ARTICLE

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

An article can ✔ May use contractions Have you ever..

✔ Emotive language
• describe an experience, event, ✔ piece of writing usually The best beach you could ever
✔ Direct quotes
person or place intended for publication in imagine
✔ Narrative voice
a newspaper, magazine or
• present an opinion or balanced ✔ Use of questions You absolutely must …
journal for a wide audience
argument ✔ May include humor,
✔ formal or informal, Can you imagine …
amusing stories, anecdotes,
• compare and contrast depending on the target
reported speech and Are you interested in things out of
audience
• provide information descriptions the ordinary?
✔ like a direct conversation
✔ Use varied vocabulary and
• offer suggestions with the reader. I’m sure you’d agree
descriptive language
✔ It has to get attention and
• offer advice appropriate for the article . I must tell you about …
be interesting click-baiting
Imagery
technique Just imagine..
✔ Will use a lively magazine
✔ Will have a title and the
style. Are you one of those people…?
name of the author
✔ Will use paragraphing and
✔ Will have an appropriate Do you enjoy being surprised?
cohesive devices –not too
introduction and
formal-- which structure You wouldn’t believe
conclusion
the development of ideas
✔ Should give opinions and
effectively
thoughts, as well as facts.
✔ Word Order in adjectives
✔ Will make the writer’s
✔ Intensifying adjectives and
 viewpoint clear adverbs
✔ Have a grabbing title ✔ DO NOT use over-
✔ May have sub headings personal or over-emotional
language or simplistic
Before you begin writing it is
vocabulary.
important to consider:
✔ DO NOT talk about
• where is the article going to yourself. (better 3rd
appear - in a newspaper or person)
magazine?
• who are the intended readers
- a specific group such as
students or teenagers, or adults
in general?
• what is the aim of the article
- to advise, suggest, inform,
compare and contrast, describe,
etc.?
 BLOG ENTRY
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

It is an online journal or ✔ Can be narrative-driven ✔ Emotive language

informational website displaying (with a reverse ✔ Narrative voice. Reported
In my last entry, you may
information in the reverse chronological order of Speech for conversations
remember we dealt with…
chronological order, with the latest events, past tenses –travel ✔ Descriptive details of
posts appearing first. It is a blog-- or get across our events, thoughts…
platform where a writer or even a points, so like an essay it ✔ Normally written in first
group of writers share their views depends so on the focal person unless it’s too So are you thinking about…?
on an individual subject point and how developed thesis-driven
✔ Must have a very personal ✔ Direct, thought-provoking
and direct touch. Interact questions to the reader. Okay, you may think that…
with readers, ask them to Imperatives
respond your questions, ✔ Chatty, informal language
share personal issues. and register Now I’ll tell you the good stuff
✔ Catching-eye title ✔ Maintain awareness of the about…
✔ Must grab the reader’s audience through the use of
attention all time second person pronoun.
✔ Provide background info to ✔ Will use paragraphing and Don’t miss my next entries. In
 set the scene cohesive devices –not short I’ll talk to you about an
✔ Maintain awareness of formal-- which structure experience you’ll all be looking
audience. the development of ideas forward to…
✔ Will have blog features effectively. Short
such as first person paragraphs
reflection and narration, ✔ Some limited use of textese
direct approach, sense of (eg 4 for four/for and u for
the reader, and spontaneity you) and/or emoticons is
✔ Short paragraphs permissible
✔ May have sub-headings
with quirky/funny opening
sentences.
✔ Say good-bye to the reader
and invite him/her to keep
updated in your blog.

BROCHURE, LEAFLET, PAMPHLET

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

Communicate in a succinct but ✔ They must be concise and ✔ Use of headings, NATURAL LIFE
efficient way to relatively small write efficiently and subheadings and bullet
audience information about a new succinctly points Collection of ideas from people
product, an offer, a service or ✔ Address your audience ✔ Simple and who love nature and beauty
directly and clearly straightforward language
even call for action. ✔ Engaging, eye-catching ✔ Semi-formal or informal
title language
✔ Short paragraphs ✔ Direct language especially FIRST AID-KIT
✔ Will present lucid overall when you know the
Don’t be indifferent
structure of argument audience. You can use
✔ Begin with the benefits of questions Save lives!
your message. Most ✔ Capital letters, change of
important info comes first size/fonts and slogans and
✔ Make sure you know what other techniques to stand Welcome to our restaurant!
the reader must do next. message out
Include contact details
Don’t stay quiet. Raise your
voice!

