UNIVERSITY OF

RIZAL SYSTEM

MODULE 3

WRITING
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
Define the meaning of writing.
Explain and recognize the significance of the basics of
writing.
Identify and illustrate the elements of constructing a
sentence and paragraph.
Understand and identify the principles and types of
technical writing.
Construct an effective and irresistible introduction.
Demonstrate ability and understanding regarding the
principles of writing.
WRITING
It is the act or skill of marking coherent phrases on paper and
composing text. According to Nunan (2003), writing is a physical and
mental act that involves discovery of ideas and developing them into
paragraphs and statements that are understandable for readers.
Individuals use this action to communicate, express themselves, and
impress readers. A writer chooses a medium for their writing, and each
type of medium has a different level of difficulty based on its
objectives. Every individual should learn to write because it allows us
to be better communicators, inform, collaborate, and alert others. It
enables us to reach a much larger audience, which is beneficial for us
to contribute our ideas and values that may help society in some way.

Whereas, the following are the basics of writing and technical writing
in order to demonstrate the correct grammar using the English
language, proper organization of thought, and to specify the ways in
constructing the different workplace documents in terms of writing.
 BASICS OF WRITING
A. Grammar Review
Grammar errors can confuse readers and
alter how someone is regarded. Because of
this, it's crucial to be knowledgeable about
grammatical rules, especially if writing is a
regular component of your job or studies as a
student or employee..
Grammar is the study of how
sentences are constructed in a
certain language.
Grammar is also a system of
rules that allows us to form
sentences by combining
individual words to produce
complex meanings. It covers a
variety of features of the
English language. It includes
several aspects of the English
language.
 THREE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF
ENGLISH GRAMMAR
1. Word Order
04
In linguistic typology, subject + verb + object (SVO)
is a sentence structure and standard word order in
which the subject comes first, the verb comes second,
and the object comes third.
FOR EXAMPLE:

"SARAH ATE KIMCHI."

"CAT ATE FISH."
"THE DOG IS EATING THE BONES."
 THREE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF
ENGLISH GRAMMAR
2. Inflection
04
In linguistic morphology, inflection is a process of word
construction in which a word is transformed to indicate
several grammatical categories such as tense, case, voice,
aspect, person, number, gender, mood, animacy, and
definiteness. In other words, grammatical meanings are
expressed by adding elements to the underlying form of a
word.
EIGHT ENGLISH INFLECTIONAL SUFFIXES
"She has always eaten
"She has four pencils."
1 NOUN PLURAL (-S)
sweets."
5
VERB PAST PARTICIPLE (-EN)

"She is eating sweet

2 "This is Sol's pastry."
now." 6
POSSESSIVE ('S) VERB PRESENT PARTICIPLE (-ING)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,

"Rein usually eats "Her waist is smaller
consectetur adipiscing elit.

3 sweet." Duis vulputate nulla at ante

rhoncus, vel efficitur felis
condimentum. Proin odio
than mine." 7
VERB PRESENT TENSE (-S) ADJECTIVE COMPARATIVE (-ER)
odio.

STRATEGY N°2 STRATEGY N°3

"Her waist is the
4
"Sol baked the pastry."
smallest." 8
VERB PAST TENSE (-ED) ADJECTIVE SUPERLATIVE (-EST)
 THREE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF
3. Function and Content ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Words
04
In linguistics, function words are words with little or
uncertain lexical meaning that communicate grammatical
relationships among other words within a sentence or specify
the writer's attitude or mood. They indicate the structural
relationships between words and serve as the glue that ties
sentences together. It includes determiners, conjunctions,
prepositions, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, modals, qualifiers, and
question words.
 FUNCTION WORDS
Determiners Conjunctions Prepositions Auxiliary Verbs

Function as adjectives to modify Connect sentences Begin prepositional Bare also called helping
nouns and appear in front of a noun together, such as phrases that include verbs. They are used to
to indicate to the reader whether the items in a list, two nouns and other adjust the tense of a main
noun is specific or general. different sentences, modifiers. They verb, such as when you
or clauses and function to provide wish to convey something
Articles: a, an, the phrases. Examples of more information in the present continuous
Demonstratives: that, this, these, conjunctions are and, about nouns. tense (I am running), past
those but, for, yet, neither, Examples of perfect tense (I had
Possessive pronouns: my, your, or, so, when, although, prepositions are in, jogged), or future tense (I
their, our, ours, whose, his, hers, however, as, because, of, between, on, with, am going to jog there).
its, which before. by, at, without, Auxiliary verbs include be,
Quantifiers: some, both, most, through, over, across, is, am, are, have, has, do,
many, a few, a lot of, any, much, a around, into, within. does, did, get, got, was,
little, enough, several, none, all were.
 FUNCTION WORDS
Modal Verbs Qualifiers Question Words

Function like
Indicate a state or a
possibility. It's not
adverbs, indicating Are function words
definite that the degree of an used to ask both
anything will adjective or verb,
direct and indirect
happen, but it could. but they have no
questions. These
Examples of modal inherent meaning.
include who, what,
verbs include may, Qualifiers include
might, can, could, very, really, quite,
why, when, where,
will, would, shall, somewhat, rather, which, whom, whose,
should. too, pretty. and how.
 THREE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF
3. Function and Content ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Words
04
A content word in English grammar and semantics is a
term that delivers information in a text or speech act.
It is also referred to as a lexical word, lexical
morpheme, or substantive category, and is
distinguished from the terms function word and
grammatical word. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and
adverbs are all included.
NOUNS
Are words that represent a person, an animal, an item, a place, or a
concept.
EXAMPLES OF NOUNS IN A SENTENCE:

"I HAVE BAGS."

"SARAH LOVES CATS."
"WE'RE HAVING A TRIP TO CANADA."

VERBS
Are action words that describe what the subject is doing in a sentence. In
other words, it conveys an action, an event, or a state of being.
EXAMPLES OF VERBS IN A SENTENCE:

"SHE IS WRITING A NOVEL."

"REX IS RIDING A HORSE."
"HE IS PLAYING BASKETBALL."
ADJECTIVES
Are words that describe or modify the meaning of other words. It is used
to clearly convey the qualities of someone or something independently or
in comparison to anything else.

EXAMPLES OF ADJECTIVES IN A SENTENCE:

"I LIKE MODERN HOUSES."

"THE GIRL IS TALL AND PETITE."
"MAE IS HIGHER THAN HER BEST FRIEND."
ADVERBS
Adverbs are words that are used to change, modify, or qualify other words,
such as an adjective, a verb, a clause, another adverb, or any other sort of
word or phrase, with the exception of determiners and adjectives that
directly modify nouns.
EXAMPLES OF ADVERBS IN A SENTENCE:

"SHE SPOKE ELOQUENTLY."

"I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH HER."
"SHE DRINKS THE COFFEE GREEDILY."

