What you'll learn
In the CIE IGCSE Spanish Extended writing paper (Paper 4), you must produce a longer piece of directed writing (130-140 words) that requires you to present arguments, express opinions, and justify viewpoints. This revision guide covers the essential techniques, structures, and language needed to achieve high marks in this question, which typically appears as Question 2 or 3 and carries significant weight in your overall writing assessment.
Key terms and definitions
Directed writing — a controlled writing task with specific content requirements, bullet points to address, and a prescribed word count, typically in a formal or semi-formal register
Justification — providing reasons and evidence to support your opinion or argument, using connectives like porque, ya que, and puesto que
Register — the level of formality in your writing (formal, semi-formal, or informal), determined by your relationship with the intended reader
Subjunctive mood — a verb form expressing doubt, possibility, emotion, or opinions (e.g., Es importante que sepamos, No creo que sea), essential for Extended-level writing
Cohesive devices — linking words and phrases (sin embargo, por lo tanto, además) that connect ideas and create logical flow
Time frames — the ability to write accurately across past, present, and future tenses to demonstrate linguistic range
Complex structures — sentences using subordinate clauses, relative pronouns (que, quien, cual), and multiple verb forms to show grammatical sophistication
Idiomatic expressions — natural Spanish phrases and constructions that enhance authenticity (es más, hoy en día, por un lado... por otro lado)
Core concepts
Understanding the task format
The Extended directed writing task presents a specific scenario requiring 130-140 words. You must address all bullet points provided, typically 3-4 content requirements. The task demands:
- Expression of personal opinions and viewpoints
- Arguments supporting your position
- Justifications with reasons and examples
- Appropriate register (usually formal or semi-formal)
- Reference to past experiences, present situations, and future plans
Common contexts include writing letters to newspapers, school magazines, blogs, or reports about social issues, technology, environment, education, or lifestyle topics. The examiner assesses both communication (content coverage, clarity) and language (accuracy, range, variety).
Structuring your response
A successful extended essay follows this structure:
Opening paragraph (20-30 words)
- Address the task directly
- State your overall position clearly
- Use formal greeting if writing a letter (Estimado/a señor/a)
Development paragraphs (80-100 words)
- Address each bullet point systematically
- Present one main argument per paragraph
- Support opinions with specific examples
- Use varied connectives between ideas
- Demonstrate different time frames
Conclusion (20-30 words)
- Summarize your main position
- Include a future reference or recommendation
- Formal closing if appropriate (Atentamente, Un cordial saludo)
Essential language for argumentation
To achieve Extended-level marks, incorporate these structures:
Expressing opinions
- En mi opinión / A mi parecer / Desde mi punto de vista
- Creo/Pienso/Considero que...
- Me parece que...
- Estoy convencido/a de que...
Adding arguments
- En primer lugar / En segundo lugar / Finalmente
- Además / También / Asimismo
- Por una parte... por otra parte
- No solo... sino también
Expressing contrast
- Sin embargo / No obstante
- A pesar de (que)
- Aunque + subjunctive
- Mientras que
Giving reasons
- Porque / Ya que / Puesto que
- Debido a (que)
- Por eso / Por lo tanto
- Como resultado
Introducing examples
- Por ejemplo
- Es decir
- En concreto
- Como / Tal como
Demonstrating grammatical range
Extended-level writing requires sophisticated grammar beyond basic structures:
Subjunctive uses
- After impersonal expressions: Es necesario que todos participemos
- After opinion verbs (negative): No creo que sea justo
- After expressions of emotion: Me alegra que haya cambios
- After cuando (future): Cuando tenga tiempo, ayudaré
Conditional sentences
- Present conditional: Si tuviera dinero, compraría...
- Past conditional: Si hubiera sabido, habría actuado
Passive voice
- Se passive: Se debe proteger el medio ambiente
- Ser passive: Los resultados fueron publicados
Complex time constructions
- Pluperfect: Había pensado que...
