Leaflet Writing

British & IGCSE › Checkpoint 8 English (Cambridge Lower Secondary 0861)

1. What is a leaflet?

A leaflet is a short, eye-catching text that informs and persuades — usually about an event, a club, a service, a place or a cause. It is designed to be read quickly: readers glance at it, find what they need and decide whether to act. That is why it uses a title, a slogan, headings, subheadings, bullet points, short paragraphs and a call to action.

Leaflets belong to Paper 1 (Non-fiction). A leaflet is one of the non-fiction text types you may be asked to write in Section B Writing (25 marks), but it is not one of the most common tasks, so you should know how to write one confidently without expecting it every year. In the exam you are writing on lined paper, so you show the layout in words: a title in capitals, subheadings on their own lines, bullet points with a dash or dot. You do not need to draw pictures or boxes.

How it is marked (25 marks)

How to get full marks: the checklist

1. Title and slogan grab attention in the first second.
2. The introduction (2-3 sentences) hooks the reader and says what the leaflet is about.
3. At least three sections, each under its own subheading.
4. Bullet points for lists of facts or benefits, but each bullet is a full, developed idea — not a single word.
5. Some sections are written in full paragraphs, so the examiner can see your sentence control.
6. Persuasive techniques: direct address ("you"), rhetorical question, benefits, testimonials, a sense of urgency.
7. A clear call to action and contact details at the end.

2. Features of a leaflet

3. How to structure it

How to start: titles, slogans and openings

How to end: calls to action

4. Useful phrases and vocabulary

5. Strong sample

If the task says you do not need leaflet layout

Some tasks ask for the content of a leaflet but tell you that you do not need to use leaflet layout. Then you keep the persuasive language but write in paragraphs. Here is how the opening of the sample would change:

Timing in the exam

In Paper 1 (1 hour 10 minutes in total) the suggested time for Section B Writing is about 35 minutes (some older papers suggested 30 minutes). Section A Reading comes first, so do not let it eat into your writing time: the writing task is worth the same 25 marks.

6. Common mistakes

Final checklist before you hand in

• Title in capitals and a catchy slogan.
• A 2-3 sentence introduction with a hook.
• At least three sections with subheadings.
• Bullet points used for lists, and each bullet is developed.
• At least two sections written in full paragraphs.
• Persuasive techniques: "you", questions, benefits, pattern of three, urgency.
• Practical details, a call to action and contact details at the end.
• Spelling, apostrophes and capital letters checked.

Practice tasks

1. Task 1: Your town is holding a free "Clean-Up Day" in the local park. Write a leaflet for young people that explains the event and persuades them to take part. Plan the sections.

   Show answer

   Title: "OUR PARK NEEDS YOU!" Slogan: "Pick up. Clean up. Speak up." Intro: hook question ("Tired of stepping over litter on your way to football?") + what the event is. Section 1 "What is Clean-Up Day?": short paragraph — volunteers, equipment provided, music and refreshments. Section 2 "Why get involved?": bullets — a cleaner park for everyone / meet new friends / a volunteering certificate for your CV / free lunch / see the difference in one morning. Section 3 "When and where?": date, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., main gate, free. Section 4 "What to bring": hat, water, closed shoes. Call to action: "Register at the community centre by Thursday!" Contact: community centre desk.

2. Task 2: Write a leaflet for Year 7 students giving advice on how to stay healthy during the exam season. How is an advice leaflet different from the club leaflet?

   Show answer

   An advice leaflet informs and advises more than it sells, so the sections are tips, not benefits. Title: "EXAM SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE". Slogan: "Rest well, eat well, do well." Sections: "Sleep" (8-9 hours, no screens before bed), "Food and water" (breakfast, water bottle, fruit instead of sweets), "Study smart" (short sessions with breaks, a timetable), "Stay calm" (talk to someone, a short walk). Imperatives give advice ("Switch off your phone an hour before bed"), and the call to action is "Start your plan tonight!"

3. Rewrite this weak bullet so it would earn marks: "• Good teachers"

   Show answer

   Possible answer: "• Expert coaching: every session is led by a qualified teacher who will help you improve week by week." (A heading word + colon + a full, developed benefit.)