SENTENCES
According to standard definitions, a sentence is a full thought that is expressed by a
word or combination of words. Both a subject and a predicate are required. Similarly, a
Fragment does not convey a full notion.
SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION
Whenever you write a sentence, you must answer two questions:

1. Who or What am I writing about?

2. What about that person, place, or thing?

A sentence cannot be grammatically complete without a subject and a predicate. A

sentence's ability to convey meaning depends on the grammatical connection it creates
between its subject and predicate. The sentence's subject makes clear the main idea of
the statement. The predicate indicates something about the subject; it makes a
statement or asks a question about it.

The woman in the gray pinstripe outfit looks like a successful executive.
Subject predicate

A pen or a pencil should be brought to each class.

Subject predicate
 SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND
COMPLETE SUBJECT
A simple subject COMPOUND SUBJECTS A COMPLETE
gives a short answer are made up of two or SUBJECT provides a
to the question, who, more distinct subjects comprehensive
or what am I writing that are joined by the response to the
about? It uses a noun words and, or, not, question, who or
or noun substitute to along with the what am I writing
give this short answer. appropriate about?
punctuation, and which
"Can the chair with the all share the same verb. "My two elder cousins
broken leg be repaired live in the province."
without too much "A bat's wing and a
expense?" dolphin's fin are located in
the same relative
position."
 SIMPLE AND COMPOUND
PREDICATE
The verb in a sentence is its SIMPLE PREDICATE. The verb as well as its complements,
modifiers, and objects make up the entire predicate.

Scientists regard debates on fundamental issues as a sign of intellectual health.

Complete predicate

Two or more verbs with the same subject are referred to as COMPOUND PREDICATES.
The verbs could be connected using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for) or
a correlative conjunction (both, and, neither..nor, nor, not only... but also).

The performers sang and danced enthusiastically, though with little effect on the
audience.

A sentence Fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought.
BASIC SENTENCE PATTERNS
(STAGEBERG AND OAKS, 2000)
All English sentences are built on a limited number of patterns.

Pattern 1: Subject + Verb (SV) Pattern 3: Subject + Verb + Direct

Object Object Complement (SVOOC)
The woman arrived.
Whales swim. They made the president angry.
The press called her a star.
Pattern 2: Subject + Verb + Direct
Object (SVO) Pattern 4: Subject + Verb + Indirect
Object + Direct Object (SVIOO)
Dogs eat bones.
He writes poems. The university awarded her a scholarship.
Millet got us tickets.
BASIC SENTENCE PATTERNS
(STAGEBERG AND OAKS, 2000)
The Indirect Object is that which receives the action of the verb-
plus-direct object.

There +be + subject + ing = ing participle = or remainder

There is a girl crying outside.

There are children shouting upstairs.

Sentence Patterns that came from the passive of the given patterns below:
a. From SVO: The man found a key
Passive: A key was found by the man
There + be: There was a key found by the man.
BASIC SENTENCE PATTERNS
(STAGEBERG AND OAKS, 2000)
b. From SVOO: The president gave him a new position.
Passive: The new position was given him (by the president)
There + Be: There was a new position given to him (by the
president)

c. From SVOOC: The class elected a newcomer chairman.

Passive: A newcomer was elected chairman(by the class)
There + be: There was a newcomer elected (by the class).
 CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES
SIMPLE
SENTENCE
expresses a single independent
ACCORDING thought or preposition. It may contain
two or more verbs or two or more
TO subjects.

STRUCTURE: EXAMPLES OF SIMPLE SENTENCE:

"I LIKE COFFEE."

"MARY LIKES TEA."
"THE EARTH GOES ROUND THE SUN."
 COMPOUND
SENTENCE
two (or more) independent clauses
joined by a conjunction or semicolon.
Each of these clauses could form a
sentence alone.
EXAMPLES OF COMPOUND SENTENCE:
"I LIKE COFFEE AND MARY LIKES ME."
"MARY WENT TO WORK BUT JOHN
WENT TO THE PARTY."
"OUR CAR BROKE DOWN, WE CAME
LAST."
COMPLEX
SENTENCE
expresses two or more thoughts, one of
which is the main independent thought
with one or more thoughts being
independent on it.
EXAMPLES OF COMPLEX SENTENCE:
"HE LEFT IN A HURRY AFTER HE GOT A
PHONE CALL."
"DO YOU KNOW THE MAN WHO IS
TALKING TO MARY?"
COMPOUND COMPLEX
SENTENCE
04
contain to or more independent clauses and one or more dependent
clauses.

EXAMPLES OF COMPOUND COMPLEX SENTENCE:

"HE LEFT IN A HURRY AFTER HE GOT A PHONE CALL BUT HE CAME BACK
FIVE MINUTES LATER."
"JOHN DIDN'T COME BECAUSE HE WAS ILL SO MARY WAS NOT HAPPY.
ACCORDING TO
PURPOSE AND
USE
DECLARATIVE IMPERATIVE
SENTENCE SENTENCE
a sentence that declares or a sentence that gives a command
asserts a statement or a fact and or makes a request.
usually ends with a period.

E X A M P L E S: E X A M P L E S:
"SHE LIKES TO DRINK APPLE JUICE." "LEAVE THE ROOM."
"THE HOUSE IS BEAUTIFUL." "PLEASE, BE QUIET."
ACCORDING TO
PURPOSE AND
USE
INTERROGATIVE EXCLAMATORY
SENTENCE SENTENCE
a sentence that asks question and a sentence that expresses sudden
usually ends with a question mark. or strong feeling or emotion. It
usually ends with a exclamation
point.
E X A M P L E S: E X A M P L E S:
"IS IT HOT HERE, OR IT IS JUST ME?" "I'M EXCITED!"
"WHERE DO YOU STAY?" "LOVELY FLOWERS!"
 ORGANIZING
IDEAS
One needs to put his or her ideas in an organized
manner. The manner in which one writes reveals how the
mind works analytically and critically. Furthermore,
structuring ideas will allow the writer to better explain his
or her thoughts to the reader. In order to write with
organization, there are five (5) common ways that can be
done. These include Chronological Order, Logical Order,
Climatic Order, Random Order, and Spatial Order.
 O R G A N I Z I N G
I D E A S
CHRONOLOGICAL LOGICAL CLIMATIC
ORDER ORDER ORDER

