Effective English Composition: Structures for Essays, Reports, and Correspondence

Essay Writing Structure (140-190 Words)

Essay Structure

1. Introduce the topic briefly and pose a rhetorical question.
2. Develop the main argument (Point 1).
3. Introduce a contrasting viewpoint (e.g., "On the other hand").
4. Conclude with your personal opinion.

Useful Essay Phrases

• Some people claim that...
• It's often said that...
• However, ...
• Firstly, ...
• To clarify the point, ...
• From my point of view, ...
• It seems clear to me that...
• Lastly, ...

Informal Letter Writing (140-190 Words)

Informal Letter Structure

1. Greeting (e.g., Hi [Name]...).
2. Reference the previous email/contact and provide short details.
3. Share your news and respond to their points.
4. Ask interesting questions for the recipient.
5. Discuss when you will meet again.
6. Closing (e.g., All the best, [Your Name]).

Useful Informal Letter Phrases

• Many thanks for your email.
• I thought I'd better write.
• It's been such a long time since we wrote to each other.
• You remember I told you in my last letter...
• Regards to...
• Please write soon.
• I look forward to [hearing from you/seeing you].

Semi-Formal Letter Writing (Job Application)

Semi-Formal Letter Structure

1. Salutation (e.g., Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]...).
2. State the job you are applying for and where you saw the advertisement.
3. Address the specific requirements listed for the position.
4. Explain why you are suitable for the role.
5. Provide contact information.
6. Closing: Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, [Signature].

Useful Semi-Formal Phrases

• I have always been interested in...
• One of the main reasons I am applying for this job is that...
• I have a lot of experience in...
• I'm available to start work [date/immediately].
• Thank you for considering my application.
• I can be contacted at [phone/email] at any time.

Report Writing Format

Report Structure

1. Introduction

   State the aim of the report and the source of the information.

   Useful phrases: The aim of this report is to...; This report is intended to...

2. Reporting Results

   Summarize the findings.

   Useful phrases: Most people seem to feel that...; Several people said/told me/suggested/thought that...

3. Presenting Findings (Lists)

   Detail specific points or reasons.

   Useful phrases: They gave/suggested the following reasons...; They made the following points:

   1. Point 1
   2. Point 2
   3. Point 3

4. Recommendations

   Offer suggestions based on the results.

   Useful phrases: I would therefore recommend...; It would seem that...

Article Writing Techniques

Article Structure and Engagement

1. Catchy Title

   Use an interesting and engaging title.

2. Involving the Reader

   Engage the audience directly.

   Useful phrases: Are you thinking of...?; I'm sure you'll agree that...

3. Developing Your Points

   Structure your arguments logically.

   Useful phrases: Let's start with...; Another advantage is...; On top of that...

4. Stating Your Opinion

   Clearly present your personal viewpoint.

   Useful phrases: I think that...; In my opinion...; It seems to me that...

Reported Speech Examples

Direct to Indirect Speech Transformation

1. Direct: "I like your shoes, Kate," said Jack.

   Reported: Jack said (that) he liked Kate's shoes.

2. Direct: "I saw them advertised on TV," said Kate.

   Reported: Kate said (that) she saw/had seen them advertised on TV.

3. Direct: "I’ve bought a hat," Helen told me.

   Reported: Helen told me she had bought a hat.

4. Direct: "You must buy a ticket," he said.

   Reported: He said (that) we had to buy a ticket.

5. Direct: "I can speak Spanish," said Mel.

   Reported: Mel said (that) he could speak Spanish.