- Future perfect: Habré terminado para entonces
- Present perfect subjunctive: Espero que hayan entendido
Register and tone appropriateness
Match your language to the intended audience:
Formal register (letters to authorities, newspapers, official reports)
- Use usted form
- Avoid contractions and colloquialisms
- Employ sophisticated vocabulary
- Maintain professional tone throughout
Semi-formal register (school magazines, blogs, general public)
- May use tú or generalized statements
- Balance accessibility with correctness
- Include some personal touches
- Remain respectful and clear
Techniques for formality
- Use infinitives as subjects: Proteger el planeta es esencial
- Employ impersonal constructions: Hay que considerar, Se necesita
- Choose formal vocabulary: solicitar vs pedir, realizar vs hacer
Maximizing content coverage
Ensure you address every bullet point fully:
Analyze bullet points carefully
- Underline key verbs and requirements
- Note if past, present, or future reference is required
- Identify if opinion, description, or narration is needed
Allocate word count strategically
- Opening: 20-25 words
- Each bullet point: 25-35 words
- Conclusion: 15-20 words
Expand ideas effectively
- State your opinion
- Give a reason
- Provide an example or detail
- Link to the next point
Example expansion: "Creo que el uniforme escolar es beneficioso porque promueve la igualdad. Por ejemplo, en mi colegio, todos los estudiantes se visten igual y esto reduce las diferencias sociales." (28 words covering opinion, reason, and example)
Worked examples
Example 1: Environmental action letter
Task: Write a letter to your local newspaper about environmental problems (130-140 words). Include:
- Your opinion about the most serious environmental problem
- An example of how young people can help
- What you have done personally
- What governments should do in the future
Model response (138 words):
Estimados señores:
Les escribo para expresar mi preocupación sobre los problemas medioambientales. En mi opinión, el cambio climático es el problema más grave que enfrentamos hoy en día porque afecta a todo el planeta y a las generaciones futuras.
Los jóvenes podemos contribuir de muchas maneras. Por ejemplo, en mi instituto hemos organizado campañas de reciclaje y actividades para reducir el uso de plástico. Personalmente, he dejado de usar productos desechables y siempre llevo una botella reutilizable.
Sin embargo, creo que los gobiernos deben tomar medidas más estrictas. Es necesario que inviertan en energías renovables y que introduzcan leyes para proteger los recursos naturales. Si todos trabajamos juntos, podremos crear un futuro más sostenible.
Atentamente, [Tu nombre]
Why this works:
- Addresses all four bullet points systematically
- Uses formal register throughout (Les escribo, Estimados señores)
- Demonstrates time frames: present (enfrentamos), present perfect (hemos organizado, he dejado), future (podremos)
- Includes subjunctive (Es necesario que inviertan)
- Shows cohesion (Por ejemplo, Sin embargo, Si)
- Contains opinion structures (En mi opinión, creo que)
- Exact word count within range
Example 2: Technology in education article
Task: Write an article for your school magazine about technology (130-140 words). Discuss:
- Advantages of using technology in lessons
- A problem you experienced with technology
- Your opinion on traditional vs. digital books
- How technology will change education
Model response (136 words):
Hoy en día, la tecnología desempeña un papel fundamental en la educación. En primer lugar, presenta numerosas ventajas: hace las clases más interactivas y nos permite acceder a información inmediatamente. Además, facilita la colaboración entre estudiantes mediante aplicaciones educativas.
No obstante, el año pasado tuve una experiencia negativa cuando el ordenador se estropeó durante una presentación importante. Perdí todo mi trabajo y esto me causó mucho estrés.
En cuanto a los libros, aunque los digitales son prácticos, prefiero los tradicionales porque no cansan la vista. Es más, me gusta la sensación de tener un libro físico.
Mirando hacia el futuro, estoy convencida de que la tecnología transformará completamente la educación. Cuando tengamos recursos virtuales más avanzados, el aprendizaje será más personalizado y eficaz.
Why this works:
- Clear paragraph structure addressing each point
- Range of tenses: present (desempeña, presenta), preterite (se estropeó, perdí, causó), future (transformará, será)
- Subjunctive with cuando (future): tengamos
- Varied connectives (En primer lugar, Además, No obstante, En cuanto a)
- Personal opinion clearly expressed (prefiero, me gusta, estoy convencida)
- Semi-formal register appropriate for school magazine
- Complex structures (aunque los digitales son prácticos)
Example 3: School uniform debate
Task: Write to your headteacher about school uniform (130-140 words). Include:
- Your opinion on compulsory uniform
- Reasons for your view
- What happened when you discussed this with friends
- What changes you would like to see
Model response (139 words):
Estimado señor director:
Le escribo respecto a la política de uniforme escolar. A mi parecer, aunque entiendo las razones prácticas, el uniforme obligatorio limita la expresión personal de los estudiantes. Creo que deberíamos tener más libertad para elegir nuestra ropa.