WHAT IS STAPLE FOOD?

SUMMER FOR KIDS

Contact us at…

COVER LETTER/PERSONAL STATEMENT

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

It is a short, reflective essay you ✔ An effective personal ✔ Don’t clutter it up with Dear Hiring Manager
write about why you’re the perfect statement will answer the boring business speak, and To Whom It May Concern
candidate for something (work, following questions: banish clichés such as ‘hard
university admission…). It is a ● Who am I? worker’ and ‘works well Dear Human Resources Manager
picture of you as a person, a ● Who do I want to be? individually or as part of a
student, a potential scholarship ● What kind of contribution team
winner or the best candidate for a do I want to make, and ✔ Powerful positive Enthusiastic school leaver with five
work vacancy how? adjectives. Intensifying GCSEs looking for an
● Why am I the perfect adverbs apprenticeship in the engineering
candidate? ✔ Work/Education field
✔ Should include a brief terminology
overview of who you are,
your strengths and any I am very interested in the entry
work experience and/or level position that is available…
education you've got.
✔ The goal: grab the readers'
interest, and make them It is my understanding that you
want to meet you for an have been deluged with resumes
interview. since…
✔ Even if you have little-to-no
work experience, you can
find other ways to sell Possessing good written and verbal
yourself, include your communication and an interest in
hobbies and interests that … which has spanned my lifetime
demonstrate skills which with a particular passion for …
are relevant to the job
 you’re applying for
✔ Don’t list only interests.
A pro-active sales professional
Demonstrate them.
with over six years’ experience
✔ Must hook the reader’s
attention by adopting a
polite, professional and
positive tone This role have enabled me to
✔ Keep it short, precise. develop a valuable and
Concision is important transferable skill set which stands
✔ Should end with your me in good stead for…
objective. It’s a chance to
wrap up your statement
with an explanation of why Looking for a start in the exciting
you want the role and why world of … where I can learn a
you’re the best candidate trade and realise a lifetime
✔ DO NOT include anything ambition.
negative
✔ DO NOT be vague or
regurgitate generic things. A big part of my life in high school
Your personal statement was competitive debating. I
needs to be tailored to your competed and ranked highly in
specific skills and numerous tournaments on the
achievements regional, provincial, national, and
international levels

I want to attend The University X

because it has an unparalleled
 reputation in terms of the quality of
students, faculty, and education.

DIARY / JOURNAL ENTRY

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

✔ It is a record (originally in ✔ Very personal, you jot ✔ “I” statements. First person I wonder that will happen if…
handwritten format) with down your feelings, perspective.
discrete entries arranged by reflections so it speaks ✔ Start with “Dear diary” if
date reporting on what has your mind. you want. It’s hard to understand why I feel
happened over the course ✔ The beginning of your ✔ Spontaneous, unplanned like this but who knows…
of a day or other period. journal writing can just be language
A diary/journal is a an introduction to your ✔ You can use 2nd person as
collection of notes, is thoughts at the time. It is a if you were talking to a Sometimes I feel like I’m…
strictly a record of personal reflective exercise. friend but you’re talking to
and daily experiences ✔ Write naturally, quickly yourself
 written from a personal and honestly. Can be a ✔ Finish with a concluding I shouldn’t have said…
perspective. cathartic experience. statement kind of final
✔ Can be used for you to ✔ Keep each journal entry thought: (who wonders
set goals and track your dated what will happen…) I don’t want to think about…
progress towards these ✔ Entries can be titled. Short, ✔ Exclamations
goals grabbing title. ✔ Rhetorical questions (How
✔ Can be used to help you ✔ Will have a closing could I have imagined…) The other day I read the following
identify negative thought statement to round off the ✔ --I wonder, I suppose, I quote (..) which made me think
patterns entry reckon, I imagine… typical of…
sentences when you’re not
sure about something.
Conditionals. Do you really think this is
✔ Will not use self-evident admissible?
explanatory phrases or
sentences, eg will use “I
saw Alicia”, not “I
sawAlicia, my best friend”.
✔ Write inspirational quotes
✔ Some limited use of textese
and emoticons as well as
little drawings is
admissible.
 ESSAYS

