Writing Matters: Linguistic Characteristics of Writing in GCSE English Examinations

The article describes the outcomes of a national investigation in the UK into the linguistic characteristics of writing in GCSE English examinations. The study analysed samples of writing in terms of their correctness, effectiveness and patterns of linguistic features used. This article exemplifies how the procedure used can provide valuable information about what writers can and can't do and argues that greater precision in describing writing will promote better teaching and learning.