Hay varias razones que justifican mi posición. Por un lado, el uniforme es caro para muchas familias. Por otro lado, no refleja la diversidad de nuestra comunidad escolar.
Cuando discutí este tema con mis compañeros la semana pasada, descubrí que muchos compartían mi opinión. Sin embargo, algunos pensaban que el uniforme promueve la igualdad.
Por lo tanto, sugiero que permitamos cierta flexibilidad. Por ejemplo, podríamos elegir entre varias opciones de ropa. Espero que considere estas ideas y que podamos llegar a un compromiso.
Atentamente, [Tu nombre]
Why this works:
- Formal register with usted (Le escribo, Estimado señor director)
- Balanced argumentation (Por un lado... Por otro lado)
- Narrative element in preterite (discutí, descubrí, compartían, pensaban)
- Subjunctive in recommendations (sugiero que permitamos, Espero que considere)
- Cohesive paragraph structure
- Appropriate tone for addressing authority figure
- Precise word count
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Writing too much or too little: Count your words as you write. Examiners penalize responses significantly over or under the 130-140 range. Practice hitting exactly 135-140 words consistently. Use a systematic paragraph plan that delivers approximately 30 words per bullet point plus opening and closing.
Mixing registers inappropriately: Decide if your task requires tú or usted before you begin. If writing formally, never switch to tú mid-text. Check that vocabulary matches: use solicitar not pedir, realizar not hacer in formal contexts.
Only using present tense: Extended writing demands demonstration of time frames. Every response should include minimum three different tenses. Plan where to reference past experiences (preterite/imperfect), current situations (present), and future intentions (future/ir a + infinitive).
Ignoring bullet points: Address every single bullet point explicitly. If one asks for "an example," you must provide a specific example. If another asks "what you did," use past tenses. Tick off each requirement as you write it.
Overusing basic connectives: Avoid repeating y, pero, porque exclusively. Create a personal list of sophisticated alternatives: asimismo, no obstante, puesto que, sin embargo. Use each once per text maximum.
Forgetting subjunctive: Extended level requires subjunctive mood. Include at least two subjunctive constructions: after opinion expressions (No creo que sea), impersonal phrases (Es importante que hagamos), or time clauses (Cuando tenga).
Exam technique for "Writing: longer essay or directed writing requiring argument and opinion (Extended)"
Understand the mark scheme: The Extended directed writing carries approximately 15 marks for Communication and 15 marks for Language (30 total). Communication marks reward: addressing all bullet points fully, appropriate register, clear opinions and arguments. Language marks reward: grammatical accuracy, variety of structures, vocabulary range, correct verb forms across tenses. Both elements matter equally.
Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes planning. Read bullet points twice. Note which tense/time frame each requires. Draft opening and closing lines. List key vocabulary for each point. Decide your opinions in advance. This prevents rambling and ensures coverage. Your plan might be: "Bullet 1: present tense, opinion + porque. Bullet 2: preterite, personal anecdote. Bullet 3: comparison, aunque + subjunctive. Bullet 4: future, conditional sentence."
Build grammatical variety systematically: Consciously include these for maximum Language marks: minimum three different tenses (choose from present, preterite, imperfect, present perfect, future); at least two subjunctive constructions; one conditional or complex sentence; varied connectives (at least five different ones); one passive or reflexive construction. Tick these off mentally as you write.
Check methodically: Reserve 3-4 minutes for checking. First pass: verify word count (add/cut carefully). Second pass: check verb endings (especially preterite vs. imperfect, subjunctive forms). Third pass: confirm all bullet points addressed. Fourth pass: gender agreements (adjectives, past participles). Fifth pass: accents on key words (opinión, también, después).
Quick revision summary
Extended directed writing requires 130-140 words addressing all bullet points with clear opinions, arguments, and justifications. Structure your response with an appropriate opening, systematic development paragraphs (one per bullet point), and brief conclusion. Demonstrate grammatical range through varied time frames (minimum three tenses), subjunctive mood (at least twice), and sophisticated connectives. Match register to audience (formal usted for authorities, semi-formal for magazines). Support opinions with reasons and examples. Plan for 5 minutes, write systematically, and check thoroughly for verb accuracy and content coverage to maximize both Communication and Language marks.