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ScotlandEnglish

Portfolio: Writing

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you write a creative portfolio piece that shows control of genre, craft and a strong sense of the writer's voice?

Writing the creative portfolio piece: choosing a genre (personal or reflective essay, short story or poetry), shaping it for purpose and effect, and using the techniques of creative writing with control and a clear voice.
How to write the creative piece for the SQA Higher English portfolio: choosing between a personal or reflective essay, a short story or poetry, shaping the piece for purpose and effect, and using creative-writing techniques with control and a clear writer's voice.
11 min answer →

How do you write a discursive or persuasive portfolio piece that argues with structure, evidence and a clear stance?

Writing the discursive portfolio piece: choosing between a balanced discursive essay and a persuasive essay, structuring an argument, using evidence and rhetorical technique, and acknowledging audience and purpose.
How to write the discursive piece for the SQA Higher English portfolio: choosing between a balanced discursive essay and a one-sided persuasive essay, structuring the argument, using evidence and rhetorical technique, and shaping the piece for purpose and audience.
11 min answer →

How do you use drafting, feedback and redrafting to lift a portfolio piece against the marking criteria?

Working through the writing process: planning, drafting, seeking feedback, redrafting against the criteria, and proofreading for technical accuracy so each portfolio piece reaches its best form.
How to use the writing process for the SQA Higher English portfolio: planning and drafting early, using feedback and the marking criteria to redraft for content, structure and expression, and proofreading carefully for technical accuracy before submission.
10 min answer →