Mastering Effective Written Communication

Article Writing Essentials

Crafting Engaging Openings

• Ask a question to capture the reader's attention:
  • Have you ever...?
  • Do you ever wonder...?
  • Do you think that...?

Introducing Your Ideas

(Speak directly to your reader)

• Firstly,
• First of All,
• Apart from that,

Providing Examples

(To support what you say)

• ...such as...
• ...for example...

Effective Endings

(Give your opinion)

• It seems to me...
• What I think is...

Crafting a Letter of Application

Openings

• Dear Sir/Madam,

Stating Your Reason for Writing

• I am writing in response to...
• I am writing in connection with...

Highlighting Your Skills

• I am an experienced [profession/skill].
• I have worked for many years with...
• I have passed [qualification].

Describing Your Qualities

• I am hard-working and sensible.
• I like working with people.
• I am calm and efficient.

What You Bring to the Job

• I would like the opportunity to...
• I would be delighted to...

Closings

• I look forward to hearing from you.
• Yours sincerely,

Structuring a Formal Letter

Openings

• Dear Sir/Madam,
• (State your reason for writing in the first paragraph)

Phrases for Complaints

• I am writing in order to complain about...
• I am afraid to say that...

Requesting & Giving Information

• I am writing to inquire...
• I would like to know...
• Do you think you could tell me...?

Making Suggestions

• I am writing to suggest...

Closings

• I hope you will consider my points.
• Yours faithfully,
• (Avoid contractions)

Writing an Effective Review

Key Elements of a Review

• Provide basic information about what you are reviewing.
• Give reasons for your point of view.
• Tell the reader what was good and bad.

Expressing Positive Opinions

• Excellent,
• Perfect,
• Wonderful,
• Fabulous

Expressing Negative Opinions

• Poor,
• Dreadful,
• Awful

Comparing and Contrasting

• It was disappointing compared to...
• It was surprisingly good...
• Although...
• Despite...

Making Recommendations

(Include a clear recommendation)

• Overall, I think...
• I don’t think I would recommend...
• Go and visit!

Structuring a Professional Report

Report Title

(Give a clear subject for your report)

Introduction

(One paragraph)

• Explain what your report is going to cover.
• State the purpose: "The purpose of this report is...", "This report gives a description of..."

Main Body Paragraphs

(Two to three paragraphs, each with a clear title)

Formal Linking Phrases

• However,
• In addition,
• Furthermore,
• Moreover,

Concluding Suggestions

• I would strongly recommend...
• My suggestion is...

(Avoid contractions, ensure all points are addressed)

Crafting a Coherent Essay

Essay Structure & Flow

• Give a general idea in the first paragraph.
• Focus on fewer main points for clarity.
• Help the reader follow your arguments.

Supporting Your Points

• In the first place,
• Furthermore,
• In addition,
• Explaining: because of this,
• For this reason,

Expressing Contrast

• On the other hand,
• In contrast,

Explaining Someone Else’s Opinion

• Many people feel that...

Giving Your Opinion

• I agree that...
• In my opinion,

Conclusion

(Give your personal, balanced opinion)

• To sum up,
• In conclusion,