Overview (SQA National 5 English): Revision Note

The SQA National 5 English qualification consists of two compulsory exam papers and a writing portfolio. There is also a spoken-language component which is assessed internally and reported separately from your final grade.

National 5 English course overview

Portfolio writing: creative or discursive

The portfolio consists of:

• One piece of writing

• 30 marks

• 30% of your National 5 English grade

You will be expected to write either a broadly creative piece or a broadly discursive piece:

• Creative writing usually involves imaginative, reflective or expressive writing

• Discursive writing usually involves writing that explores, argues or informs

These two purposes can sometimes overlap and your writing may have elements of both. Here are some examples of what you might choose to write:

When to complete your writing portfolio

You will normally complete your writing portfolio when your writing skills have developed enough to meet the National 5 English standard. You will complete most of your writing portfolio independently, but some stages must be carried out under supervision to make sure it is entirely all of your work and that it meets SQA guidelines.

• Your writing portfolio is a final summative assessment which means it represents your best, completed work at the end of the writing process

• Your writing will usually take place over several weeks, giving you time to plan, draft and edit your work carefully

• The early stages, such as researching, planning and developing your ideas, can be done outside of class:

  • However, your first draft must be written in class under supervision, within a minimum of 4 hours

  • This time can be split over several sessions if required

  • Your teacher can offer feedback on your plan or first draft

• You will have access to resources, such as your notes and research materials

• After receiving feedback on your first draft, you’ll produce your final version under some supervision:

  • The final piece you submit must be entirely your own work and no one else can write or edit it for you

  • This final piece will be sent to the SQS for external marking

The portfolio writing process

You will follow these steps to complete your portfolio writing:

Learn more

Discover more SQA National 5 English Writing Portfolio exam tips in our expert revision notes: 

• How to Approach the Writing Portfolio

• How to Plan Your Discursive Writing