Transactional and

Functional Writing

Diary Entry

• This is a personal record of your experiences, thoughts and emotions.

• Write in the FIRST PERSON (I, me, etc.).• Write in the PRESENT TENSE in order to

capture the moment.• Write in the past tense to relate events that

have already happened.

Diary Entry

• Use short paragraphs and simple sentences for greater effect.

• Express feelings and opinions with emotive language.

• Informal, colloquial (everyday) language and contractions may be used.

• Diagrams, sketches and cartoons add a personal touch.

• Powerful diary entries are SINCERE!

Writing the Diary Entry

Friday, 16 July 2010

Write the day and date at the top

Dear Diary Salutation. You can even give your diary a name. You don’t have to use this. xxx Skip a line

Introduction. This paragraph usually states the reason for the entry.

Body. This expands on the reason for the entry. Remember to include emotions, opinions and wishes. Conclusion. The final paragraph rounds off the entry.Robert

xxx Skip a line

xxx Skip a line

xxx Skip a lineSign off

Writing the Diary Entry

Friday, 16 July 2010Dear Diary

xxxIntroduction. This paragraph usually states the reason for the entry.

Body. This expands on the reason for the entry. Remember to include emotions, opinions and wishes. Conclusion. The final paragraph rounds off the entry.Robert

xxx

xxx

xxx

Friendly or Informal Letter

• The informal or friendly letter provides a vehicle to inform, invite, congratulate or offer condolences.

• The tone is conversational, friendly, informal and sincere.

• Contractions like I’m and don’t are permitted.

Writing the Informal Letter

43 Lismore AvenueTokai7945

SENDER’S Address

16 July 2010Date

Dear Granny Salutationxxxxx Skip a lineIntroduction to the letter. This paragraph is usually short and states the reason for the letter.xxxxx Skip a lineMiddle / Body of the letter. This expands on the reason for the letter and consists of at least two paragraphs. Remember to skip lines between paragraphs.xxxxx Skip a line

Conclusion. The final paragraph is usually short and rounds off the letter.xxxxx Skip a lineEnding. Your grandson / Love / Yours sincerely (depending on your relationship)

Robert

No Line SkippedDon’t use a surname if you write to family or friends.

Writing the Informal LetterDear Granny

xxxxxIntroduction to the letter. This paragraph is usually short and states the reason for the letter.xxxxxMiddle / Body of the letter. This expands on the reason for the letter and consists of at least two paragraphs. Remember to skip lines between paragraphs.xxxxxConclusion. The final paragraph is usually short and rounds off the letter.xxxxxEnding. Your grandson / Love / Yours sincerely (depending on your relationship)

Robert

43 Lismore AvenueTokai794516 July 2010

Formal or Business Letter

• The formal or business letter provides a vehicle to thank, complain or request.

• The tone is formal, business-like and polite.

• Only relevant details are included.• Contractions like I’m and don’t are NOT

permitted.

Writing the Formal Letter

43 Lismore AveTokai7945

SENDER’S Address

16 July 2010Date

Dear Madam / Mrs Miller Salutation

xxxxx Skip a lineIntroduction. State the reason for the letter & keep it brief. xxxxx Skip a lineBody. Expansion of the reason – two to three paragraphs. Skip lines between paragraphs.xxxxxConclusion. Tie up loose ends and round off letter.xxxxx Skip a lineEnding: Yours faithfullyRJohnson

Leave enough space for your signatureRobert Johnson

Skip a line

xxxxx Skip a lineTitle. Brief , underlined & covers the topic.

The Chief AccountantFirgrove AccountsPO Box 10937Cape Town8000xxxxx Skip a line

RECIPIENT’S Address

Writing the Formal Letter

43 Lismore AveTokai794516 July 2010

Dear Madam / Mrs Miller

xxxxx

xxxxxBody. Expansion of the reason – two to three paragraphs. Skip lines between paragraphs.xxxxxConclusion. Tie up loose ends and round off letter.xxxxxEnding: Yours faithfullyRJohnsonRobert Johnson

xxxxxTitle. Brief , underlined & covers the topic.

The Chief AccountantFirgrove AccountsPO Box 10937Cape Town8000xxxxx

Introduction. State the reason for the letter & keep it brief.

Exclusive: Writing A Newspaper ReportROBERT JOHNSONTOKAI

xxxThe lead paragraph is a short summary of the entire article. It should introduce the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW that is to follow.

xxx Each fact or idea is then expanded in its own paragraph. As you move on, each paragraphs becomes more detailed starting with the most important details and

ending with the least important details.

xxxThe tone appears to be unbiased and impersonal, although no text can ever be totally neutral. You need to be able to “read between the lines” to establish the bias. The emphasis is on facts and not opinions.

xxx Articles are reported in the third person (he, she, it , they). The first person (I, me, mine) is never used. The use of passive voice will also help this.

xxxThe use of people’s names adds authenticity.

xxx Use direct speech and inverted commas when people comment or give evidence. This adds interest and emphasis.

xxx Columns can be used .

Headline

By-lineSkip a line.

Skip a line.

Skip a line.

Skip a line.

Skip a line.

Skip a line.

Skip a line.

Exclusive: Writing A Newspaper ReportROBERT JOHNSONTOKAI

xxxThe lead paragraph is a short summary of the entire article. It should introduce the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW that is to follow.

xxx Each fact or idea is then expanded in its own paragraph. As you move on, each paragraphs becomes more detailed starting with the most important details and

ending with the least important details.

xxxThe tone appears to be unbiased and impersonal, although no text can ever be totally neutral. You need to be able to “read between the lines” to establish the bias. The emphasis is on facts and not opinions.

xxx Articles are reported in the third person (he, she, it , they). The first person (I, me, mine) is never used. The use of passive voice will also help this.

xxxThe use of people’s names adds authenticity.

xxx Use direct speech and inverted commas when people comment or give evidence. This adds interest and emphasis.

xxx Columns can be used .

You can find all of this

information in your English

Handbook and Study Guide

on pages 77-81.