TYPE OF WRITING
PARAGRAPH 1
OPINION ESSAY/ARTICLE
FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY/ARTICLE
STRUCTURE
Introduce each paragraph with a
Introduce the topic and give
your opinion. Say whether you
agree or disagree with the
statement.
PARAGRAPH 2
Give a reason to support your
opinion.
PARAGRAPH 3
Give a second reason to
support your opinion.
PARAGRAPH 4
Summarize your ideas and
repeat your opinion using
different words.
PARAGRAPH 1
Introduce the topic. The
opening should engage the
readers interest and give a
hint of what is to follow.
PARAGRAPH 2
state your arguments for
PARAGRAPH 3
state your arguments against.
PARAGRAPH 4
refer back to the topic and
summarize. Here you can say
why you find one side more
convincing than the other.
BASIC DOS
Dont use colloquial expressions.
topic sentence, outlining the
main ideas.
Do not write about advantages
or disadvantages or points for or
against.
Write in formal style.
The last paragraph should leave
the reader with something to
think about and relate back to
the introduction.
Remember to use a variety of
structures and vocabulary
adequate to your level.
Use connectors of contrast and
purpose.
Clearly indicate where your
paragraphs start and where they
end.
BASIC DON'TS
Dont use short forms.
Dont use emotive vocabulary.
Dont give personal examples.
dont use informal style ( no
contractions, colloquial words,
or emotional language).
Avoid unjustified generalisations
by using may and might.
Avoid bringing disadvantages
that are merely the opposite of
the advantage.
TYPE OF WRITING STRUCTURE BASIC DOS BASIC DON'TS

OPENING PARAGRAPH Keep it clear, concise and to the dont use informal style ( no
State why you are writing. point. contractions, colloquial words,
Establish a point of contact or emotional language).
(advertisement in a specific place for a
specific position; a particular person's
suggestion that you write): give some
brief idea of who you are (a Senior
engineering student at UW; a recent
Ph.D. in History).

PARAGRAPHS 2, 3
Highlight a few of the most salient
points from your enclosed CV.
Arouse your reader's curiosity by
COVERING LETTER mentioning points that are likely to be
important for the position you are
seeking.
Show how your education and
experience suit the requirements of the
position, and explain what you could
contribute to the organization.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Politely request an interview at the
employer's convenience.
Thank the reader for his/her
consideration and indicate that you are
looking forward to hearing from
him/her.
TYPE OF WRITING STRUCTURE BASIC DOS BASIC DON'TS

follow the standard composition don't be rude, angry, sarcastic in

Salutation
format for a formal letter tone, and don't threaten
Introduction why am I writing?
describe your problem and the leave out any background
Explaining the problem
COMPLAINT LETTER outcome you want information that isnt absolutely
Expressing dissatisfaction
be organized. essential to your complaint
Saying what you want
ask for a response within a
Closing the letter
reasonable time

Introduction the information should be reports are the most impersonal

This report is intended for...
The objective/aim of this report is to...
Headings
Reports should have a clear factual
REPORT heading and may also have subheadings
which divide the writing into shorter
sections.
Making recommendations
Therefore, I would recommend that..
It would be advisable
organised and presented as
clearly and logically as possible
use the impersonal It
construction and a passive, e.g.
It seems that It was found that
use passive voice
kind of writing and it is usually
best to avoid expressing
personal opinions or feelings
avoid introducing sentences
with I think... because a report
needs to be objective. We can
use sentences such as according
to, it is based on

Make sure you answer all the Avoid repeating the same
Your readers will be a judge or panel of points required in the task. vocabulary.
judges. Look for other ways to express
You are expected to provide a response ideas.
to a question. Sound enthusiastic.
COMPETITION ENTRY Your entry needs to catch the readers Be descriptive.
attention. Use a good range of appropriate
vocabulary and some informal
expressions or phrasal verbs.
Use language of persuasion.
Include a strong final paragraph.