It’s always a good idea to plan before you write. You can gather your main ideas, list vocabulary you’d like to include and map out your structure in a way that makes writing easier.
A table can be useful if you’re writing a piece that covers different points of view, eg in an article where you explore both sides of an argument.
Question
Write a feature article for a newspaper in which you explore the pros and cons of going to music festival.
Introduction
For
Against
Summarise
Proofread
Explain what a festival is – refer to Glastonbury, Download and V
Fun, sociable – time with friends
Expensive – too much for teens
Conclude that festivals are worth it
Check spelling – include sophisticated vocabulary
Opportunity to relax – especially after stress of exams
Dangerous – big and scary – too many people – alcohol
Include a range of punctuation
Introduction to new music
Have to camp – smelly, uncomfortable
10 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
5 minutes
5 minutes
Introduction
Explain what a festival is – refer to Glastonbury, Download and V
For
Fun, sociable – time with friends
Against
Expensive – too much for teens
Summarise
Conclude that festivals are worth it
Proofread
Check spelling – include sophisticated vocabulary
Introduction
For
Opportunity to relax – especially after stress of exams
Against
Dangerous – big and scary – too many people – alcohol
Summarise
Proofread
Include a range of punctuation
Introduction
For
Introduction to new music
Against
Have to camp – smelly, uncomfortable
Summarise
Proofread
Introduction
10 minutes
For
10 minutes
Against
10 minutes
Summarise
5 minutes
Proofread
5 minutes
Note how the writer of this plan has allocated a specific time for each section, and has also included a reminder to leave time to proofread their writing.
Key things to remember
Try different plans and use the one that works best for you.
Include reminders of key areas to focus on within your writing.
Think about allocating your time carefully so that you complete your writing.