English writing notes Informal Email writing : Structure : Subject: Idenitfy the topic of the email Dear Amr, (1) Greeting. * if you are writing for a group of people use a greeting that identify all of them , e.g: Hello team, I ‘m sorry for not writing to you for ages, as I was a busy beaver preparing for my difficult, long-lasting exams. I’ve been dying to share with you about a recent experience I had while online shopping * Use same structure change appropriately with the question * As you know, I like going to gym and listening to music, and my wired headphones just weren’t doing anymore as they kept getting tangled in all sorts of things. Made me look stupid a couple of times so I decided to buy a wireless one. As I was searching I found one that fit my requirements perfectly. *personalize: As you know , etc* The headphones reached shortly after, and I immediately got to trying them. After connecting them and playing some music, it turns out only one side of the headphones worked and the other side was just pure static noise. I assume this is just a defective product as the reviews are promising. I will contact customer support and try to get a replacement. Who knows maybe the replacement is also broken. I’ve got to hit the sack now, its getting pretty late. I will update you as soon as the replacement arrives. See you soon! Lovingly yours, Amr * one paragraph for each point * Article (Discursive/ Report / Review) 1) Discursive: - a persuasie and debating style writing that the writer gives two sides to the argument the FOR and the against. Structure: 1) Introduction - breifly talk about the two sides of the debate 2) Body 1 - 2 advantages and 1 example 3) Body 2 - 2 disadvantages and 1 example 4) Conclusion - In conclusion………….. In my opinion 1) Introduction : Nowadays, people think its better to do …../ people around the globe are doing this……/, although many people agree having..,../ doing …… is beneficial / good, most people disagree. E.g : Nowadays,people around the globe are setting CCTV cameras at homes and workplaces. Although many people agree to having CCTV camera, most people disagree. 2) Body 1 : One the one hand, having cctvs can help catch inappropriate behaviour in schools or prevent bullying , moreover: can help in emergency situations For example in case of a fire 3) Body 2: On the other hand : It can make people feel watched Costly Students oversmart them Example : students can bully in CCTV camera blind-spots 4) conclusion: In conclusion : having CCTV can be really beneficial at times yet a very bad idea as well. In my opinion, CCTVs are essential in every public space for everyone’s safety. 2) Report Writing : Steps and tips to writing a good report : 1st Step: Read the question carefully to ensure you understand and know what it is asking for, *tip* underline the important points in pencil* 2nd Step: Spend about 5 minutes or less making a plan of the report you are about to write, it should give a brief insight about what details you are going to include in your introduction, body and conclusion 3rd Step: Come with a title IN BLOCK CAPITALS , brief and relevant and will give you a good start Final Step Actually Writing it: First you start with introduction which should include the important details of the event you are reporting on The 5 W’s Who? ( the class) What? ( a trip) When? ( last week ) Where? ( Atlantis Dubai ) Why? ( Entertainment ) The intro should be strong, but concise Secondly, You have the body 1 and 2 : In both bodies you will be answering each of the points You have to organise them according to the question You could have a paragraph for each points asked E.g: -What you did on the trip (write about 3 points) : Spoke to empolyees Visited sorting unit Watched plastic recycling process -What did you learn from it ( about 2 points): Only 50% of materials brought in are recycled Recycling halps the environment Ending Paragraph : Briefly conclude the report and if you are asked a question like write a suggestion for an improvement, so write this in the conclusion, write a couple of sentences outlining your views of the trip you went on, e,g: Long , informative , fun , entertaining E.g: The trip was useful and overall well planned and excuted except for it’s duration, it was a bit short. I belive if 3) Review *imp, new writing style* Structure goes as follows: 1) Introduction : In the introduction its not a general one about the topic , it is talking specifically about the thing you are reviewing , try to answer the questions of Who went? Who is the author? What is the setting of the story? Describe the book? -> Insightful / controversial / Amazing For example : if its a book review, Write the full book title , the author name , a one-line description of what the story is about 2) Body 1 : In this paragraph you will expand the one-line description in the introduction , dont write the whole story just the begining , use PRESENT TENSE for verbs and linking words to outline the story *Note: use words that fit the theme * E.g: Amir, the son a wealthy Afghan, shares a close bond with their household servan’ts son, Hassan. But a fateful kite-flying competition sets them to part their ways, the boy’s lives take them on a journey of love and redemption Bodey 2: Opinion Just state how the book has impacted you , inspiring? Thought-provoking? Life-changing? E,g: The book made me realise how fragile yet precious our relationships that we make are and that we must always take a chance on our loved ones. In addition, it taught me the importance of people in our lives and how they shape us to be who we are. Continuation : Last body: Recommendation State wether you would recommend this book, to whom and why. The tale was beautifully narrated and the writing was simple yet hearttouching. Moreover, the characters were well developed and it was a fast-paced story making it exciting to read. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy character driven stories set in troubled times. TIPS - Mostly writings that will come will be informal letter or an article to school magazine which is semi-formal - in in-formal writing try to use more idioms like : - busy beaver - a buzzing bee - under the weather - once in a blue moon - walking on thin ice - giving a cold sholder - hit the sack - also try to use some uncommon vocabulary here and there : Ecstatic, having a blast, through the roof, over the moon , ……. Over ……. E.g: a burger over a bowl of salad, Defective , but dont overuse them - aovid repeating words , instead if you are constantly referring to something use pronouns - have a writing style thats same always but changes depending on the question: For instance : letter writing you use the same intro lways keep it the same just change the small part depending on the question , keep in mind the examiner is seeing your writing for the first time only - in report writing try to say where you got this info from , in the introduction E.g : school survey , interviewed some students or observation - answer the question requirements in the same order they are given in - in report in body 1 and 2 , use statistical words such as: Minority , Majority , on average , or just use a rough percentage you feel would represent an actual value - and in the report give at least 2 points for each requirement ( written above ) - use lots of transitional devices , check next page for examples - last paragraph in report/ article writing : start with a transitional device , such as: To conclude , to sumit up and then go with your opinion . List of helpful words/idioms Busy beaver Under the weather Cold shoulder Once in a Blue moon Walking on thin ice Buzzing bee Piece of cake Cost an arm and a leg Spill the beans Kick the bucket * not preferred* Out of the blue let the cat out of the bag break the ice When pigs fly Let the cat out of the bag Ecstatic Through the roof Over the moon Desperate Contradictory Amused Gratitude Like a mad man Delicate Cradle Trembling Stuttering Liable Un-recognizable on fire Grin Smicker Exquisite Effervescent Enthusiastic Luminous Serene Aesthetic Subtle Shimmering , Any other uncommon words that You dont usually use in day-to-day english would work but dont overuse them
