Leaflet Writing

British & IGCSE › Checkpoint 6 English (Cambridge Primary 0058)

1. What is a leaflet?

A leaflet is a short, eye-catching text, usually on one folded sheet of paper, that informs the reader about something and often persuades them to do something: join a club, visit a place, come to an event, or follow some advice. People pick up leaflets in a few seconds, so the writing must be quick to read: a catchy title, headings, short paragraphs and bullet points.

Where it sits in the exam and how it is marked

Year 6 students sit Cambridge Primary Checkpoint English (0058). There are two papers: Paper 1 Non-fiction and Paper 2 Fiction. Each paper lasts 1 hour and has Section A Reading (25 marks) and Section B Writing (25 marks). About 30 minutes is suggested for each section. A leaflet is a Paper 1 task, because it is non-fiction.

Your writing is marked out of 25 in five categories. Here is what each one means for a leaflet. The teacher's older names are in brackets.

How to get full marks: checklist

• A catchy title and, if you like, a short slogan.
• An introduction of 2–3 sentences that hooks the reader (often with a question) and says what the leaflet is about.
• Two to four headed sections, each about one thing: Why join? What will you do? When and where?
• Bullet points for lists of facts, but some full sentences too, so the marker can see your sentence skills.
• All the practical details: day, time, place, cost, what to bring.
• Persuasive devices: direct address (you), questions, a rule of three, positive adjectives, a short quotation from a happy member.
• A clear call to action at the end: Sign up today! Visit the office…
• Contact details (invented but sensible) — never a real person's number.

2. Features of a leaflet

A leaflet has layout features (how it looks) and language features (how it sounds). You need both.

3. How to structure a leaflet

Use this plan. In 30 minutes aim for 250–350 words. Remember: bullet points are short, so make sure the introduction and at least one section are written in full, well-built sentences.

How to start: openings that work

• A question: Do you love being outdoors? Have you ever wanted to grow your own food?
• Imagine…: Imagine walking into a garden you planted with your own hands.
• A surprising fact (realistic): One small garden can feed hundreds of bees every day.
• A bold promise: This summer, you can learn to swim in just ten lessons!
• A problem and a solution: Bored on Saturday mornings? We have the answer.

How to end: calls to action that work

• Places are limited, so sign up today!
• Don't miss out — collect your form from the school office before Friday.
• Come along, bring a friend and discover something new.
• Visit us at the main hall on Saturday 5th May. We can't wait to see you!
• For more information, email the club leader at [email protected].

4. Useful phrases and vocabulary

5. Strong sample: club leaflet

This sample shows the layout clearly. Notice that the introduction and the 'When and Where?' section are written in full sentences, so the marker can see a range of sentence types.

Other kinds of leaflet: short plans

6. Common mistakes

Practice tasks

1. Write a leaflet to persuade families to come to your school's charity fun run. Include: what the event is, why people should come, and the practical details.

   Show answer

   Title: Run, Walk or Wobble — Join the Fun Run! Intro: question (Can you run 3 km for a good cause?) + what it is. Why come? money goes to the children's hospital. Fun for all ages. Prizes and medals. What happens? bullets: warm-up with a coach, 3 km route round the park, face painting, healthy snacks. When and where? Saturday 12th April, 8 a.m., City Park gate. Entry 50 pounds per family. Quote from last year's runner. CTA: register at the office by Thursday.

2. Write a leaflet giving Year 3 pupils advice on how to stay safe on the way to school.

   Show answer

   Purpose: inform and advise (not sell). Title: Be Smart, Stay Safe! Intro: question + why safety matters. Sections: Crossing the road (stop, look and listen, and use the crossing). Be seen (bright clothes, reflective strips). On the bus (sit down, keep bags off the aisle). If you get lost (stay calm, ask a teacher or a police officer). Simple words for young readers. CTA: Share these tips with your family.

3. A task says: 'Write a piece to persuade pupils to join the school choir.' It does not mention a leaflet. Should you use headings and bullet points?

   Show answer

   No. The task does not name a leaflet, so write a persuasive piece in paragraphs (introduction, reasons with examples, call to action). Only use leaflet layout when the task asks for a leaflet.

4. Improve this leaflet introduction: 'This is a leaflet about the art club. It is good.'

   Show answer

   Example: Do you love colours, paint and creating something new? The Art Club is the perfect place for you to explore your imagination, learn new skills and make friends — and it is completely free!

5. Name four features you would expect to find in a leaflet in a Section A reading text, and say why the writer uses each.

   Show answer

   Headings/subheadings: help the reader find information quickly. Bullet points: make lists short and easy to read. Rhetorical question: grabs attention and makes the reader think about themselves. Call to action/imperative: tells the reader what to do next. (Also: a slogan makes it memorable, a quotation proves it is good, and facts and numbers make it trustworthy.)