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

It is a short piece of writing for ✔ Contains a thesis: a ✔ Formal language and In the following essay we are
academic purposes. An essay statement or an opinion register. DO NOT use going to analyze…
consists of several paragraphs that is discussed in a contractions.
about a certain topic. An logical way and presented ✔ Cohesive devices and
expository essay is a type of with evidence in order to linkers (addition, As we willl seelater it cannot be
writing that evaluates and explains prove that it is true contrasting, cause- forgotten, furthermroe…
a certain issue or a topic, whereas ✔ Structured composed by 1) consequence relationships,
an argumentative essay contains a question or title with a concluding justifying,
not only statistics and facts but stimulus, 2) an opening as sequence…)
writer’s personal ideas. a general presentation of ✔ Can be written in first
It is obvious that…
the topic in one or two person or in a more indirect
sentences introduction with voice (passive, third
the thesis, 3) the body, person)
which consists of one or To put it another way
more supporting
paragraphs which expand
on the topic and 4) the Another key factor to remember…
closing, with one, two or
three sentences that
summarise, wrap up the Needless to say…
main idea
✔ Clear, justified examples
for everything With this in mind…

✔ Well structured paragraphs

✔ Well argued ideas In view, light of…
✔ Must sound convincing
✔ Can show different patterns
(zig-zagging, one-sided, Having said that…
opposition’s arguments
first).
✔ You needn’t ignore the All things considered….
opinions of others. The
best opinion articles refer
to other viewpoints and
refute them
 INTERVIEW
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

A structured conversation where ✔ It is essentially a dialogue, ✔ Informal to semi-formal And then we moved on to…, we

one participant asks questions, and well structured and register. If it’s not quite discussed…, then we proceeded…,
the other provides answers.[1] In coherent informal, DO NOT
common parlance, the word ✔ Eye-catching title contract.
"interview" refers to a one-on-one ✔ Short introduction ✔ Will use a style aimed at When asked about…, on the
conversation between providing background involving and interesting subject of…regarding
an interviewer and an interviewee about the interviewee and
 the interview (Whs) the reader
✔ Will not be a ✔ Will refer to the interview,
,he explained, she commented,
✔ verbatim transcript. Must including direct quotations
they pointed out…
look like an article. and/or reported speech not
✔ Clarify and ask for only verbs but expressions
examples, point out, like When asked
contradict or show about….On the subject Here s/he hesitated, mumbled,
disagreement of….Regarding…. groaned, offered the following
✔ Analyse and reflect ✔ Description and personality advice, explained in tears…
attitude, position, eye- vocabulary and language.
contact, feelings, non Tell details
verbal language ✔ Word order in adjectives.
✔ You can inject humor Intensifying adjectives and
✔ Name of the author could adverbs.
be included ✔ Strong sense of
interviewer’s voice
✔ Creating a vivid imagery
like a visualized story in
the minds of the readers.
Active voice.
✔ Quotation Marks for
figures of speech
✔ Sequence Connectors.
Narrative features.
✔ Special Typo (square
brackets, colons, commas)
 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE
It is a letter sent to ✔ It consists of 1) an
a publication about issues of introduction where we ✔ Extremely formal, distant
I am writing to express my support
concern from its readers. Usually, present our reason for writing and even reproaching tone
for/(dis)approval of …;
letters are intended for publication. and our opinion about the –you normally write
topic, 2) then we present our because you fully disagree
Is there a cause or opinion you
arguments/the problems, with something written--.
could write about in a letter to the I am writing with regard to …
together with DO NOT abbreviate.
editor? Is there an article you’ve
consequences/suggestions/res ✔ Will adopt an appropriately
read, to which you would like to
ults, in separate paragraphs serious tone
respond? In the above-mentioned article,
and 3) the conclusion, where ✔ Connecting linkers to
we summarise our opinion or sequence or list points and you raised some issues…
write it again using different emphasize the situation
words and we call for action (firstly, secondly,
if our proposals are not furthermore, what is more, I would like to bring your attention
considered therefore…) that this is not true
✔ Will refer to the original ✔ Frequent expressions and
article/issue raised. linkers to express opinion
✔ Will include the name and the and intention ( I would like I am absolutely convinced readers
address of the person writing to recommend, highlight… will agree with me…
✔ Be timely and sincere. in my opinion, the purpose This is an issue I feel strongly
Respond within a few days to of writing this letter is…) commited about…
articles that appear in the ✔ Use of the subjunctive
paper, especially prominent (i.e,after expressions like It
articles or editorial page is urgent, we demand
I hope my
opinions that…)as well as other
comments/suggestions/points will
✔ You can refute information or formal structures.
be taken into consideration;
opinions in the published ✔ Use of resources to get
articles or you can support across your ideas clearly
 them. (objection, support) and
✔ Most important points should emphasize your point of
Expecting prompt action
come first view. Show conviction.
✔ You can make a call to Intensifying adverbs and
action. adjectives should appear.
✔ Polite but assertive tone ✔ Proper use of intensifiers, Yours faithfully
✔ Should provide evidence such as adverbs to
backing up your views emphasize your speech but
✔ Should always reflect the avoid exaggeration,
desire/hope of the writer to informal, emotive
see things changed language, idioms or
✔ Will include a polite greeting deliberate misspellings
and a closing salutation. (gonna) and of course,
Recommended to use title, swearing.
contact data…
 NEWS REPORT
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