- This is generally done when
presenting the history of an event
or a topic, Whereas, it is often used
in expository writing (narrative that
informs or explains), when
describing an event or series of
events, explaining how to do or
create something, and describing
the steps in a process.
- This framework is designed to
keep the reader from becoming
confused. Specifically, this is
usually employed to emphasize
one topic before understanding the
next.
- In this framework, a writer tend
to preserves the most significant
or intriguing point until the end of
the piece. Hence, this framework
is typically employed when a
writer wishes to develop
excitement in a piece or strongly
emphasize one point as the
narrative's peak.
 O R G A N I Z I N G
I D E A S
RANDOM
ORDER
- This enables the writer to arrange
his or her ideas in a way that is
more subjective and humorous
than specific or logical. One ought
to organize ideas in this manner
when the points have equal value
or relevance.
SPATIAL
ORDER
- This is used to describe a scene as it is
set up in a physical place, either by
progressing from one detail to the next
or as seen from a single fixed vantage
point. Additionally, this can be applied
whenever a writer aims his/her readers
to imagine a setting, or to stimulate a
situation using the senses.
 TECHNICAL
WRITING
Technical writing is also called business writing. It is the kind
of writing that is commonly done in the workplace. Since
technical writing works with facts and data rather than made-
up situations and people, it falls under the non-fiction writing
area. Different types of technical writing benefit from writers
who are skilled at analyzing and presenting data in a
structured manner and writing in simple terms. Technical
writing is a type of writing where the author is writing about a
particular subject that requires direction, instruction, or
explanation. This style of writing has a very different purpose
and different characteristics than other writing styles such as
creative writing or academic writing.
 A. LETTERS AND
CORRESPONDENCE
Letters
Letters are usually brief messages sent to recipients that are
often outside the organization. They are often printed on
letterhead paper and represent the business or organization.
While e-mail and text messages may be used more frequently
today, the effective business letter remains a common form of
written communication. It can serve to introduce you to a
potential employer, announce a product or service, or even serve
to communicate feelings and emotions.
TYPES OF LETTERS
Let us first understand that there are broadly two types
of letter, namely Formal Letters, and Informal Letters.
But then there are also a few types of letters based on
their contents, formalities, the purpose of letter writing
etc. Some of the common types of letters are the
following:
 FORMAL LETTER

These letters follow a certain pattern and formality.

They are strictly kept professional in nature, and
directly address the issues concerned. Any type of
business letter, application letter or letter to
authorities falls within this given category.
EXAMPLE OF AN
APPLICATION LETTER:
 INFORMAL LETTER

These are personal letters. They need not follow

any set pattern or adhere to any formalities. They
contain personal information or are a written
conversation. Informal letters are generally written
to friends, acquaintances, relatives etc.
EXAMPLE OF AN
INFORMAL LETTER:
 BUSINESS LETTER

This letter is written among business

correspondents, generally contains commercial
information such as quotations, orders, complaints,
claims, letters for collections etc. Such letters are
always strictly formal and follow a structure and
pattern of formalities.
7 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS TO
INCLUDE IN A BUSINESS
LETTER
YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS
If the contact address is already included in the letterhead, skip
it. Otherwise, include these in your contact information:

Full name
Job title
Company
Address
City, state, ZIP Code
Phone number
Email address

DATE
This is the date when you are writing the letter. If your contact information is
included on the letterhead, your business letter starts with the date.
RECIPIENT ADDRESS
The address should include:
Full name
Job title
Company
Address
City, state, ZIP Code

SALUTATION
The salutation that you use depends upon how familiar you are
with the recipient.

Use “To whom it may concern” if you’re not sure about who will
receive and read your letter.

If you know the recipient formally, use Dear [last name].

If you know the recipient informally, use the salutation Dear [first
name].
LETTER BODY
THIS IS THE MEAT OF THE BUSINESS LETTER. USE SINGLE LINE SPACING FOR
READABILITY. YOU CAN USE EXTRA LINES BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS, AFTER THE
SALUTATION AND ABOVE THE CLOSING SALUTATION.

CLOSING SALUTATION
AGAIN, THE CLOSING SALUTATION DEPENDS UPON HOW
FORMAL OR INFORMAL YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS WITH THE
RECIPIENT. SOME OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED CLOSING
SALUTATIONS IN BUSINESS INCLUDE:
SINCERELY
CORDIALLY
BEST
KIND REGARDS
REGARDS
ALL THE BEST
YOUR SIGNATURE
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS END WITH A HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE EVEN IF THE LETTER IS TYPED AND
PRINTED USING A COMPUTER. HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURES HELP IN ESTABLISHING A RAPPORT WITH
THE RECIPIENT EVEN IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST COMMUNICATION. ALWAYS WRITE YOUR FULL NAME
AND TITLE BELOW THE SIGNATURE.

HOW TO FORMAT A BUSINESS LETTER

A BUSINESS LETTER MUST BE FORMATTED FOR
CLARITY AND EASE OF UNDERSTANDING. HERE ARE
SOME POINTS TO CONSIDER WHILE FORMATTING THE
LETTER:
BLOCK OR INDENT. IN THE BLOCK FORMAT, ALL ELEMENTS OF THE LETTER ARE LEFT-
ALIGNED. BUT, IF YOU WANT TO USE AN INDENTED FORMAT, RIGHT-ALIGN YOUR
ADDRESS, DATE, CLOSING SALUTATION AND SIGNATURE. THE REST OF THE ELEMENTS
WILL BE LEFT-ALIGNED.

FONT. USE A PROFESSIONAL FONT SUCH AS ARIAL, CALIBRI, TIMES NEW ROMAN,
HELVETICA, ETC. THE SIZE MUST BE FROM 10 TO 12.

MARGINS. A ONE-INCH MARGIN ON ALL FOUR SIDES OF THE PAGE IS THE STANDARD.
YOU CAN INCREASE IT TO ONE-AND-A-QUARTER INCHES TO DIFFERENTIATE IT FROM
OTHER TYPES OF LETTERS.

SPACING. USE A SINGLE LINE FOR THE BODY OF THE LETTER. USE EXTRA LINES AFTER
YOUR ADDRESS, DATE, RECIPIENT ADDRESS AND SALUTATION. ALSO, LEAVE AN EXTRA
LINE BEFORE THE CLOSING SALUTATION.
EXAMPLE OF A BUSINESS LETTER:
OFFICIAL
LETTER THIS TYPE OF LETTER IS WRITTEN TO
INFORM OFFICES, BRANCHES,
SUBORDINATES OF OFFICIAL
INFORMATION. IT USUALLY RELAYS
OFFICIAL INFORMATION LIKE RULES,
REGULATIONS, PROCEDURES, EVENTS,
OR ANY OTHER SUCH INFORMATION.
OFFICIAL LETTERS ARE ALSO FORMAL IN
NATURE AND FOLLOW CERTAIN
STRUCTURE AND DECORUM.
EXAMPLE OF AN OFFICIAL
LETTER (RESIGNATION
LETTER)
SOCIAL
LETTER A PERSONAL LETTER WRITTEN ON THE
OCCASION OF A SPECIAL EVENT IS
KNOWN AS A SOCIAL LETTER.
CONGRATULATORY LETTERS,
CONDOLENCE LETTERS, INVITATION
LETTERS ETC. ARE ALL SOCIAL LETTERS
 EXAMPLE OF A
SOCIAL LETTER:
CIRCULAR
LETTER
A LETTER THAT ANNOUNCES
INFORMATION TO A LARGE NUMBER OF
PEOPLE IS A CIRCULAR LETTER. THE
SAME LETTER IS CIRCULATED TO A
LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE TO
CORRESPOND WITH SOME IMPORTANT
INFORMATION LIKE A CHANGE OF
ADDRESS, CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT,
THE RETIREMENT OF A PARTNER ETC
EXAMPLE
OF A
CIRCULAR
LETTER:
Employment Letters:

Any letters with Example of an

respect to the Employment
employment
process, like letter:
joining letter,
promotion letter,
application letter
etc.
STRATEGIES FOR
EFFECTIVE LETTERS
Remember that a letter has five main areas:

01 02 03
The heading, which The introduction, The body, which
names the which establishes articulates the
recipient, often the purpose message
including address
and date
STRATEGIES FOR
EFFECTIVE LETTERS
Remember that a letter has five main areas:

04 05
The conclusion, The signature line,
which restates the which sometimes
main point and may includes the contact
include a call to information
action
Always remember that letters represent you and your company in your absence.
In order to communicate effectively and project a positive image, remember that

your language should be clear, concise, specific, and respectful;

each word should contribute to your purpose;
each paragraph should focus on one idea;
the parts of the letter should form a complete message;
the letter should be free of errors.
 CORRESPONDENCE
What is correspondence Who uses
writing? correspondence writing?

