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Questions to consider

Before writing ask yourself the following:

• What do you want to achieve as a result of someone reading the text?
• What kind of ideas and points will work to create an effective structure for the text, one that might achieve its purpose?
• What will the layout of the text need to look like and how can this be used to your advantage, for example to bring clarity and an effective structure?
• What style of language might you choose to suit the requirements of genre, audience and purpose of your text?

Examples

The points below show the key things to consider when writing different text types or genres. For example, the way that the text needs to be laid out on the page, the content of each section, and the style of language that might be used.

Writing a letter to complain about a poor holiday experience

Layout

• Address (yours and theirs), salutation (eg ‘Dear…’), paragraphing - use the opening paragraph to state purpose.

Content

• Paragraph 1 - introduction: who you are and why you’re writing. You should use formal language or Standard English.
• Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 - key issues clarifying the complaint and what needs to be done to redress it. These paragraphs should use emotive language to show dissatisfaction.
• Paragraph 5 closing summary - restate the main point and round off firmly but politely. Use imagery to describe your overall experience.

Writing an article for a teenage magazine to give your views on reality TV programmes

Layout

• Headline, sub-headings, picture with caption.

Content

• Paragraph 1 – introduction. The language should be clear using Standard English.
• Paragraph 2 and 3 - key reasons why such programmes might be a good/bad thing. These paragraphs should use emotive anecdotes to entertain and absorb the reader.
• Paragraph 4 - counter argument as to why some love/hate them. Using language techniques like hyperbole and sarcasm will show humour.
• Paragraph 5 – summary restating main argument and main ideas.

Writing a guide to attract tourists to a local zoo

Layout

• Sections for each part - headline or slogan.

Content

• Front page - main attraction with catchy slogan. This should use lively persuasive language throughout.
• Page 2 - key areas of interest at the zoo. Use lively vocabulary choices to explain and describe key aspects of the zoo that would appeal to the audience.
• Page 3 – location, cost and contact details. The language on this page should be instructional so the reader understands where to go and what to do.