Piece of writing found in ✔ Contains facts, impact, ✔ Keep it objective. Slant According to (our sources, a
newspapers and their purpose is to emotion and context doesn’t mean biased dramatic testimony from…)
inform readers of what is ✔ The inverted pyramid. ✔ Formal language.
happening in the world around Most important info comes Complete sentences. DO
them. first NOT use contractions
✔ Has an angle or slant ✔ Common use of the passive
✔ 5 Whs in the text voice and reporting passive It is understood, believed,
✔ Structure: 1) (relevant) but DO NOT over use it or considered…
Headline, 2) Standfirst, 3) the style will be affected
Byline, 4) Leading ✔ Past / Perfect tenses
paragraphs, 5) Supporting ✔ Personal opinions not People/witnesses interviewed on
and concluding paragraphs expressed directly th spot affirmed/declared,
✔ One idea, one paragraph ✔ Avoid emotive language claimed…
and signs (ellipisis,
exclamations)
✔ Use speculative language if S/he (then) added, emphasized,
 you can’t provide all the highlighted…
evidence
✔ Don’t get flowery. Avoid
long sentences
✔ Quote people who speak or
use reported speech
✔ May use subheadings
✔ Specific terminology
(politics, law, economy…)
✔ Explain abbreviations first
time you use them

OPINION COLUMN / EDITORIALS

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

Editorials are an article in a ✔ They are both designed to ✔ You may use quotes –
newspaper or other periodical stimulate public debate especially at the beginning
“Yesterday the Supreme Court
presenting the opinion of the ✔ Powerful headline that —to emphasize your
ruled that bus segregation was
publisher, editor or editors. It is the grabs readers’ attention and position and set the tone of
opinion of the newspaper's editorial persuades them to read the the article.
board or the senior leadership of piece (sometimes called a ✔ Consider the relationship unconstitutional”
the paper. On the contrary, opinion “kicker”) between you, as an expert
“The death sentences handed down
columns are generally written by ✔ An introductory paragraph opinion, and your
by a Saudi court to five anonymous
staff members of the newspaper or can begin with a dramatic readership. Use appropriate
men in the killing of the
invited guests. It is their personal moment to arise attention vocabulary and register.
journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the
opinion about issues. ✔ Both texts have a powerful ✔ You can use quotations
Saudi Consulate in Istanbul only
conclusion reminding the ✔ The use of “We” implies
add another level of infamy to the
reader of the main idea or that we all should share the
foul murder”
suggesting a course of same view. Common
action technique to grab attention. (dramatic moments)
✔ Very persuasive language ✔ Emotive words: extreme
but you needn’t ignore the adjectives, intensifying
opinions of others. The best adverbs… We are living the most crucial,
opinion articles refer to ✔ Very correct use of powerful moment...This can be a
other viewpoints and refute connectors and linkers. powerfully great experience or a
them. ✔ Opinion columns can go traumatic ordeal....
✔ Include facts, especially farther in using more
unknown ones, to support emotive, conversational
your argument. language. The cynical conclusion of all this
✔ Logos: appeal to logic to ✔ Opinion columns must be process is that...
persuade your readers efficient in terms of size.
✔ They can use the same They are constrained by
arguementative techniques word limit newspaper. It is time that we declare, demand,
as essays ✔ Opinion columns show the call for action...
✔ Direct style, especially writer establishing
Opinion columns themselves as an authority
✔ Editorials may invite of the topic. There is a It is reasonable to assume...
readers to send then letters powerful sense of the
 to the editor commenting on writer’s voice.
the topic. ✔ DO NOT use contractions
It is doubtful/ the pretense that
✔ Editorials would never be
justice has been even remotely
identified and thus, a byline
served must not be given any
wouldn’t exist
credence
✔ Editorials would have a
date
✔ Opinion columns will show
the name of the writer at the (newspaper’s name) is committed
beginning, under headline to publishing  a diversity of
or standfirst. letters  to the editor. We’d like to
✔ Opinion columns may hear what you think about this or
contain a brief biodata and any of our [Link]’s our
references at the end to email: 
ensure the audience
remember that the writer is
knowledgeable.

