P2 Writing — AO5 (Paper 2 Section B)
Paper 2 Section B is transactional and viewpoint writing — you write to argue, persuade, inform, or advise. AO5 tests how clearly and effectively you communicate your viewpoint, organise ideas, and adapt to audience, purpose, and form.
Paper 2 writing forms
Edexcel asks you to write in specific forms:
- Letter (formal or informal)
- Speech
- Article (newspaper, magazine)
- Report
- Essay
Always follow the form conventions for the form specified:
| Form | Key conventions |
|---|---|
| Letter | Dear [name/Sir/Madam]; sign off (Yours faithfully/sincerely); address if required |
| Speech | Direct address ("Ladies and gentlemen"); rhetorical question at start; first person throughout |
| Article | Headline + subheading; paragraphs; possibly columns; quote from an authority |
| Report | Heading; bullet points acceptable; impersonal register; recommendations section |
Structuring an argument for AO5
For persuasive/argument writing, use AFOREST or a custom structure:
- Hook (statistic, rhetorical question, anecdote)
- Main argument (your position clearly stated)
- Point 1 + evidence
- Point 2 + evidence
- Counterargument + rebuttal
- Call to action or strong close
AO5 Level 4 descriptors
- Compelling, convincing communication of viewpoint
- Crafted and varied structural features (e.g. topic sentences, signposting, varied paragraph length)
- Consistent, distinctive voice
- Deliberate register (formal/informal) matched to audience and purpose
⚠Common mistakes
- No form conventions: a letter without "Dear..." or a speech without direct address loses AO5 marks.
- No counterargument: a one-sided piece without acknowledgement of opposing views stays at L2.
- Topic slip: drifting off the task — re-read the question after each paragraph.
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