The kind of praise that helps
Original practice source: a commentary about praise.
Praise can make a person feel that their work has been noticed. A particular comment may identify a successful choice which the maker can understand and use again. Encouragement need not wait until the whole result is complete.
A broad compliment can also leave someone unsure what was valued, or make a future attempt feel like a test of maintaining an impressive label. Praise is not automatically helpful because its intention is friendly. Its value may depend on accuracy, timing and whether the person has room to describe a difficulty alongside the success.
A national newspaper is running an essay competition on the statement: “Praise is always helpful.”
Write an essay for the competition arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2 Section B: Directed writing, covering 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose, 2.2.2 Responding to multiple and diverse demands, and 2.2.3 Writing linked to the Section A sources. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.