Spanish Orthography and Document Formatting Essentials

Spanish Orthography Rules

Rules for 'H'

• Words beginning with diphthongs, such as hie, hue, hui, and hiato.
• Forms of verbs whose infinitives begin with 'h', except oler (to smell).
• Words beginning with Greek and Latin compositional elements: hecto-, helio-, hemi-, hemo-, hepta-, hetero-, hyper-, hypo-, homo-.
• Words belonging to the same family as other words beginning with 'h', with exceptions like óseo (from hueso), hueco (from hueco), huérfano and orfandad (from huérfano), and óvalo and ovar (from huevo).

Rules for 'G'

• Verb forms whose infinitives end in -ger, -gir, or -gerar before 'e' or 'i', except tejer (to weave) and crujir (to crunch/gnash).
• All words beginning with geo-.
• All words that end in -logía and -pedagogía.
• All words ending with -gen, -géneo, -genario, -gencia, and -gente.
• All words ending in -gio and -gión.

Rules for 'J'

• Forms of verbs whose infinitives end in -ger or -gir before 'a' or 'o'.
• Verb forms of tejer (to weave) and crujir (to crunch/gnash).
• Derived words from tejer and crujir.
• Forms of verbs whose infinitives contain 'j'.
• Forms of verbs whose infinitives contain neither 'g' nor 'j'.
• Words ending in -aje, -eje, -jero, and -jería.
• Spanish words derived from French words ending in -age.
• Derived words ending in -ja or -jo.

Understanding Document Types

Report Characteristics

Expository texts are aimed at presenting data and conclusions on a given topic.

• Theme: Typically relates to workplace and scientific subjects.
• Clarity, Conciseness, and Order: Information must be clear, brief, and follow a pre-established structure.
• Language: Uses formal language, often with a neutral tone. It requires technical vocabulary appropriate to the subject, leading to the use of technicalities.
• Visuals: Information is supported by graphics, illustrations, videos, etc.
• Sources: Authors must cite the sources from which information has been extracted.

Brochure Features

A printed document for informative or advertising purposes.

• Space: Typically a sheet limited to both sides, folded, and with flaps. All data must fit within this space.
• Graphic Elements: Includes photographs and illustrations that aid understanding and serve as motivators.
• Language: Simple, as its aim is to provide an explanation or inform. Brochures can be classified according to their purpose:
  • Informative (e.g., museum or tourism brochures): Explain or clarify a reality for public understanding.
  • Advertising: Promote places or objects and draw consumer attention to their benefits. Examples include brochures for language schools, academies, or gyms.