The ABC’s of writing

When you are writing (it doesn't matter if you are writing an email, a report, an essay, a review) there are some aspects that you need
to take into consideration. Being aware of them will help you to understand better the process of writing. From now on, next time you
write check this list so as to be capable of evaluating your own work before handing it in to your teacher.

CONTENT COMMUNICATIVE ACHIEVEMENT ORGANISATION LANGUAGE

* Am I answering everything I am being * Is my text type the right type? For * Is my writing ordered and divided in * Did I use a variety of grammatical
asked in the task? Is there anything I example, if the task asks for an article, paragraphs in a logical way? structures accurately?
wrote that is irrelevant (not connected) am I writing an article?
to what I am being asked? * Did I make good use of a variety of * Did I use more complex vocabulary
* Did I use the correct register for the connectors to connect my sentences in accurately? Or is the vocabulary I used
* A successful writing as regards text type that the task is asking me to a logical way? rather simple?
content will have your reader fully write? For example, if the task asks me
informed on what he/ she wishes to to write an essay, I must use a formal
know. register, with formal connectors, formal
language structures and avoiding
contracted forms.

Pro tip: Pro tip: Pro tip: Pro tip:

• The task will tell you what
information you are expected to
include. To make sure you do
not forget to mention anything,
once you finish writing about a
specific aspect, tick it in the
task.
• The task will tell you, explicitly,
which text type to write.
• The task will also tell you who
the intended reader is, which
will help you determine the
appropriate register.
• Structure your writing in a
separate sheet of paper.
Writing a paragraph plan
beforehand will help you
organise your writing in a
coherent way.
• Re-read your writing.
• As regards vocabulary: can you
spot words or expressions
which sound very simple to
you? (E.g. instead of “very big”,
which is a rather simple
expression, you should write
“huge”).
• As regards grammatical
structures: can you spot
structures which do not sound
right? When in doubt, check
with the coursebook.
1) As you now know, register is a vital aspect of your writing, and being able to tell the difference between informal and formal language
is key. Work in pairs and decide which of these are examples of formality and informality.

You will find these in... Informal language Formal language

Passive voice
Phrasal verbs
Incomplete sentences
Indirect questions
Informal vocabulary (e.g. “great” instead of
“impressive”)
Formal vocabulary (e.g. “accommodation” instead of
“a place to stay”)
Exclamation marks
Contractions
Full verb forms