PERSONAL LETTERS/EMAILS
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

Establish a personal relationship -- Will maintain clear sense of -- Use informal, colloquial
with the reader through writing address to a specific person: sense language which remains easily
--How’re u? It’s been ages since…
of dialogue understandable
sorry but I’ve been too busy
 doing…
--Must be an entertaining paper --Direct questions and comments
able to show emotions that would “require” an answer
--I’m good, can’t wait your answer

--Tells anecdotes clearly. Arouse --Will adopt a consistently informal

--Btw, anyway,…
interest register

--It’s awful, I feel devastated…

--Simple sentence structure -- Informal language, including
phrasal verbs, informal vocabulary,
contractions, question tags.
--Well, that’s enough about this!
--Appropriate connectors for an
How’re you?
abundant use of short sentences.
Check register of these
--Will adopt a lively, engaging tone --I need to leave not but write soon
and style, perhaps with some and tell me…
--Appropriate opening and closing
“youth-speak”
salutation

--Take care!
--Control of digression. Limited
--Closing statement (excuse) and
textese and emoticons allowed.
signing off
Spelling or grammar “oral flaw”s
must be purposeful

--Typical letter of email format

(recipient address, fields) suggested
 --Exclamations and emotional signs

PROPOSAL / REPORT
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

They are document that start by ✔ It is always directed to a ✔ Be concise and precise. The aim / objective of this
describing the situation in a very specific audience. Short, clear paragraphs proposal, this report is intended
business, school, club, or other Before you start, ask ✔ Sections identified by to…
organisation you might be part of yourself to whom, why and numbers / letters / bullets
or not. The difference between a what you are writing ✔ High level of formality. DO
report and a proposal is that in the ✔ It is not an essay but will NOT use contractions or As (the school, company, council)
latter we have to give use a style aimed to phrasal verbs. may be aware…
recommendations on improving the persuade a specified ✔ Impersonal, courteous
situation. audience and persuade distant language: 3rd person,
through an enthusiastic passive forms. Following a survey amongst…
Basically they:
tone. It must sell the ✔ Avoid language such as
benefit. “might”, “hope”, “should”,
● describe a situation
✔ Will have an introduction “hope”, “perhaps” (clear A number of concerns with
● say how you think it
or statement of needs, a stand) regards…were expressed…
could be better
body with clear solutions ✔ Avoid exaggerated or
● try to convince someone
and benefits and a formal expressions
you are right conclusion reiterating These measure would
purpose and main eliminate/enhance/….the cost
argument, including the would be miniscule compared to…
potential problems if our
solutions are not considered
✔ Explains specifics of the In order to/ So as to accomplish
plan or project, and how it these objectives…
will go into effect and how
it will be evaluated.
✔ Support always your Not only will customer service be
argument with evidence improved…
(i.e. surveys or statistics)
✔ Very informative. It focuses
on the action and the facts Unless these measures are taken…
more than on opinions. It is
NOT a personal text-
✔ When writing, take a clear
stand ad set a positive tone
 REVIEW
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

