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S4 English: DSE Paper 2 Writing (Paper 3)
S4 English: DSE Paper 2 Writing (Paper 3)
Ten items on format and structure: four basic questions on Dear Sir or Madam when the name is unknown, the role of a topic sentence, avoiding contractions in formal register and the 66.67 per cent left for Part B when 200 of 600 words go to Part A; three advanced items on splitting a paragraph with two ideas, the purpose of concession before rebuttal and sixty-five minutes of writing after ten for planning and fifteen for checking; two challenge items on the best conclusion and spotting an off-topic sentence; and an error-repair item on ending with a new argument.
Direct answer Format marks come first: match salutation to closing, keep one idea per paragraph, and never open a new argument in the conclusion.
01 Paper details (check answers afterwards)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 10 |
| Suggested time | 25 |
| Difficulty mix | Foundation 4 · Intermediate 3 · Challenge 2 · Error redo 1 |
| Chapter | Chapter: S4 English: DSE Paper 2 Writing |
| Level | Four basic, three advanced, two challenge and one error-repair item |
02 Questions (10 items)
- FoundationYou write a formal letter to a company whose manager name you do not know. Which salutation is correct?
- FoundationWhat is the job of a topic sentence?
- FoundationIn formal writing, should you use contractions such as dont and cant?
- FoundationPaper 2 allows 600 words in total and Part A takes 200. What percentage of the limit is left for Part B?
- IntermediateA paragraph argues that school uniforms save money and then attacks school rules. What should you do?
- IntermediateWhy include a concession before your rebuttal?
- IntermediateYou have 90 minutes, spending 10 on planning and 15 on checking. How many minutes are left for writing?
- ChallengeWhich sentence is the best conclusion for an essay arguing that school starts later?
- ChallengeIn a paragraph about reducing plastic waste, which sentence is off-topic?
- Error redoError repair: a student ends an essay by raising a brand-new argument in the last sentence. What is wrong, and what is better?
03 Answers and one-line notes
| # | Answer | One-line note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dear Sir or Madam | When the name is unknown, open with Dear Sir or Madam and close with Yours faithfully. |
| 2 | It states the main idea of the paragraph | A topic sentence states the one idea the rest of the paragraph supports. |
| 3 | No, write the full forms | Formal register avoids contractions, so write do not and cannot in full. |
| 4 | 66.67% | Six hundred minus two hundred leaves four hundred, which is about 66.67 per cent, two thirds of the limit. |
| 5 | Split it into two paragraphs | One paragraph carries one idea, so two unrelated points belong in separate paragraphs. |
| 6 | It shows you know the opposing view and can answer it | Admitting the other side before answering it makes the argument look balanced and therefore stronger. |
| 7 | 65 minutes | Ninety minus ten minus fifteen leaves sixty-five minutes for actual writing. |
| 8 | A later start would improve attendance, so the school should act on the evidence above | A strong conclusion restates the stand and points to action without adding new arguments. |
| 9 | Our school swimming team won the inter-school cup last week | A swimming trophy has nothing to do with plastic waste, so the sentence is off-topic. |
| 10 | A conclusion should not open a new argument; it should restate the stand and end with a clear closing line | A new argument in the final sentence leaves nothing to support it, so restate the stand instead. |
04 What to do after marking
- After marking, redo only the wrong items and write down which step went wrong (formula, unit, or misread number).
- Repeat the same item two days later; move to the next paper only when both attempts are correct.
- Parents only need the answer and note columns; there is no need to explain every item.
Questions and answers are written originally by the TutorZone team and are not taken from any school, publisher or examination authority paper. Every value is checked by computer.
