CAA Writing Exam Essentials

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Identify features (Multiple Choice & Matching)

1. Which option best shows the main idea of the exemplar article about improving the local environment?

New Zealand should reduce imports to save money.

We must change everyday habits to reduce litter and pollution.

Factories are the only cause of climate change.

2. Which single word from the exemplar most clearly adds a serious, scientific tone?

joyous

toxic

shiny

3. Match each writing feature (left) with the best exemplar example (right). Draw lines between matching items.

A. Call to action

B. Visual description

C. Inclusive tone (addresses reader)

D. Linking phrase for coherence

1. "let’s all aim for cleaner streets, rivers, and air"

2. "shiny crumpled chip packets"

3. "we", "our", "you"

4. "Another way" / "these problems"

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers (Scaffolding)

4. Quote the sentence that you think is the article's topic sentence (the sentence that states the main idea).

5. Explain in 2–3 lines why the writer's choice of vocabulary (e.g. "scientists", "ecosystem", "toxic") helps persuade the audience.

6. Identify two persuasive techniques used in the exemplar (e.g. imagery, inclusive language, facts). For each, name the technique and briefly explain why it works.

6a. Technique: ____________ Effect:

6b. Technique: ____________ Effect:

7. Suggest one specific addition that would make the article more locally useful (for example: a local example, a community group to contact, a clear next step). Explain why this strengthens the piece.

✍️ Part 3: Quick Writing Task

8. Write a short opening paragraph (3–4 sentences) for a community newspaper article about improving your neighbourhood's environment. Include: a clear main idea, one vivid image, and a call to action. Vary sentence length.