It is a report in a newspaper or ✔ Made up by 1) Summary ✔ Will adopt a consistent I must recognize, I had some
magazine, or on the Internet, with details,2) Body register (informal, semi- doubts before watching….I
television or radio, in which consisting of 2.1) formal or formal) but you’d expected it…
somebody gives their opinion of a Introduction 2.2.) better NOT use
book, event, play, film/movie, etc Supporting paragraphs y 3) contractions.
verdict or recommendation ✔ Can use first or third person The film/book gives us insight
✔ Not only summarize key depending on the approach into…
points but evaluate to the reader.
✔ Never mention spoiler ✔ May sound chatty or expert
details insightful ideas depending The film serves as a great
✔ Think about the publication, on the audience entertainment…
 your role there, the ✔ May use sense of humor to
audience and decide if your sound authentic if register
The music conveys a
attitude will be opinionated, allows it
sad/happy/melancholy atmosphere
balanced, humoruous, ✔ Very descriptive.
intelligent… Abondance of powerful
✔ Use a lead or attention- adverbs and adjectives.
grabber ✔ Abondant twist and turns The music underlines a
✔ Will use a tone and style to between the subjective and mood/evokes feelings/shows a
engage the reader the objective view and character’s
✔ Will have a title intended to comparatives based on emotions/connects scenes
attract and interest the reader. expectations, previous
Make sure you sound works: correct and frequent
knowledgeable. use of connectors. It is extremely worthwhile
✔ Will use a lively, direct ✔ Connectors that give watch/read…
style aimed to interest and sequence and coherence to
entertain the readers. Will the plot-telling part.
express enthusiasm ✔ Use of present tenses It will change the way you
✔ DO NOT write as if it were preferred over past ones. think/see…
a script but tell the DO NOT mix them.
information in structured ✔ Lots of book/film
paragraphs terminology It is an unbelievably depicted
✔ Will include the name of ✔ May use sub-headings portrayal of…
the reviewer
✔ May use a system of
ratings; this should be
rewarded. True to (writer, director’s) style…

Overall, I would recommend it

 especially…

SET OF INSTRUCTIONS OR GUIDELINES

PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

They are texts that help you make ✔ They are know-how and so ✔ Common use of the
choices when deciding on a course they rely heavily on imperative form, especially
DO NOT PUT YOUR RECYCLING
of action. When you’re faced with instructions to give instructions,
IN PLASTIC BAGS – It cannot be
a problem or decision, guidelines ✔ They do not simply give although it can follow an
processed at the recycling center
set out standard routines or good orders, they suggest indirect speech in the form
practice to follow. solutions and procedures of a paragraph
✔ Cautions, warnings or ✔ Bullet points, numbers or
specifying statements are headings and subheadings SORTING OUT YOUR TRASH
common are common 1. …
✔ Divide the main topic in ✔ Will adopt a semi-formal 2. …
elements or categories. register possibly with
Break down instructions informal touches
into small steps so each ✔ Address readers directly but 10 Tips to Keep Using your
section is easy to follow politely, not bossy. Modal Household Appliances Longer
with enough detail to help verbs
the reader ✔ Sequentially ordered steps.
✔ Address your audience Sequence connectors Simple instructions to change a
clearly ✔ Choose your words bulb
✔ Be precise and concise carefully, Firstly, turn off the electricity.
✔ If it is a process, it should avoiding jargon and Secondly, remove the light bulb.
be organized technical terms if you can. Then, screw in the new light bulb
chronologically ✔ Give an example or
✔ Very factual often an analogy, if you think a
✔ You can add useful statement may puzzle a Please remember, this does not
diagrams, illustrations or reader. incorporate batteries
photographs to help the ✔ Short, to the point ideas.
 reader understand your Very often connectors are
advice dropped out
And finally the …should work as
✔ Should have a clear, ✔ Change of size/fonts used
you plug it to…
supportive title and a
conclusion that signals
completion of task
✔ Should be easy to read
 SPEECH / INTRODUCTION TO DEBATE
PURPOSE FEATURES LANGUAGE POINTS LANGUAGE IN USE

It is a text addressed to a listening ✔ It has a clear purpose:

