10 Things I Used To Hate About English

Practical Writing Skills

We have attempted to incorporate all aspects of practical writing skills. We would appreciate your input should there be any topics that we have overlooked.

Magazine Articles

Don't confuse magazine articles with reports!! Magazine articles discuss the facts and therefore have opinions as well, a reports has facts only.

Here are some tips when writing an article:

 The title is what the reader sees first, so make it catch the eye. Use Humor, wit, shock tactics, etc…but make sure it gives the reader an idea as to what the article is about.

The first, or introductory, paragraph is vital, if it's boring, the reader won't want to read the rest of the article. It should give the reader a general indication of the content of article and whether it's humorous, critical, factual or satirical

The subject is explored thoroughly in the body of the article, presenting facts as well as opinions.

The conclusion is up to you…you could cleverly sum your views up or let the readers decide on their opinion or provide a twist or, or, or…you decide.

Advertising

You can learn to interpret advertisements in the emotive language section, here, we are just going to give you some pointers on how to design an advert.

Decide on your target audience. Are you advertising CD's for teenagers? (or adults?). Hand and body lotion for woman? Toys for toddlers? Or tools for men?

Attract the attention of your target audience. Use colour, a catchy slogan, illustrations etc.

The point of advertising is to persuade the target audience to buy your product, support your business or make use of the services you provide. Your audience must be persuaded that your product is the best, and that they can't afford to be without it.

Appeal to their innermost desires or their consciences using emotive language. Their health, security, romance, adventure, guilt, popularity, etc.

Curriculum Vitae

When applying for a job, the first thing you need to do is draw up a CV. The presentation is very important, although there is no fixed format.

There are some golden rules that apply to all CV's:

Keep it short and simple. Avoid wordiness and irrelevant detail.

Ensure that it's neatly and accurately typed. If possible bind it with a cover sheet stating essential details, example, Name, address and contact numbers.

Organise headings and subheadings in point form.

Record your academic qualifications from your first qualification to your last qualification, experience from present position to the first position you held. Also state your main job description from the most important to the least important.

Minutes

Minutes of a meeting are a formal record of a meeting.  Here are some points to remember. 

The heading must include the location, date and time of the meeting.

A record of the people present should be kept.

Apologies received should be noted.

The minutes of the previous meeting are read and of they are accepted and correct, they are signed and dated by the chairperson.  NEVER sign or date minutes at the time you write them.

Only the main points of the meeting and decisions made are minutes.

Minutes are an impersonal record, written in past tense.  Jokes and Trivialities are not recorded.

Agenda

An agenda is a written format of the procedure that will take place during a meeting.  Refer to the typical structure.

Newspaper Report

 When writing a newspaper report, remember to use the correct register.  It should be formal and factual, but sensitive information should be handled carefully.  Remember a newspaper report should have the following qualities

The headline must grab the attention of the reader.

The first paragraph should arouse curiosity in the reader and make them want to read on.  It should give the gist of the content of the report by answering questions such as Who? What? Where? When? Why?

The body of the report should unfold the information given in the first paragraph giving reasons, facts, details etc.

The least important details are left to the last paragraph as if there isn't enough space the editor will usually cut it off from the end.

Obituary

When someone dies, a brief biography of that person is published in respect of him/her.

Reviews

Writing a review requires sincerity, a flair for languages and good powers of perception.  Evade exaggeration.  Only when truly appropriate, use superlatives and sarcastic commentary.  Give a brief summary of the plot, setting, characters and themes without spoiling it for prospective audience/readers of the film/book.   

Grammar  Comprehensions  Letters  Public Speaking  Writing skills  

Visual Literacy  Poetry  Emotive Language  Shakespeare's Corner

Quotes  Guest Book  Bibliography  Home