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DSE English: Paper 2 Long Task Prep Guide (for tutors) | Unpacking prompts, five-paragraph frame, register and timing
Students hand in 400 words and still score half, because three paragraphs argue the same point. This lesson turns the long task into three countable actions: how many points the prompt asks for, one topic sentence per paragraph, one concrete example per point.
Objectives — Students can: (1) unpack a prompt into genre, audience, purpose and three content points within three minutes; (2) write 600 words in five paragraphs of about 120 words, each opening with a topic sentence; (3) adjust register to the stated audience and draft the body in 25 minutes at roughly 16 words per minute.
01 Prerequisites (3-minute check)
If any of these fails, fix it before the lesson starts.
| Skill | Quick check | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence structure | How a simple sentence differs from a complex one | One main clause versus added subordinate clauses |
| Linkers | Give two concessive and two contrastive linkers | although, while / however, on the other hand |
| Genre format | How a proposal differs from a complaint letter | Different readers, tone and call to action |
02 Lesson flow (75 minutes)
| Time | Stage | Tutor does | Student does |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 min | Unpack the prompt | Circle the verb, name the reader, list three points | Write one line per point |
| 6-11 min | Plan Part A | Three-sentence skeleton first | List keywords for three paragraphs |
| 11-25 min | Draft Part A | About 200 words in 14 minutes | A readable short task |
| 25-35 min | Plan the long task | Five-paragraph skeleton plus examples | One topic sentence per paragraph |
| 35-60 min | Draft the long task | About 400 words in 25 minutes | Four body paragraphs done |
| 60-72 min | Check and close | Word count, tense, repeated words | Fix at least three items |
03 Teaching script (read it out)
Scene 1: Unpacking is not reading: fill four boxes before writing
On seeing the prompt, fill four boxes: genre (article, letter, proposal, report, blog), audience (principal, classmates, editor, client), purpose (persuade, complain, recommend, report) and content points (the prompt usually gives three hints plus one point of your own).
The long task asks for about 400 words, so five paragraphs of about 120 words: one point per paragraph means three prompt points plus one of your own fill four body paragraphs, plus an opening and a closing, which makes five.
Estimate length in sentences: at 20 words per sentence, 400 words is about 30 sentences, six per paragraph, so start closing at the fifth.
Points need linkers: five paragraphs need 8 transitions (two for each pair of neighbours), placed at paragraph openings and closings so the structure is visible at a glance.
The long task asks for about 400 words, so five paragraphs of about 120 words: one point per paragraph means three prompt points plus one of your own fill four body paragraphs, plus an opening and a closing, which makes five.
Estimate length in sentences: at 20 words per sentence, 400 words is about 30 sentences, six per paragraph, so start closing at the fifth.
Points need linkers: five paragraphs need 8 transitions (two for each pair of neighbours), placed at paragraph openings and closings so the structure is visible at a glance.
Ask the class: which paragraphs carry the four points (the four body paragraphs).
Scene 2: The five-paragraph frame: topic sentence, example, explanation
Paragraph one: one line of background, one of stance, two of signposting.
Paragraphs two to four: topic sentence, explanation, concrete example, mini-conclusion, four sentences per point, twice, which fills 120 words.
Paragraph five: restate the stance, one concession, one call to action.
Examples must be concrete enough to picture: not many students are stressed, but a S6 student spends twelve hours a week in tutorials and sits three classes on Saturday.
If time runs short, finish four paragraphs and keep the fifth brief; markers count coverage, not length.
Paragraphs two to four: topic sentence, explanation, concrete example, mini-conclusion, four sentences per point, twice, which fills 120 words.
Paragraph five: restate the stance, one concession, one call to action.
Examples must be concrete enough to picture: not many students are stressed, but a S6 student spends twelve hours a week in tutorials and sits three classes on Saturday.
If time runs short, finish four paragraphs and keep the fifth brief; markers count coverage, not length.
Ask the class: does the topic sentence go first or last (first).
Scene 3: Register follows the reader, and sentences follow the register
Writing to a principal means formal register: no contractions, no exclamation marks, Dear Principal.
A blog for classmates can use I think and you know, but still avoids wall-to-wall contractions.