audience where the speaker wants entertain, demonstrate,
✔ Semi formal to informal Dear sirs and madams
to make impact, hold attention, welcome, persuade, inform.
register. It is intended to be
convince them of an idea… ✔ Most difficult part (when
spoken. You may use
carried out): find the right
contractions to make it I feel very deeply honored and
form to connect with and
more fluent depending on privileged to…
address the audience.
the register. Full forms can
✔ Very persuasive and
help you be better heard.
moderately emotive tone
✔ Will use paragraphing and Well, I am here today to tell to you
✔ In the introduction we will
cohesive devices which why it is imperative
the following things:
structure the development
+greet them
of ideas effectively
+grab attention
✔ May have flashes of History can provide many lessons
+make sure they understand
humour. to
the topic
✔ Greeting expressions
+cite our knowledge or
✔ Use of pronouns or direct
expertise: convince
speech. When you fight for … you're not
+outline the points to cover
✔ Emotive language resources only fighting to
✔ In the main body we’ll give
 our explanations and to keep contact with your
supporting evidence. It will audience (rethorical
We have a serious issue on our
give examples devices: lists of three,
hands.
✔ Must wrap up a clear repetitions, direct or
conclusion when we restate rethorical questions,
our arguments using discourse markers, question
different words. tag, imperatives, abstract Today I will discuss some of the
✔ Final sentence should be a nouns (I have a dream)…) shocking statistics, sad stories, and
clincher or a call to action ✔ Connecting linkers to a beautiful plan.
and thanking the audience sequence or list points and
for listening to you emphasize the situation
(firstly, secondly, To start off, I will discuss the
furthermore, what is more, current problem we have
therefore…)
✔ Declarative sentences with
facts that are difficult to
argue against Here are some shocking statistics:
✔ Predominant active voice.
More motivational Now that you know enough
about, hopefully you’ll
understand…
Through this speech, I have
informed you about the basics,
advantages and disadvantages,
of…You can rest easy knowing…
 Ladies and gentlemen, I have
provided you with information
about…

FORMAL / INFORMAL WRITING

FORMAL INFORMAL

FEATURES EXAMPLES FEATURES EXAMPLES

Latin/French based verbs remove, retain, consult, enter Phrasal verbs take away/ out, keep back, look p,
 go/come in
Uncommon words/sophisticated purchase, procure, cease, Common words with hardly any buy, get, stop, chew, nice, a lot
vocabulary masticate, delicious, endless... power
Unabbreviated forms If you will take a seat, I will Abbreviated forms and I’ll, asap, memo…
consider your request contractions
inmmediately.
Passive and Impersonal forms Cfr. A meeting has been scheduled Active and personal forms (first We’ve set a meeting for 3 Oct at
for 3 October 2005 at 11 a.m. and second person more used) 11 a.m.
It is said that… They say that …
It is possible to consider the We can consider the results from
results viewpoint. another from another viewpoint.
It is not clear why such terrible... I can’t understand why they put up
I

Noun phrases The President’s speeches were Verb phrases The P. was talking rubbis
rather unintelligible
You could tell from his voice
that.....
His tone of voice revealed that …
I’ve described/set outwhat

My findings are outlined below.

Not ending with preposition To whom were you speaking? Ending with preposition Who were you speaking to?

Use the right tone. Be correct, I would urge to consider, Imperatives and straightforward You must visit this place for sure!
polite and distant languages. Friendly and familiar
I would be grateful if you could manners
If you don’t do it, I will sue you till
it would be kind from you to… the last penny!

Subordinate clauses and complex In spite of the fact that cruises More simple connectors Cruises around the Mediterranean
connectors round the Mediterranean are are fairly expensive, but they seem
fairly expensive, they seem to be to be very popular
very popular
Use of inversion and other formal Should you require any additional No inversion unless we need to If you need any more
structures information... emphasize. More colloquial forms information…
If you would take a seat... Take a seat and…
That would increase the risk f your
getting hurt...
We demand that this situation be
immediately resolved…
I would not object to theirs
proposing…
OTHERS: OTHERS:
 Please refer to… stuff, a lot of, things, sort of…
✔ Avoid use of very direct ✔ Colloquial words, similes
and imperative forms. Use and expressions
I would urge you to take action…
the right one even if you’re ✔ Slang or jargon
complaining (please ✔ Imperatives
✔ Longer and more complex ✔ Friendly, familiar manners
sentences are preferred To whom it may correspond… ✔ Use of personal or flowery
✔ The format is more closely language
respected (salutation, body, ✔ Emotional tone
inside address, closing...) Your sincerely ✔ Discourse markers,
✔ Linguistic and rhetorical question tags and even
functions clearly expressed some some limited use of
(statements, objections, The purpose of this letter is… textese (eg 4 for four/for
proposals, complaints...) and u for you) and/or
✔ No exclamation marks or emoticons is permissible.
emotional language May I respectfully suggest that
✔ More factual than personal you ...
✔ May contain bullet points,
numbering… Unless you ... , I am afraid that I
✔ Be concise and to the point will have to take this matter
further