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CAA Writing Exam Essentials

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CAA Writing Exam Essentials

Read the short article, then explore how its ideas and language work. Finish by writing an opening paragraph of your own. Use evidence from the article when you explain your answers.

Read: A cleaner neighbourhood starts with us

After Saturday’s rain, the stream beside our walking track carried a trail of plastic wrappers towards the harbour. A tūī called from a nearby tree, while a bright drink bottle snagged against the bank. It was a small scene, but it showed how everyday litter can travel far. Plastic waste can harm wildlife and damage habitats. Scientists have found plastic in many waterways, and larger pieces can break into tiny fragments that are difficult to remove. The good news is that practical changes can make a difference. We can carry a reusable drink bottle, put rubbish in a bin, and pick up litter safely when we see it. Our community can help too. A weekend clean-up, a well-placed rubbish bin, or a reminder to take rubbish home after sport could keep more waste out of the stream. Let’s look after the places we share: one small action today can help keep our waterways cleaner tomorrow.

Notice how the article works

Use the article above to answer each question. Write in complete sentences where an explanation is needed.

1.Which sentence best expresses the article’s main idea?

Plastic waste is impossible to remove from waterways.
Everyday actions by people and communities can help keep waterways cleaner.
Only scientists can protect wildlife and habitats.
The article is mainly about Saturday weather.

2.Which word in the article gives a serious, scientific tone when describing the fragments of plastic?

3.Match each writing feature to the best example from the article.

A. Vivid visual description
B. Inclusive language
C. Call to action
D. Linking phrase

2. “a bright drink bottle snagged against the bank”
4. “The good news is that practical changes can make a difference”
3. “we can carry a reusable drink bottle”
1. “Let’s look after the places we share”

4.Copy one sentence from the article that states a practical action people can take.

5.The opening paragraph describes litter travelling towards the harbour. How does this example help the reader understand the problem?

6.Find one example of inclusive language in the article. Explain how it may influence readers.

7.The article says plastic waste can harm wildlife and damage habitats. What kind of supporting information could make this claim more convincing?

8.Suggest one specific action a local community could take to reduce litter near a stream. Explain why it could help.

9.The final sentence says, “one small action today can help keep our waterways cleaner tomorrow.” What effect does this ending aim to have on the reader?

Plan and write an opening paragraph

Write 3–4 sentences for a community newsletter about improving a neighbourhood environment. Include a clear main idea, one vivid image, and a call to action. Use inclusive language or a linking phrase, and vary your sentence lengths.

10.Write your opening paragraph. Check that your main idea is clear and that your call to action gives readers something specific to do.