Vary sentences: at least one complex sentence per paragraph (although, because, which) and one short sentence to close, because the short one carries the punch.
Memorise the clock: 6 minutes reading, 23 minutes on Part A, 10 minutes planning the long task, 25 minutes drafting, 8 minutes checking, which is 72 minutes with 3 in reserve.
Drafting 400 words in 25 minutes is 16 words a minute, and the only way to hit that is to have the topic sentences and examples ready before the clock starts.
A blog for classmates can use I think and you know, but still avoids wall-to-wall contractions.
Vary sentences: at least one complex sentence per paragraph (although, because, which) and one short sentence to close, because the short one carries the punch.
Memorise the clock: 6 minutes reading, 23 minutes on Part A, 10 minutes planning the long task, 25 minutes drafting, 8 minutes checking, which is 72 minutes with 3 in reserve.
Drafting 400 words in 25 minutes is 16 words a minute, and the only way to hit that is to have the topic sentences and examples ready before the clock starts.
Ask the class: how many words a minute must the drafting stage produce (16).
04 Question types and worked steps
| Type | Example | Steps | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal | Three recommendations with reasons | One paragraph per item, each with action and effect | Four sentences: topic, action, effect, close |
| Argumentative essay | Stance plus rebuttal | Strongest reason first, then concede and answer | The concession must state the opposing case at its best |
| Complaint letter | Incident, impact, request | Facts in time order, then a specific request | Requests must be actionable: refund, apology, deadline |
| Report | Five Ws plus quotation | Lead with who, what, when, where; then why and how | Quotations need a named source, never someone said |
Sanity check (teach this): Count words deliberately: 600 words covers both tasks, so the long task alone is about 400 and short-task length cannot be borrowed from it.
One point per paragraph; two points in one paragraph reads as one point.
Every example must answer which word of the topic sentence it proves.
Keep one tense system throughout: past for reports, present plus should for proposals, never switching mid-text.
One point per paragraph; two points in one paragraph reads as one point.
Every example must answer which word of the topic sentence it proves.
Keep one tense system throughout: past for reports, present plus should for proposals, never switching mid-text.
05 Independent practice (3 questions)
| Question | Answer | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Unpack one long task into four boxes | All four boxes filled, three points from the prompt and one of your own | Circle the verb, then the reader |
| Write the five topic sentences for a paper-reduction task | Five sentences, one point each | Topic sentences are never questions |
| Compress one 120-word body paragraph into four sentences | Topic, explanation, example, close | Cut adjectives first |
06 Common mistakes and what to say
| Mistake | Student writes | Say this |
|---|---|---|
| Copying the prompt as an introduction | The question asks about paper use, so I will discuss paper use | The introduction states background and stance; save prompt wording for topic sentences. |
| Two points in one paragraph | The last paragraph will cover sport and diet | One point per paragraph, or the second point is never counted. |
| Vague examples | Many students agree | Name numbers or scenes: how many, when, doing what. |
| Losing the word budget | I wrote 700 words so it should score well | The long task is about 400 words; overshooting eats checking time and invites drift. |
07 Homework (paper, section and question numbers)
- Practice: five-paragraph skeletons for three prompts — Topic sentences only, no full text
- Practice: rewrite one message for a principal and for classmates — Compare the two word choices
- All prep guides — Compare the ten sections
08 Exit check (last 5 minutes)
| Question | Answer | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| What the four body paragraphs cover | Three prompt points plus one of your own | All three right: move to integrated skills |
| Drafting speed per minute | 16 words | One wrong: redo the timing plan |
| How many transitions five paragraphs need | 8 | Two or more wrong: return to act two |
09 Tutor FAQ
Should students memorise templates?
Only the frame: five paragraphs, four sentences each. Sentences must follow the prompt, and a pasted template drifts off task.
Is longer better?
No. Complete points, concrete examples and consistent register beat length every time.
Can they write four paragraphs?
Yes, if the opening, two points and a conclusion are all there; the paragraph usually lost is the self-chosen point.
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A TutorZone lesson-prep guide. Written by the TutorZone team; questions and lesson flow are original and are not taken from any school or publisher material.
