Welcome to Directed Response: The Art of Linguistic Tailoring

In Paper 1, Question 1(a), you are asked to do something very specific: take an existing text and "rewrite" it into something new based on a brief. Imagine you are a chef who has been given a basket of ingredients (the original text) and told to make a specific dish (the new form). You can't just throw everything in; you have to choose the right vocabulary, style, and structure to satisfy your customer. This guide will show you how to master that process.

Important Note: This chapter focuses on Question 1(a). For help on how to write the comparison for 1(b), check out the chapter "Comparing your own text with the original."

1. Decoding the "Brief"

Before you write a single word, you must understand exactly what the exam paper is asking you to do. The "brief" is the set of instructions that tells you three vital things:

  • Form: What kind of text are you writing? (e.g., a letter, a blog post, a script for a podcast).
  • Audience: Who are you writing for? (e.g., teenagers, professional scientists, local residents).
  • Purpose: Why are you writing? (e.g., to persuade, to inform, to complain).

Memory Aid: Think "PAF"
Always identify the Purpose, Audience, and Form before you start. If you ignore the PAF, you might write a great piece of English that gets very low marks because it didn't follow the instructions!

2. Choosing the Right Vocabulary (Lexis)

Vocabulary isn't just about using "big words." It’s about using the right words for the situation. In linguistics, we often call this lexis.

Formal vs. Informal Lexis

If the brief asks for a formal letter to a headteacher, you might use high-frequency lexis (common words) for clarity, but you should also include low-frequency lexis (more complex, specialized words). For example:

  • Informal (Blog/Diary): "I was really annoyed about the mess."
  • Formal (Letter/Editorial): "I felt significant exasperation regarding the lack of cleanliness."

Using Technical Terms (Jargon)

If the brief asks you to write a review of a tech gadget for a magazine, using specific terms like "user interface," "haptic feedback," or "latency" shows you understand the audience and context.

Quick Tip: Don't just copy-paste vocabulary from the original text. Try to transform it. If the original text uses the word "happy," you might change it to "ecstatic" if you are writing a persuasive advertisement, or "contented" if you are writing a calm biography.

Key Takeaway:

Your word choices should act like a "uniform." You wouldn't wear a tuxedo to the beach, so don't use slang in a formal report!

3. Selecting a Style and Tone

Style is the "personality" of your writing. It is created by how you combine your words and sentences. This is often called Register.

Modality: How certain are you?

Modality refers to words that show the degree of certainty or obligation.

  • High Modality: "You must act now." (Strong, persuasive style).
  • Low Modality: "It might be a good idea." (Suggestive, gentle style).

Rhetorical Devices

If your purpose is to persuade, use tools like:

  • Tripling (Rule of Three): "It is efficient, elegant, and essential."
  • Hyperbole: "The most incredible experience of a lifetime."
  • Anaphora: Repeating the first part of a sentence for emphasis.

Sentence Structure (Syntax)

Don't forget that the length of your sentences changes the style:

  • Short, simple sentences: Create impact, speed, or tension. (Great for news stories).
  • Long, complex sentences: Show detail, sophistication, or slow reflection. (Great for travel writing or essays).

"Don't worry if this seems tricky at first. Start by asking yourself: 'If this text could speak, what would its voice sound like?'"

4. Structuring for the Brief

You only have \( 150-200 \) words for Question 1(a). This is quite short! You cannot afford to ramble. Your structure must be "fit for purpose."

Follow the Conventions

Every form has its own "rules" (conventions). To get high marks, you must use them:

  • Letters: Needs a "Dear..." and a "Yours sincerely/faithfully."
  • Blogs: Usually has a catchy heading, first-person perspective ("I"), and perhaps a call to action at the end ("Comment below!").
  • News Articles: Starts with the most important information (the "lede") and uses short paragraphs.
  • Podcasts: Needs a "spoken" feel, perhaps starting with "Welcome back to the show!" and using fillers or direct address to the listeners.

Cohesion and Discourse Markers

Even in a short piece, your ideas must flow logically. Use discourse markers to guide the reader:

  • To add info: "Furthermore," "In addition."
  • To show contrast: "However," "On the other hand."
  • To conclude: "Ultimately," "Consequently."

Key Takeaway:

Structure isn't just about paragraphs; it's about the "shape" of the text. A diary entry should feel private and chronological, while an advertisement should feel punchy and focused on a product.

5. Summary Checklist for Success

When you are sitting the exam, use this mental checklist to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Paper 1 Section A:

1. Have I stayed within the word count?
Aim for the \( 150-200 \) word range. Going way over or under can cost you marks for AO2 (writing effectively).

2. Is my tone consistent?
If you start as a professional journalist, don't end like a teenager sending a text message.

3. Have I used material from the original text?
The brief will usually ask you to use information from the text you just read. Make sure you re-purpose those facts into your new form.

4. Did I use specific features of the form?
If it's a script, did I include the speaker's name? If it's a brochure, did I use subheadings?

Did you know?
The examiners aren't just looking for "good writing." They are looking for "appropriate writing." A perfectly written poem will get zero marks if the brief asked for a formal report!

"Keep practicing by taking a news article and trying to rewrite the first two paragraphs as a diary entry. It’s the best way to train your 'linguistic muscles'!"