Understanding Different Writing Formats
Narrative Writing Essentials
A narrative tells a story, typically set in the past. It can be based on real events or be entirely imaginary.
Structure
- Paragraph 1: Introduce the characters and explain the background.
- Paragraph 2: Describe the main event(s).
- Paragraph 3: Explain what happened in the end (resolution).
Linkers
Useful linking words include: Also, although, as, as well, because, but.
Useful Expressions
- I will never forget it.
- It was the best day of my life.
Content Tips
- Add detail to make the story engaging.
- Ensure events follow a logical order.
- Use appropriate narrative tenses (e.g., Past Simple, Past Continuous, Present Perfect, Past Perfect).
Topic Essay Fundamentals
A topic essay provides information about a specific subject.
Structure
- Paragraph 1: Introduction to the subject.
- Paragraph 2: Discuss the first main idea or point.
- Paragraph 3: Discuss the second main idea or point.
- Paragraph 4: Discuss the third main idea or point.
- Paragraph 5: Conclusion summarizing the information.
Useful Language
- Giving examples: such as + noun (e.g., “Various genres, such as fantasy and science fiction…”)
- Expressing cause: Because, due to
- Expressing effect: As a result, consequently
Content Tips
- Include facts rather than opinions.
- Provide examples to support your points.
Informal Letter Composition
An informal letter (or email) is written to people you know personally, usually sharing news about your life.
Structure
- Greeting: Begin with a suitable informal greeting (e.g., Hi Ana, Dear Ben,).
- First Paragraph: Explain why you are writing or respond to a previous email/letter.
- Middle Paragraph(s): Give information, share news, or ask questions. Use new paragraphs for different topics.
- Closing: Finish the letter and say goodbye appropriately (e.g., Best wishes, See you soon,), followed by your name.
Useful Language
- Greetings: Dear [Name], Hi [Name], Hello [Name],
- Thinking about the person: Hope all’s well. How are you? How are things?
- Responding to previous contact: Thanks for your letter/email. It was great to hear from you.
- Apologizing: I’m sorry I haven’t written for ages, but…
- Giving interesting news: Guess what? Did I tell you that…? You’ll never believe this, but…
- Advising and suggesting: If I were you, I’d… Maybe you should… How about…?
- Adding information: Also, as well, too, besides, another thing is…
- Closing: Take care, Bye for now, All the best, Best wishes, See you soon, Write soon,
Content Tips
- Use informal language (contractions, colloquialisms where appropriate).
- Employ a variety of verbs and vocabulary.
- Consider your reader and the relationship you have.
Discussion Essay Structure
A discussion essay presents arguments for and against a particular topic, exploring different viewpoints.
Structure
- Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Introduce the topic with a general statement and outline the different sides to be discussed.
- Paragraph 2 (Arguments For/One Side): Present arguments supporting one side of the issue, often with supporting evidence or examples.
- Paragraph 3 (Arguments Against/Other Side): Present arguments supporting the opposing viewpoint, again with evidence or examples.
- Paragraph 4 (Conclusion): Summarize the main points from both sides and give your own balanced opinion or perspective.
Useful Language
- Introducing points: Firstly, Secondly, Finally, To begin with,
- Adding arguments: Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Also,
- Giving evidence/examples: For example, For instance, According to…, It is often cited that…
- Linkers of contrast: Although, However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, In contrast, While,
- Comparing: There are advantages and disadvantages to… One benefit is…, whereas a drawback is…
- Summing up: All in all, In conclusion, To sum up, On balance,
- Giving an opinion: I strongly feel that…, In my view…, From my perspective…, It seems to me that…
Content Tips
- Use linkers of contrast effectively to compare and contrast ideas.
- Include relevant examples or evidence to support arguments.
- Maintain formal language and an objective tone until the conclusion (where appropriate).
Formal Letter Protocol
A formal letter is used when writing to organizations or individuals you do not know personally, often to request information, apply for a job, or make a complaint.
Structure
- Greeting: Begin with a suitable formal greeting (e.g., Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Mr. Smith, Dear Ms. Jones,).
- First Paragraph: Clearly state the reason for writing.
- Middle Paragraph(s): Provide necessary details, information, or ask specific questions. Start a new paragraph for each distinct topic or point.
- Closing: Finish your letter with a suitable formal closing expression (e.g., Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely,) followed by your typed name below your signature.
Useful Language
- Greetings: Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. [Last Name], Dear Sir or Madam, (Use ‘Sir or Madam’ if you don’t know the name).
- Explaining why you are writing: I am writing because… / I am writing in response to… / I am writing to enquire about… / I am writing regarding…
- Sequencing ideas: Firstly, Secondly, Finally, Furthermore, In addition, Also,
- Making enquiries: I would be interested to know… / Could you please provide information about…? / I would appreciate it if you could…
- Making complaints: I am writing to complain about… / It was clearly stated that…, but… / I was very disappointed with… / I would like to express my dissatisfaction with…
- Other useful phrases: I would like to point out that… / I look forward to hearing from you. / Thank you for your time and consideration.
- Saying goodbye: Yours sincerely (if you started with Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]), Yours faithfully (if you started with Dear Sir or Madam).
Content Tips
- Follow the correct layout for a formal letter (addresses, date).
- Use formal language (avoid contractions, slang, overly casual phrasing).
- Use indirect questions where appropriate for politeness (e.g., “I was wondering if you could tell me…” instead of “Tell me…”).