Leaflet Model Answer (Edexcel IGCSE English Language A)

Genre (format)

Audience

Purpose

What am I writing?

Who am I writing for?

Why am I writing?

AO5

23-27 marks

• Communication is perceptive, mature and sophisticated

• The response is sharply focused on the purpose of the task and the expectations/requirements of the intended reader

• There is sophisticated use of form, tone and register

AO6

16-18 marks

• The response manipulates complex ideas, using a range of structural and grammatical features to support overall coherence and cohesion

• The response uses extensive vocabulary strategically, with only occasional spelling errors which do not detract from overall meaning

• The response is punctuated with accuracy to aid emphasis and meaning, using a range of sentence structures accurately and selectively to achieve particular effects

How to Raise a Terrific Teenager [Marking comment]

Raising a teenager to be a well-rounded, mature individual is viewed as one of the most difficult challenges in the life of a parent or carer. [Marking comment] Teenagers are often given a lot of negative press, from being moody, sleeping all the time to being susceptible to gangs, or worse. But there are more adolescents in the world today than ever before, making up 16–20% of the world’s population. [Marking comment] The period from age 13 to 20 is when young people experience significant growth and development. It is the time when they need the most encouragement and support, even though this can seem difficult, and parents/carers have a huge part to play in helping them navigate their physical, emotional and social changes. So what are some of the main issues facing young people today? [Marking comment]

Pressure of school or college [Marking comment]

To coincide with physical changes, teenagers also face increased pressure at school or college, including extra homework and exam preparation. If you have a high-achieving teen, then they can feel immense pressure to live up to (often) their own expectations, as well as the expectations of their teachers and family. On the other hand, young people who are struggling academically can fall further behind and feel more isolated and different. Therefore, what can you do to help? [Marking comment]

• If your teenager is approaching their exams, help them manage their time and revision by working with them on a realistic study schedule, allowing time for breaks, rest and relaxation

• Short, focused revision sessions work best

• Make sure there is plenty of nutritious food in the house, including a variety of fruit to snack on

• If your teenager is struggling at school, speak to the pastoral lead or, if you suspect that they may have learning difficulties, SENCO about what extra support could be put in place to assist them

[Marking comment]

Friendships and peer pressure

The teenage years can be a challenging time for friendships. My own friendship group broke down when I was 14, and I was left feeling anxious and isolated. [Marking comment] My hormones were going wild and my skin was bad, making me feel even worse about myself. I felt under pressure to wear clothes I wouldn’t normally wear, and to enhance my features with things like false eyelashes in an effort to fit in, even though I knew this went against my school’s rules. As a result, I got into trouble. It was a huge learning curve for me. The best thing my own mum did for me during this time was to make sure I had opportunities to talk. She also took me to the GP to get advice about my skin and helped me to develop a skin routine, promoting good habits that I continue to this day. Modelling positive behaviour and taking time to take your teenager’s concerns seriously is therefore extremely important.

Mental health

The negative effects of social media on impressionable young adults has been well-documented, and it is no secret that as many as 20% of young adults may experience a mental health problem in any given year. According to the World Health Organisation, depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness among adolescents. Young people with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to “social exclusion, discrimination, stigma and educational difficulties”. [Marking comment]Multiple factors affect mental health, including media influence and societal expectations, [Marking comment] but the quality of a teenager’s home life is key to building successful relationships and positive mental wellbeing. Identifying if your teenager is experiencing any difficulties with their mental or emotional wellbeing is therefore a crucial first step, along with seeking help from services that promote resilience, supportive social environments and social networks. [Marking comment]

What not to do! [Marking comment]

All of the above may seem like an incredibly high mountain to climb, but there are some important reminders in the above information about what to do and, crucially, what not to do! Firstly, trying to control everything about your teenager’s life may cause further stress and tension. The internet and social media are here to stay, so it is vital that you educate yourselves on what is out there and how it is used. There is little point trying to ban technology when it is already out there and being used on a daily basis. In addition, shouting and reacting angrily can lead your young person to withdraw further and be even more reluctant to engage with you. So here are some final tips on how to raise a terrific teenager: [Marking comment]

• Help your teen help others

• Be there

• Model positive behaviours

• Learn to listen

• Do not judge

• Have family meals

• Set boundaries and stick to them

• Talk to them!

• Allow them to have their own space and privacy

[Marking comment]

If you’re concerned about the physical or mental health of your child or young person, it may be a good idea to speak to a GP or contact a children and young people’s mental health service. [Marking comment]