Individuals and organizations

Correspondence writing is a
utilize correspondence writing to
written exchange of messages
communicate with one another
between two parties. Letters,
via letters, emails, and other
emails, texting, and other written
written forms of communication.
correspondence used to share
This encompasses interactions
information, express ideas, or build
between organizations and their
relationships are examples of this.
clients, consumers, and suppliers
It may be used for either personal
as well as those between people
or professional reasons, and it may
and their friends, family, and the
be formal or informal.
government.
CORRESPONDENCE
Why use correspondence
writing?
Correspondence writing is a useful tool for
maintaining clear, effective, and professional
communication with people. It enables meticulous
message planning and gives a permanent record of the
communication. Additionally, it can be used to
establish and uphold connections, foster trust,
communicate crucial information, and put forth
requests. Additionally, formal contexts where a written
record of the discussion is crucial, like legal and
governmental documentation, frequently use
correspondence writing.
 Whatever digital device you use,
Texting written communication in the
form of brief messages, or texting,
has become a common way to
connect. It is useful for short
exchanges, and is a convenient
way to stay connected with others
when talking on the phone would
be cumbersome.
 Know your recipient:

Add a
Guidelines for Effective
Business Texting “? % dsct” may be an understandable way to ask a close
associate what the proper discount is to offer a certain

heading
If your work
customer, but if you are writing a text to your boss, it
might be wiser to write, “what % discount does Murray
get on $1K order?”
situation allows or
requires you to
Anticipate unintentional
communicate via misinterpretation:
text messages,
keep the following texting often uses symbols and codes to represent
thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Given the complexity of
tips in mind:
communication, and the useful but limited tool of
texting, be aware of its limitations and prevent
misinterpretation with brief messages.
 Use appropriately:

Add a
Guidelines for Effective
Business Texting contacting someone too frequently can

heading
border on harassment. Texting is a tool.
If your work Use it when appropriate but don’t abuse
situation allows or it.
requires you to
communicate via Don’t text and drive:
text messages,
keep the following research shows that the likelihood of an accident
tips in mind: increases dramatically if the driver is texting behind the
wheel. Being in an accident while conducting company
business would reflect poorly on your judgment as well as
on your employer.
 Email is familiar to most
students and workers. In
business, it has largely replaced
print hard copy letters for
EMAIL external (outside the company)
correspondence, and in many
cases, it has taken the place of
memos for internal (within the
company) communication.
 GUIDELINES FOR
EFFECTIVE BUSINESS
EMAIL
Open with a proper salutation:
proper salutations demonstrate
respect and avoid mix-ups in
case a message is accidentally
sent to the wrong recipient. For
example, use a salutation like
“Dear Ms. X” (external) or “Hi
Barry” (internal).
Include a clear, brief, and
specific subject line: this helps
the recipient understand the
essence of the message. For
example, “Proposal attached” or
“Electrical specs for project Y.”
Close with a signature: identify
yourself by creating a signature
block that automatically
contains your name and business
contact information.
Avoid abbreviations: an email is
not a text message, and the
audience may not find your wit
cause to ROTFLOL (roll on the
floor laughing out loud).
Be brief: omit unnecessary
words
Use a good format: divide your
message into brief paragraphs for
ease of reading. A good email should
get to the point and conclude in
three small paragraphs or fewer.
Reread, revise, and review: catch
and correct spelling and grammar
mistakes before you press “send.” It
will take more time and effort to
undo the problems caused by a
hasty, poorly-written email than to
take the time to get it right the first
time.
Avoid using all caps: capital letters
are used on the Internet
communicate emphatic emotion or
“yelling” and can be considered
rude.
Use “Reply All” sparingly: do not
send your reply to everyone who
received the initial email unless your
message absolutely needs to be
read by the entire group.
.
Email ahead of time if you are
going to attach large files: audio
and visual files are often quite large;
be careful to avoid exceeding the
recipient’s mailbox limit or
triggering the spam filter.
Give feedback or follow up: if you don’t get a
response in twenty-four hours, email or call. Spam
to filters may have intercepted your message, so your
recipient may never have received it.
Test links: if you include a link, test it to make
sure it works.
MEMORANDUMS
A memorandum or also known as memo, is a short written notice
used to convey important details or information to people working
within a business or organization. A memo also can be sent to
people or firms that have close relationships, such as vendors or
consultants. A memo is a permanent record of your
communication. If we will compare the memo to an e-mail, email is
the most popular choice for business communication, because a
memo usually is too complicated, confidential, and too newsworthy
to send online.
MEMORANDUMS
Memorandums aim to inform readers about new information and
have applications for different communities and businesses. Memo
can be used in a community to tell people about the public safety
guidelines, promote an event, and raise an awareness on the
subject that affect and have a big impact in their lives. On the other
hand, businesses can use memo to relay information such as a new
update on the policy, unexpected changes in procedure or
pursuing an employee to take an action such as attending an
upcoming event, convention and celebration for the success of the
company.
 FORMAT OF A
MEMORANDUMS

01 HEADING - THIS IS A TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE MEMO

02 RECIPIENT -A TO" LINE INDICATES WHO WILL RECEIVE THE MEMO.

03 SENDER - A "FROM" LINE INDICATES WHO IS THE WRITER OF THE MEMO.

ADDITIONAL RECIPIENTS' NAMES - A "CC" LINE OR STANDING FOR

04 CARBON-COPIED, LISTS THOSE PEOPLE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT THE
PRIMARY AUDIENCE BUT THEY STILL BENEFIT FROM HAVING OR RECEIVING
THE MEMORY FOR THE INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.
 FORMAT OF A
MEMORANDUMS

DATE - IN THIS SECTION, IT INCLUDES THE MONTH, DAY, AND YEAR THAT
05 THE MEMO IS PLANNED FOR DISTRIBUTION.

