WRITING GUIDE

GENERAL RULES:

1. All writing should contain an introduction, main body and conclusion. 2. Paragraphs: Do not use too many paragraphs. If paragraphs are very short, the writer

has either introduced ideas without developing them, or separated one idea over several paragraphs. If paragraphs are very long, there is usually more than one idea in the same paragraph. As a general rule, a paragraph should use a minimum of three sentences to develop an idea. It is not common to see paragraphs of more than six sentences, although there are some exceptions.

HOW TO DEVELOP AN IDEAS/PARAGRAPHS

1. Begin with an ideaIntroduce the topic of your paragraph clearly in the first sentence.Introduce the main idea: Many people argue that there is a strong case for capital punishment.This sentence is often called the topic sentence, as the main idea of the paragraph is clearly stated.

2. Give more informationIf something is unclear, you can give more information in the following sentence.Add an explanation or further information: By young people I mean children under the age of twelve who are not yet completely responsible for their actions.

3. Show concessionOften an argument has two sides. Show that you understand the weaker side to the argument, but that you are not persuaded or not able to accept this idea.Add concession: Although I would be happy to come to your office, I'm afraid that this will not be possible until the end of the month. | While I understand that this may be difficult, I feel that it is the only option. | Despite the high levels of unemployment in that year, crime did not rise.

4. Reject an ideaA strong way of making a point is to express your doubts about an argument, say what you do not believe, or state what is not possible.Say what you do not think: I am not convinced of the benefits of this proposal. | I do not believe that this level of service is satisfactory.State what is not possible or point out false conclusions: It is not necessarily the case that an immediate ban on smoking would have a positive effect. | I am afraid that I cannot accept the dates that you have suggested.

5. Give evidence or examplesGiving details about what, where, or when something happens makes your ideas stronger.Add examples: There are several reasons for this, such as an increase in life expectancy, or a rise in living standards. | A good example of this is my home town, where the city centre has been made into a pedestrian zone.Give evidence: This argument has been supported by many experts in the field. | Research suggests that a good diet may be more important to educational achievement than we previously thought.

6. Give the reason for somethingSay why something has happened.Give reasons or results: This would mean that many younger people would no longer have access to sports at school. | As a result of this, we have seen a rise in profits.Talk about the cause or effect: A key factor is the level of education in a society. | There may be serious repercussions in the future.

7. Give additional informationGiving more than one reason, example or result is a clear way of building a strong point.

Add additional information: Not only were the staff unable to speak the local language, but they were also extremely unhelpful. | Another good reason is the cost of this plan.

8. Give the consequences of an actionSay what might happen next.Give consequences: We must take action now, otherwise it may be too late. / Provided that we act now, there is a chance that the environment will improve. / Provided that we continue to invest in new technology, solutions will be found. / We must act now, otherwise it will be too late.

9. Make important issues clearSome events or reasons are more important than others. Occasionally signaling important points can make your ideas much clearer.Introduce strong arguments and ideas: Moreover, many people feel that this policy is unfair to the most vulnerable members of our society. | To make matters worse, the hotel room did not have an en-suite bathroom and we had to share a shower with three other families.

10.Remind the reader of the main point in your paragraphSay why the information in your paragraph is important, or what the reader must do next.Repeat the main point: For this reason, many people argue that hunting should be banned. | I am very sorry for any inconvenience caused.Say what might or will happen next: Please could I have your response by the end of the week? | This will have a significant effect on the future generations.

PARAPHRASING: WRITING THE SAME IDEAS IN DIFFERENT WORDS

1. Use a different part of speech: The number of smokers rose for three years consecutively. This rise was largely because of successful advertising campaigns.

2. Use synonyms: More people bought video recorders that year compared to the previous year, when only 500 purchased a recorder.

3. Use summaries: Junior managers tend to feel under more pressure to work long hours than their superiors. This tendency is seen in many different sectors.

SUBSTITUTION: WRITING A PRONOUN INSTEAD OF A FULL NAME OR PHRASE

1. Use this / this + noun: There were several repairs which needed to be carried out. This meant that production was significantly delayed. | The figures were much lower in European countries. This difference was largely a result of higher spending on education.

2. Use that / those after a comparative form: The incidence of illiteracy among women in Africa was significantly lower than that of their European counterparts. | In general the results for Shanghai were more positive than those of the other five cities in the survey.

3. Use such +(a) + noun: A large minority of visitors felt that the museum did not provide value for money. Such concerns were also raised by the leaders of school parties.

4. Use auxiliary + so: We cannot continue to ignore the problem. If we do so, the effects may become impossible to reverse.

5. Change a to the after the first mention: There was an increase in the amount of pollution in Bogota. The increase was largely due to the rise in population numbers.

RELATING COMPLEX SENTENCES

1. Use a relative clause: Ice-cream, which was originally available from specialist stores, quickly became popular. We had a few concerns which we would like to raise with you

now. | There are many people nowadays who would like to take a month off to go travelling.

2. Use a present or past participle: The factories located in the countryside were cheaper to run. | The number of people buying leather goods fell.

3. Use complex noun phrases: The rise in the number of unemployed people in my country has lead to many problems. | There have been a number of difficulties with the new system.

4. Use connectors: Despite the many difficulties, we felt the weekend was an overall success.

5. Add description with adjectives and adverbs: We had an absolutely amazing time visiting the spectacular mountains and admiring the beautiful scenery. | We walked hurriedly past the ancient wall to the empty fields outside the city.

REWRITING

It is never a good idea to copy phrases or expressions from the question or from any information you are given. Try to find ways of rewriting this information so that it means the same, but with different words.

1. Use synonyms: Explain why you are suitable for the job. I believe I would be perfect for this particular position as I have all the relevant experience.

2. Change the word order of the sentence: Levels of obesity are rising. There is a rise in the levels of obesity.

AUDIENCE AND PURPOSE

We always write for someone in particular and with a particular purpose. Your writing should reflect this.

1. Be consistent with the register of your writing: I just wanted to find out how it all went. (informal) | I am writing to enquire about the results of your recent tests. (formal)

2. Use the formulaic phrases appropriate to your purpose: Hope to hear from you soon. (informal letter). | Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information. (formal letter)

QUALITY OF LANGUAGE AND VOCABULARY

The quality of the language and vocabulary that you use will influence the final effect of your writing on the target reader.

1. Use an appropriate range of tenses: We have been experiencing some problems with the new system. | By 2001, the figures had fallen to 5 million. | Phone me on Friday - I'll have finished it by then.

2. Try to use a variety of ways to begin your sentences: I sent the package to you last week. The package was sent last week. | Unfortunately, the package was sent last week.

3. Learn and use phrases, rather than isolated words: This has had an enormous impact on our business. | We have carried out a survey of driving habits.