Writing Tips Prof: Palou

How do you feel before start to write?

Types of texts FCE 2015 Essay Letter/Email Story Review Articles (140 – 190 words) 1 hour 20 minutes CAE 2015 Essay Letter/Email Report Review Proposal (220 – 260 words) 1hour 30 minutes

Essay (FCE & CAE) An essay is a formal piece of writing. It requires your opinion on a topic, giving various viewpoints on the topic supported by reasons and/or examples. You should also include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph. You need a title.

For and against (Both sides of an issue should be considered) Opinion(Writer’s opinion) Solution to problems (analysis of a problrem with suggestions ans colutions in the conclusion)

A successful opinion essay should have: a) an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion. b) a main body which consists of several paragraphs, each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons. You also include a paragraph presenting the opposing viewpoint and reason why you think it is an unconvincing viewpoint; c) a conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words.

For/ against Opinion Solution Introduction State topic without your opinion State topic and you opinion State the problem and its causes and effects Main body Arguments – justifications – examples - reasons Viewpoints – reasons - examples Suggestions - results Conclusion Summarise your opinion

Tips Use passive voice Advanced vocabulary Formal linkers (and & but) Conditionals Inversions Do not use contractions (doesn’t) Do not write a series of short sentences

Letters / emails (FCE &CAE) There are various types of letters, such as: Request Giving information Advice Suggestions/ recommendations Complaint Apology Aplication Editor/ Authorities

Introductory paragraph (Reason for writing) Main body Conclusion An appropriate letter should have Greeting Dear Mr Jones, Dear Tony, Dear Sir/ Madam, To whom it may concern, Introductory paragraph (Reason for writing) Main body Conclusion

Looking forward to hearing from you Salutation Informal Love Best wishes Formal Looking forward to hearing from you Yours faithfully (unknown) Yours sincerely (known)

Tips I apologize for the delay in replying to your email. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I am writing to you with regards to… If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. If anything isn’t clear, feel free to ask.

Present an opinion or balanced argument Articles (FCE) An article is a piece of writing for publication in a magazine, newspaper, leaflet, etc. Purpose provide information Describe a place Event experience Present an opinion or balanced argument offer advice suggestions

A successful article should consist of An eye-catching title or headline which suggests the topic of the article that follows. An introduction which clearly outlines the topic(s) to be covered. A main body of several paragraphs in which the subject is developed in detail. A conclusion which summarizes the topic and/or offers an opinion, comments, recommendations, etc.

tips Before you start writing, it is important to decide: Where the article is intended to appear (e.g. magazine, leaflet, etc) Who the intended readers are (e.g. the general public, fellow students, etc) What the purpose of writing is (e.g. describe, inform, advise, etc) It is written in present tenses.