SUBJECT OF THE MEMO - IN THIS SECTION, IT OFFERS A GENERAL

06 SUMMARY OF WHAT FOLLOWS IN THE REST OF THE MEMO.

BODY OF THE MESSAGE - IN THIS PART, IT INCLUDES ALL THE INFORMATION

07 THAT THE RECIPIENT AND ADDITIONAL RECIPIENT'S NAMES SHOULD BE
KNOWN

08 ATTACHMENTS - IT IS ONLY APPLICABLE BECAUSE SOMETIMES, THERE ARE

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS THAT THE MEMO INTRODUCES AND USES AS A
REFERENCE. IT SHOULD BE STAPLED BEHIND THE MEMO.
 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEMO
When an employee wants or
needs to record what
occurred while working off-
site, they write a field report
memo. A history of their
experiences, broad
observations, improvement
recommendations, and much
more could be shared by the
employee.
FIELD REPORT MEMO
A meeting minutes memo is
created to record the A response memo could be
outcomes of board, considered the best form of
department, or company communication in some It is written to explain the
meetings. This letter may circumstances. It is simply status or the progress of an
include the meeting agenda written as a response to an assigned task to a
as well as all pertinent inquiry or questions. supervisor.
conversation topics,
achievements, and upcoming
assignments.
MEETING MINUTES MEMO RESPONSE MEMO STATUS MEMO
EXAMPLE OF A MEMO:
c. Report
A report is a particular type of
writing that is structured around

What identifying and examining issues,

events, or findings that have
is a occurred in physical terms, such as
report? instances within an organization or
findings from the course of a study.
5 IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
OF REPORT WRITING:
01 02
Introduction
Executive Summary
Without a question, the introduction is crucial
One of the most crucial parts of creating
for every document. When composing the
a report is the executive summary. It is
report's introduction, you should:
written to provide a succinct overview
of the report and must communicate
Describe the goals and purpose.
itself. It emphasizes the conclusions or
Describe the research's history as well as
recommendations and focuses on the
the context in a few sentences.
report's significant points and
Describe the issue(s) at hand or any
corroborating evidence.
modifications.
Give the solution to the issue.
The writing of an executive summary
To emphasize the report's scope
should be done after completing the
Your report's introduction should also provide
report.
the report's limitations and underlying
assumptions.
5 IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
OF REPORT WRITING:
03
Discussion
The report's discussion serves as its main body It's time to come to a conclusion after thoroughly
and was written with the following objectives:
To explain the result
In order to back up the suggestions.
You should keep the following in mind as you
work on the discussion section:
Analyze the data logically and methodically.
Discuss the results and provide sufficient
evidence to back up your assertions.
Apply theory to real-world situations.
You can also use statistics and illustrative
evidence to persuade readers of the accuracy of
your position.
04
Conclusion
digging into the problem and outlining the
research in the main body. Here, you should:
Determine the central issues and explain how
you see them.
Refer to the objectives that were emphasized
in the introduction.
Reiterate the key ideas succinctly and bring
everything together.
The actions and subsequent measures you
recommend the readers do should also be
highlighted in your conclusion.
5 IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
OF REPORT WRITING:

05
Recommendations

Last but not least, your report ought to make suggestions for the future. It
ought to be:

Associated with the discussion and judgment.

Short, viable, and focused on doing an action.
Numbered and Ordered based on the order of importance.

Your report's recommendations section should discuss how you thought the
problem can be fixed or the situation may be made better.
Apart from these five important elements, the report writing should have a:

Title page,
Terms of Reference,
Table of Contents,
Appendices,
Bibliography,
Acknowledgement,
Glossary of Technical Terms.
 TYPES OF REPORTS
Long Report and Short Reports:
As the name implies, these reports are fairly clear. A two-page report, sometimes known as a
memorandum, is short, but a thirty-page report is extremely long. But what distinguishes short reports
from long reports? Longer reports, on the other hand, are typically prepared in a formal tone.

Internal and External Reports:

An internal report, as the name implies, is exclusive to a specific company or group of people. Internal
reports are used within an organization in the case of an office setting.

We provide external reports for dissemination outside the organization, such as a newspaper news story
about an incident or company annual reports. These are referred to as public reports.

Vertical and Lateral Reports:

This relates to the reports' final target's hierarchical structure. A vertical report is one that is intended for
management or mentees. A vertical report is one that moves in either an upward or downward direction.
On the other side, lateral reports support organizational cooperation. A lateral report is one that moves
between departments at the same organizational level, such as one between the administration and
finance departments.
 TYPES OF REPORTS
Periodic Reports:
On routinely specified occasions, periodic reports are distributed. They typically move upward and are
used as management controls. Some are required to be periodic by the government but are not vertical,
such as annual reports.

We have annual, quarterly, and half-yearly reports for this reason. It only makes sense to pre-set the
layout of these reports and simply fill in the data each time if they are this frequent. In most
circumstances, that is also what occurs.

Formal and Informal Reports:

Formal reports follow a strict format. They require the writer to compose them in a manner that avoids
elements like personal pronouns and places a greater emphasis on objectivity and rule. They also contain
more detail.

Informal reports typically consist of brief communications with unstructured, informal language. The
internal report/memorandum is typically referred to as an informal report. Among your peers, for instance,
or for your team or small group, etc.
 TYPES OF REPORTS
Informational and Analytical Reports:
Informational reports, such as attendance reports, budget reports for the year, financial reports every
month, and others, convey factual data from one part of an organization to maybe a broader system.

Scientific research, feasibility reports, and personnel evaluations are examples of analytical reports that
demonstrate attempts to address real issues. The conclusion of these analytical studies typically calls for
suggestions.

Proposal Reports:
These reports function as an addition to analytical and problem-solving reports. A proposal is a document
that is created to outline how one organization can address a problem that is objective and frequently
very focused on solutions. Such reports are referred to as proposal reports.

Functional Reports:
These reports come in a variety of forms and have a variety of purposes, such as marketing, financial, and
accounting reports. Almost all reports may be grouped into most of these categories. Additionally, we can
combine one report with other types of reports.
 PROPOSALS
Proposal reports are some of the most typical types of reports that you
will probably write at work. Proposals aim to convince the reader to adopt
the writer's suggestion, whereas progress reports reassure the reader
that the project is on schedule and within budget or provide logical
justifications for why things might not be going as planned.

There are four different types of proposals, based on whether they

were asked or not and whether they are intended to address issues
within your own business or those of another. You can see from the
descriptions below that they can also overlap:
1. Internal Proposals
2. External Proposals
3. Solicited Proposals
4. Unsolicited Proposals
 SAMPLE PROPOSAL
ORGANIZATION
Each proposal will be unique in that it must address a particular audience, in a particular
context, for a specific purpose. However, the following offers a fairly standard
organization for many types of proposals:

Convincing the reader that there is a

clear need for and a clear advantage
Introduction/ from the suggested idea. Clearly and
thoroughly defines the problem or
Background opportunity addressed by the
proposal.
 SAMPLE PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Detailed description of the problem,

together with an explanation of how
the suggested solution will make things
better:

1. Confirm feasibility (is it do-able?)

How will you find out?
Project 2. Explain the specific benefits of
implementing the idea and the
Description consequences of not doing it
3. Give a detailed description or
explanation of your proposed idea or
methodology, and the resources
needed to achieve goals
4. Address potential obstacles or
objections; concede where appropriate
 SAMPLE PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Determine the writer's experience and

Credentials qualifications to oversee this
assignment.

