]argue, persuade, advise, inform, explain[blank_end]. The task will require you to use conventions of [blank_start]one or more of these.[blank_end] A stands for [blank_start]audience[blank_end]. This is the group of people the text is intended for. Audiences are [blank_start]broad[blank_end] e.g. cyclists but all have something in common which helps you to make choices of [blank_start]subject-specific vocabulary[blank_end], tone, register and the most appropriate conventions of the purpose(s) to use. F stands for [blank_start]form.[blank_end] This is the specific [blank_start]type[blank_end] of text you will be asked to write. It will always be a [blank_start]non-fiction form[blank_end] of text and could be a web-based text such as a [blank_start]webpage or blog post.[blank_end]

Annotate this transactional writing exam task by dragging and dropping the SPAF labels to the correct hotspots on the two tasks.

Here is a high-scorning response to the transactional writing task that asked for a letter of application to MI6. Complete the response by making the appropriate choices of vocabulary from the options in the drop-down menus. Throughout my [blank_start]post[blank_end] school experiences I have [blank_start]acquired[blank_end] several sets of skills that [blank_start]enable[blank_end] me to be the best in this field. I spent the three years post-university (between the age of twenty-one and twenty-four) training at Sandhurst where I have [blank_start]pushed[blank_end] myself not only physically but also mentally. This [blank_start]encouraged[blank_end] me to believe, achieve and succeed. I now have the self-determination and physical condition to [blank_start]attempt[blank_end] any mission necessary. My fitness levels are [blank_start]extremely[blank_end] high. I regularly take part in 5-a-side, which not only develops my fitness but also [blank_start]encourages[blank_end] team work and collaboration. Finally from the age of thirteen I trained in mixed martial arts and [blank_start]attained[blank_end] a black belt, showing that I am skilled in safe self-preservation and combat. These are [blank_start]essential[blank_end] skills in the times our country faces.

Structure simply means the order in which you present your ideas.

Which of these devices can be used to give structure to your writing?

Choose the elements that make an effective piece of transactional writing.