Write a letter, speech or report for its audience
Answer every prompt point while choosing the register, opening, organisation and evidence appropriate to a letter, speech or report.
Section Paper 1 · Section A · Letter, speech and report writing
Exam scope and assessment notes
This is an original StudyForA learning sequence, not Cambridge material. The lessons map the published reading and writing objectives, paper tasks, and the linked 2025 grammar/rhetoric appendix. Cambridge's public page does not link that appendix for the 2026–2031 cycles, so the exact current-year grammar and rhetorical list remains pending specialist verification against current support materials and specimen mark schemes. Arabic-language teaching needs review by an Arabic subject specialist. This is not a complete 130-guided-hour course or a timed full examination. Writing and reading explanations are self-review guidance, not Cambridge marks, grades, or examiner feedback. Cambridge lists this qualification for administrative zones 3 and 4 only. The 2025 syllabus is June only; the 2026–2028 and 2029–2031 syllabuses list June and November. Confirm your zone, exam year and centre entry with Cambridge.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which opening best fits a report for a school head?
What you will learn
- Identify the audience, purpose and required form before planning.
- Present facts and opinions to inform, interest or convince.
- Use an appropriate register and finish with a form suited to the reader.
Let the task determine the form
Paper 1 Section A offers a choice of a letter, speech or report. All require extended continuous prose. The task's audience and purpose should shape the opening, pronouns, tone and conclusion.
A letter addresses a reader directly and uses a suitable greeting and close; a speech addresses listeners and can use a clear spoken opening and signposting; a report organises findings under a heading and uses measured language.
Cover content before polishing
Turn each bullet or instruction into a checklist. Give every required point a place, then connect ideas in a logical order with linkers such as أولاً، ثم، لأن، لكن، لذلك.
Use facts and examples you can support. A persuasive tone does not justify a claim that the prompt or evidence does not establish.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
What is the strongest response to a list of prompt points?
Worked example
You are asked to write a school report about a new reading room, including who uses it, two strengths and one improvement. What should your plan contain?
Show the worked solution
- Choose report format for a school decision-maker.
- Create one section for users, strengths and the improvement.
- Use evidence and a practical recommendation.
Answer Plan a clear report heading, a short purpose line, the named users, two supported strengths, one feasible improvement and a brief recommendation. Keep the tone measured and audience-aware.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Plan a short Arabic speech asking students to join a community clean-up. Include purpose, time, meeting place and one safety instruction.
Give me a hint
Address listeners directly and make practical details easy to remember.
Compare my reasoning
- Write a spoken opening.
- Include all three logistics.
- Finish with a clear invitation and safety reminder.
Original outline: welcome the students; explain the clean-up purpose; meet Saturday at 8 a.m. at the school gate; wear gloves and stay with the group; invite them to sign up.
Look for these in your work
- Fits a speech
- Includes the required details
- Gives an actionable safety instruction
Write the section headings and one evidence-based recommendation for a report on whether a school should extend library hours.
Give me a hint
A report should make the finding and recommendation easy to scan.
Compare my reasoning
- Use a report title.
- Organise evidence under clear headings.
- Give a recommendation linked to the evidence.
Possible headings: Purpose, Student access, Practical considerations, Recommendation. A suitable recommendation is to trial one late opening after checking demand and safe transport.
Look for these in your work
- Uses report organisation
- Separates evidence from recommendation
- Makes a qualified proposal
A friend needs a formal Arabic letter asking a library for permission to visit. List the details and register choices you would include.
Give me a hint
Make the purpose clear and include useful logistics.
Compare my reasoning
- Use a respectful greeting.
- State who wants to visit, when and why.
- Close politely and request a reply.
A strong plan names the school group, proposed date, educational purpose, group size if known and a respectful request for confirmation; it uses a formal greeting and closing.
Look for these in your work
- Fits a formal letter
- Includes practical information
- Makes a clear request
Common mistakes
- Writing an article when the task asks for a letter or report
- Leaving one required content point out
- Using an informal tone for a formal reader
What can you explain now?
What should you decide before drafting a transactional response?
Compare with the explanation
Audience, purpose and form
These shape content, tone and organisation.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Explain in one sentence: identify the audience, purpose and required form before planning.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.