Give a thorough timetable for the

project's completion (use a Gantt chart
to show when each stage will be
Timeline and Budget finished). Give a detailed budget
breakdown for executing the suggested
project.

This is your last chance to convince

Conclusion the reader; be persuasive!

References List your research sources

 5 Ways to Write an
Irresistible Introduction
1. Start with a quotation
2. Open with a relevant statistic or fun fact
3. Start with a fascinating story
4. Ask your readers in intriguing
5. Set the scene
 1. The Quote
To begin with, correct quotes in essays strengthen the force of your arguments and lend
credibility to your writing. Additionally, essays with quotations typically receive higher
grades than essays without them because of the initial impact that using quotes has on the
reader and how they support your argument.Although there are many various ways to write
an introduction, you might want to think about starting your essay with a quotation. These
are various ways to create or take quotations:

Avoid clichés and overused quotations

Use a surprising comment.
Research the quote’s context.
Know your audience
Hook your reader.
Ensure that the quotation contributes to
your essay
 2. Open with a relevant statistic or fun fact
Journalists usually begin a news story by giving readers an eye-catching stat
or fact about what's going on. As a writer, a really interesting stat or fact will
draw your reader in and show them why your topic is really important. In
addition, it establishes the general topic of the piece in a fun way and offers
the reader something snappy and memorable. However, the real reason using
facts or statistics as an introduction works is because it pushes our emotional
buttons. Moreover, by including statistics in the form of numbers and facts in
the introduction, it may add realism, and that makes abstract ideas more
manageable for the readers to process and understand. Using statistics in
introduction is a powerful way to add a quantifiable and persuasive aspect to
a text as it provides a basis on which you can build an argument, prove a
statement, or support an idea.
 Why Is This Type of Introduction So Effective?
Because data represent facts, incorporating statistics in the introduction can
be an effective way of adding both context and credibility to the argument.
Readers are much more likely to believe you if you incorporate statistics.

Below are some examples of statistics or fun fact that you could use to
catch the reader's attention:
Did you know that the first American movie to show a toilet being flushed
on-screen was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 psychological horror classic,
Psycho?
Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear
by 700 times.
A duck’s quack doesn’t echo, and no one knows why.
 3. Start with a fascinating story
A group of infantrymen from the renowned Manchester Regiment invaded the village of l'Epinette in
northern France in May 1940 as war raged throughout Europe.

The strategically located village was under attack from both German and Allied forces, and the Nazi
soldiers opened fire heavily on the Manchester Regiment. One of the German soldiers cried out as the
German soldiers took cover behind the low wall of a farmhouse after the squadron finally managed to
subdue the Nazis with suppressing fire. The dying soldier's commanding officer looked over at him,
thinking he had been shot, but instead saw a long, feathered arrow sticking out of his chest.

The Nazi soldier had been killed by the improbably yet fantastically named John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming
Churchill, also known as “Mad Captain Jack” Churchill, the only soldier known to have carried a longbow –
and an authentic claymore sword – into battle during World War II. Churchill held a deep appreciation of
his Scottish heritage, and when asked why he carried such a large, antiquated weapon into battle,
Churchill respectfully replied that, in his opinion, “any officer who goes into action without his sword is
improperly dressed.”

As much as I’d love to tell you more about Mad Jack Churchill – and unbelievably, there’s plenty more to
tell – I used this tale as an example of how employing a classical narrative in your introductions can be
extraordinarily powerful. Granted, this particular example as I’ve presented it isn’t technically a true
narrative; it has a beginning (the approach of the Manchester Regiment upon l’Epinette) and rising action
(Churchill killing a Nazi soldier with a bow and arrow), but it lacks a real ending. Still, hopefully you see what
I’m getting at with this example.
 Why Is This Type of Introduction So Effective?
Simply put, traditional stories work so well as introductions because, as
human beings, we’re hardwired to respond to stories. Far from mere
entertainment, stories served humanity for millennia as cautionary tales and a
means of survival, and even today, with all our technology and knowledge, a
good story told well is still one of the most gripping forms of entertainment
we know.

Using a traditional narrative as an introduction provides your work with all of

the advantages of a good novel, which hooks you from the first page and
keeps you reading. In our example, Mad Jack Churchill, you can introduce one
or more characters using this technique before beginning the dramatic rise
that every good story has. This immediately catches the reader's attention
and, if done well, can act as a virtually irresistible hook for the remainder of
the piece.
 4. Ask your readers an intriguing
Asking questions can be a powerfully effective technique
in introductions. When you begin your introduction part,
start with an intriguing question that forces the readers to
pause and consider the answer. By asking them questions
you make your readers pay attention to your composition,
but make sure that the questions you'll ask are simple and
related to your topic. Additionally, it creates a
hypothetical scenario to the reader's mind and invites
them to imagine their response and relate their own lived
experience.
 Why is this type of Introduction so Effective?
It's a good idea to ask your readers questions in the introduction since
you're encouraging them to think about a very specific scenario.This
method is similar to the the presentation of statistics or facts; by posing
questions to your audience, you're giving them a potentially memorable
setting and allowing them to think about their viewpoint on the subject.

Below are some examples of questions that you could use to catch the
readers attention:

Would you rather be reincarnated as a cat or a dog?

If you had to, would you rather fight a single, horse-sized duck, or 100
duck-sized horses?
Want to craft a resume that is sure to get a phone call?
Do you want to eat delicious food but still get in shape?
 5. Set the scene
Setting the scene means to give the readers information on what is needed to be
understood to give them a hint of what is likely to happen in the story, essay,
article, etc. In this introductory technique you’re giving the reader what they might
anticipate as they read the writing and draw their attention to your piece. This
introduction can be styled to resemble narrative introductions by beginning with a
self-contained story before moving on to the body of the text. It can also be styled
to quickly bring readers up to speed on a developing subject they may not be
familiar with.

