Writing Across Genres · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Writing Across Genres

English · Writing Composition · ages 11-14
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. In a script, where do stage directions usually go?

    • In brackets, separate from what characters say
    • Mixed into the dialogue with no marks
    • Only at the very end of the script

  2. Which sign-off matches the greeting 'Dear Sir or Madam,'?

    • Yours sincerely,
    • Yours faithfully,
    • See you later,

  3. A diary entry and a formal letter should use exactly the same tone.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. In your script, a character is angry and slams a door. How should you show this?

    • Write (SLAMS the door) in brackets near the line
    • Write it in the same style as the dialogue with no marks
    • Leave it out and let actors guess

  5. You're writing to your headteacher, Mr Adeyemi, asking for a new football net. Which opening line is best?

    • Hiya, guess what needs fixing lol
    • Dear Mr Adeyemi,
    • Hey Mr A,

  6. You are giving a talk about your summer holiday. Which of these would work best as your notes?

    • Short notes: Wales camping, rained day 2, campfire songs
    • A full paragraph about the trip, written out word for word
    • One long sentence that covers the whole trip with no breaks

  7. You must write a poem about autumn and a set of instructions for making toast. What should change, and what should stay the same?

    • Everything should be written exactly the same way
    • Only the length should change, nothing else
    • The form and language should change with the purpose, but careful, clear writing stays the same

  8. Ben's formal letter begins 'Dear Mrs Clarke' and ends 'Love, Ben.' What's the mistake?

    • The sign-off is too informal for a formal letter
    • The greeting is wrong
    • There is no mistake
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Writing Across Genres W1-mt_9lN0SpKlEH-s1

  1. In brackets, separate from what characters say · Stage directions sit in brackets so actors can tell them apart from the spoken lines.
  2. Yours faithfully, · Use 'Yours faithfully' when you don't know the reader's name, and 'Yours sincerely' when you do.
  3. False · A diary is private and informal, while a formal letter needs polite, careful language.
  4. Write (SLAMS the door) in brackets near the line · Stage directions in brackets tell actors exactly what to do, so nothing gets left to guesswork.
  5. Dear Mr Adeyemi, · A formal letter to someone in authority needs a proper salutation with their name, not slang.
  6. Short notes: Wales camping, rained day 2, campfire songs · Talk notes jog your memory while you speak, so a few short notes with key words beat a paragraph you would have to read.
  7. The form and language should change with the purpose, but careful, clear writing stays the same · Different purposes need different forms and language, but good writing always stays clear and thought through.
  8. The sign-off is too informal for a formal letter · 'Love' suits a friend or family member. Since Ben used Mrs Clarke's name, he needed 'Yours sincerely.'
Worksheet · LightMySky