This method has a lot to offer the writer in terms of editing. It enables you to
rapidly take a contrary viewpoint on hot-button issues and allows you to choose
and build a well defined opinion on a subject. By summarizing and emphasizing a
story's good or bad points or using them to support your arguments, you can also
use this technique to play with your readers' emotions. Example: “it was a dark, wet
night with a strong wind blowing” By this introduction the readers will be eager to
know what could happen in a dark, wet, windy night.
 THE
PRINCIPLE
OF
WRITING
COMMUNICATION
SKILLS: THE
In relation to the entire composition, a
paragraph supplies the reader with
sentence groups that constitute units of

PARAGRAPH
thought. Paragraphs can contain many
different kinds of information. But it
consists of only as much information as a
A composition reader can comprehend in one "mindful"
may only have reading. Thus, the paragraph functions as
one paragraph, a unit of thought. It could include a
but in practice number of brief examples or only one
it is usually detailed demonstration of a general idea.
It could describe a setting, a person, or a
made up of
process; recount a sequence of events;
several compare and contrast two or more things;
paragraphs group objects into categories; or explain
causes and effects.
 COMMUNICATION SKILLS: THE PARAGRAPH

The division of a composition

into paragraphs is mostly for
the reader's convenience.
However, it also serves a useful
purpose for the writer. First
and foremost, it assists the
writer in planning his
composition. It allows him to
work with convenient units
that one can organize and
group to ensure an orderly and
logical progression of his
ideas.
In essence, the paragraph can be
viewed from two aspects: either
as a standalone composition or
as a unit that is connected to
the other paragraphs in the
composition. As a further matter,
regardless of the kind of
information a paragraph
contains, all of them share
certain characteristics.
 PARAGRAPH
STRUCTURE Introduction: The first section of a paragraph
and it should include the topic sentence as well
Most paragraphs in a as any other sentences at the beginning of the
composition have a paragraph that provides background information
three-part structure: or a transition.
introduction, body, and
conclusion. This Body: Follows the introduction and this part
structure can be seen in discusses the controlling concept, uses factual
paragraphs whether it data, arguments, analyses, examples, and other
narrates, describes, information.
compares, contrasts, or
analyzes material. Each Conclusion: The last section which summarizes
section of the paragraph the relationship between the information
is critical in delivering its described in the body of the paragraph and the
meaning to the reader. ideas that guide the paragraph.
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
Unity in writing is when all of a written piece's
components are used to convey one clear
message. This concept is essential for a literary
work since it enables the reader to comprehend
the piece. It helps the reader's ability to
comprehend a document's ideas quickly.
A new paragraph is required if the main idea
changes. The general message is lost when
information is included that has nothing to do
with the meaning the author is attempting to
convey.
UNITY
Example: "In the land of Ingary,
where such things as seven-league
boots and cloaks of invisibility
really exist, it is quite a misfortune
to be born the eldest of three.
Everyone knows you are the one
who will fail first, and worst, if the
three of you set out to seek your
fortunes."
Sophie Hatter was the eldest of
three sisters. She was not even
the child of a poor woodcutter,
which might have given her
some chance of success!
Chapter 1 of Howl's Moving
Castle
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
Coherence refers to the extent to which the flow
of ideas in a paragraph is easily understood by the
reader. For this reason, coherence is closely related
to unity. When a writer changes main ideas or
topics within a paragraph, confusion often results.
To achieve coherence, then, a writer should show
how all of the ideas contained in a paragraph are
relevant to the main topic. Consider the example
below. In this paragraph, the writer begins with
the topic of job-skills courses, but veers off onto
the topic of algebra and history before returning to
the subject of courses on employment. As a result,
the paragraph is disjointed and difficult to
understand.
COHERENCE
Effective writing requires coherence,
which is achieved by connecting
ideas within and between
paragraphs. This creates a fluid flow of
ideas that allows readers to
comprehend the author's message.
A successful paragraph is composed
of a topic sentence, supporting
evidence, and a conclusion. The topic
sentence introduces the primary
theme of the paragraph and sets the
tone for the rest of it. Supporting
evidence provides more details that
support and elaborate on the topic
sentence.
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
Example: "Schools should offer
COHERENCE courses to help students with the
problems of unemployment. Such a
course might begin with a
A conclusion should summarize the ideas
discussion of where to find
discussed in the paragraph and make it feel
employment, then cover resume
complete. When all of these components are used
writing and interviewing. Algebra
together, the paragraph is well-organized and the
and history don't help students with
reader can easily understand the author's point of
real-world needs. They are required
view.
courses that students aren't
interested in, and this is frustrating
Coherence is also essential for the overall structure
for students who would rather learn
of an essay, as paragraphs should flow logically
about other subjects. If schools
from one to the next. Therefore, effective writing
offered job-skills courses, students
relies heavily on coherence and the use of these
would be well prepared for the
components to create a smooth flow of ideas and
difficult task of finding a job once
make the author's message clear.
they finish school."
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
A paragraph needs to be developed appropriately in order for the readers to
understand what they are reading. It should be constructed properly–with all the
technicalities like grammar, punctuations, and capitalizations considered. It must
also provide sufficient details, information, and evidence and relate to the main
idea or topic sentence discussed. This method helps support the topic sentence
and show validity to the readers. There must be an organization and correlation
among the ideas, evidence, and topic sentence that may help answer all the
reader’s questions and for them to comprehend the paragraph with ease. A
paragraph can also be said as “developed” when it is able to describe, support,
and expound the topic sentence. Moreover, it is effective if the writer utilizes at
least four sentences in constructing their paragraph, so that they can have more
freedom to elaborate and explain the topic sentence.

ADEQUATE DEVELOPMENT
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
There are certain strategies for the writer to
ADEQUATE DEVELOPMENT
develop a paragraph:
Elaborate: Give additional details by Narrate: Describe how the issue has changed
defining, clarifying, and including vital over time.
Process: Describe the procedures and how
information.
something works.
Illustrate: Give a verbal illustration that
Describe: Observe without making
backs up or clarifies your point(s). Pieces
assumptions.
with good illustrations are simpler to read Classify: Sort and organize phenomena or
and understand than those with a high concepts into broad groups based on shared
level of abstraction. attributes.
Argue: Provide the arguments, rationales, Analyze: Identify the components of
and justifications for the stance or phenomena or concepts.
viewpoint you have adopted in the topic Compare and Contrast: Present the similarities
sentence. Explain the relevance of any and differences among phenomena or ideas
assertions or claims made and draw described in the paragraph.
Relate: Present relationships; causes and effects.
implications for the reader.
TOPIC SENTENCES
To develop a single topic adequately, the writer keeps his topic
sentence constantly in mind. The topic sentence may be placed at the
beginning of the paragraph, especially when a general idea is to be
made clear or a principle is to be illustrated.

The topic sentence expresses the thought developed in the paragraph.

Note how every sentence in the following paragraph reinforces the
idea that "the forest is a sanitary agent". Also note that the topic
sentence is found at the beginning.
The forest is a sanitary agent (topic sentence). It constantly
eliminates impurities from the earth and the air. The trees check,
sweep, and purify the air. The roots give off acids and, together with
the acids released by the fallen, decaying leaves, sterilize the soil.
Trees help keep the earth sweet and clean. Water fromroots give off
acids and, together with the acids released by the fallen, decaying
leaves, sterilize the soil. Trees help keep the earth sweet and clean.
Water from forest watersheds is usually clean. Many unsanitary areas
have been rendered healthy by tree planting.

ThinkFree!
On your own, write a short theme on All Saints' Day in the Philippines.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
THE TOPIC SENTENCE
A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph. It is
typically the first sentence in a paragraph and should be concise and clear,
providing a brief overview of what the paragraph will discuss. The topic sentence
should be interesting enough to draw the reader in and make them want to
continue reading. It should also be supported by evidence such as facts,
statistics, quotes, or examples to back up the point of the topic sentence and
make it clear to the reader why the point is important. This evidence should be
relevant and should be presented in a clear and concise manner. The topic
sentence is an important part of any piece of writing and should be crafted
effectively in order to ensure that the reader can understand the main point of
the paragraph. By being specific, relevant, and supported by evidence, the topic
sentence can be used to draw the reader in and make them want to continue
reading.
My Pick
On your own, point out the topic sentence in each of the following
paragraphs:

1. All the beautiful thoughts should really be expressed in poetry, but

poetry is difficult to create. It is not really created; it is a secretion of
the mind. It is like the pearl found in an oyster. It is a secretion which
forms in the mind around some irritant, as the pearl forms in the heart
of the mother-of-pearl around some irritant the oyster has swallowed.
Poetry is a pearl which expresses the essence of beauty which lies
dormant in the mind of the poet who secretes it.
2. Science as applied to warfare is well on its way to shrivel up the
nervous systems of those it does not kill. War has always driven some
men mad; but not until modern science took charge has there been
such a malady as shell shock. Gone in battle are the virtues of
strength, determination, skill at arms-yes, even courage. A weak little
man pushes a but-on somewhere miles away, and the strength and skill
and courage of men go hundreds of feet into the air, together with
fragments of arms and legs and viscera. Of the millions killed and the
millions wounded, how many received their wounds in hand-to-hand
combat? Probably not one percent, the ninety-nine percent were
stricken by engines of science.
3. Art, science, and thought are the most strenuous occupations of man. If
you do well in any of these, you must scorn delight and live laborious days.
To produce a masterpiece in art, you must go lean for many days and the
passerby will say of you as they did of Dante. "This man surely has been in
hell. In the sweat of thy brow, in the sweat of thy brain shalt thou think,
shalt thou achieve the great discoveries of science and the great creations
of art."

4. Your mind, like your body, is a thing whose powers are developed by
effort. That is the importance, as see it, of hardwork in studies. Unless you
train your body, you cannot be an athlete; unless you train your mind, you
cannot be much of a scholar. The miles a runner covers in a loping pace is
in itself not the race; but the physical training is good for him. So a good
part of what you learn by hard study may not be permanently retained and
may not but its value is more in what it can do, than in what it can grasp
and use. Think of your mind as a muscle to be developed; think of it as a
searchlight that is to reveal the truth to you; don't cheat it or neglect it.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
THE COMPLETE SENTENCE
A complete sentence is one that contains a subject, a verb, and an
object that conveys an entire idea.

Complete sentences are vital in writing because they carry the meaning
that the writer wants; complete sentences allow for succinct
communication. Furthermore, comprehensive phrases might help to
avoid misinterpretation and ambiguity.
COMPLETE SENTENCE EXAMPLE
While complete sentences can be as short as one word, there is no limit on how long
a sentence can be. The following is a list of examples of complete sentences.

Stop!
This is a one-word complete sentence. The subject is assumed to be you, and the
verb is stop. No object is necessary for this sentence, and the thought is
complete. There is no anticipation for further explanation.

There are so many kinds of jeans in the market that I have a hard time choosing a
good pair of jeans.
This is a complete sentence with more than one subject, verb, and object.
In addition to having a subject and verb that are in agreement with each other, a
complete sentence needs a complete thought, correct capitalization, and
punctuation.
COMPLETE SENTENCE EXAMPLE
While complete sentences can be as short as one word, there is no limit on how long
a sentence can be. The following is a list of examples of complete sentences.

There are so many kinds of jeans in the market that I have a hard time choosing a
good pair of jeans.
This example shows a long sentence with more than one subject and verb.

Mary sang a beautiful song.

This is a complete sentence with a subject, verb, and object. This sentence conveys
a complete thought.
 COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
AGREEMENT BETWEEN
SUBJECT AND VERB
.

Nobody likes conflict, and sentences are no exception! We know that

every phrase requires a subject and a predicate, but we also need to e

nsure that these two agree. This is referred to as subject-verb

agreement in the grammar field.
 WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
The relationship between the sentence's subject and predicate is referred to as
subject-verb agreement. Subjects and verbs must always agree with one another. It
means that a subject and its verb must be both singular or both plural. Commonly
singular verbs refers to the verbs that have 's' on end, like walks, jumps, and writes
while plural verbs are those without 's' on end, like walk, jump, and write. There are
plenty of rules on subject-verb agreement some of the most common rules of these
are as follows:

1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular as well.

Example: She runs everyday.

Exception: When using the singular "they," use plural verb forms.
Example: The participant expressed satisfaction with their job. They are currently in a
managerial role at the organization.

2. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well.

Example: They run every day.

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
3. Use a plural verb when the subject of the phrase is made up of two or more
nouns or pronouns joined by and.

Example: The doctoral student and the committee members run every day.

Example: The percentage of employees who called in sick and the number of
employees who left their jobs within 2 years are reflective of the level of job
satisfaction.

4. When there is only one subject and more than one verb, the verbs must all agree
with the subject throughout the entire statement.

Example: Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to gain an
in-depth understanding of participants.

Example: An assumption is something that is generally accepted as true and is an

important consideration when conducting a doctoral study.
WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
5. When a phrase appears between the subject and the verb, remember that the verb
still agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the sentence's following
phrase.

Example: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.

Example: The student with all the master’s degrees is very motivated.

Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom participation

include using small groups and clarifying expectations.

Example: The focus of the interviews was nine purposively selected participants.

6. When connecting two or more singular nouns or pronouns with "or" or "nor," use a
singular verb.

Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before proceeding
WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
7. When a compound subject includes both a single and a plural noun or pronoun connected by
"or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject closest to the verb. This is also
known as the proximity rule.

Example: The student or the committee members write every day.

Example: The committee members or the student writes every day.

8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "neither," "either", "everybody," "anyone,"
"everyone", "anybody," "somebody," "nobody", "someone," and "no one" are singular and require
a singular verb.

Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted.

Example: I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody who participates in the study.

Example: No one was available to meet with me at the preferred times.

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
9. Noncount nouns are assigned a singular verb.

Example: Education is the key to success.

Example: Diabetes affects many people around the world.

Example: The information obtained from the business owners was relevant to include in the
study.

Example: The research I found on the topic was limited.

 WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings,
proceeds, contents, and valuables only have a plural form and take a plural verb.

Examples: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the
city

Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.

11. In statements that begin with "there is" or "there are," the subject comes after the
verb. Because "there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what comes after it.

Examples: There is little administrative support.

There are many factors affecting teacher retention.

 WHAT IS THE SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT?
12. Collective nouns are terms that refer to more than one person yet are deemed
singular and must be followed by a singular verb. Examples include the terms "group,"
"team," "committee," "family," and "class."

Examples: The group meets every week.

The committee agrees on the quality of the writing.

13. If the emphasis is on the individuals in the group, the plural verb is utilized. This is
quite uncommon.

Example:
The committee participate in various volunteer activities in their private lives