English writing format
Different kinds of text ask for different styles of writing. Following you’ll find some text types and their styles that should be used:
Formal letter/Email (formal)
Function of paragraphs
- Introduction/reason for writing
- Question/request
- Question/request
- Question/request
- Conclusion/desired outcome
Important points
Use long verb forms like “I am” instead of “I’m” or “I do not have” instead of “I don’t have”.
If you don’t know the name of the person you’re addressing use “Dear Sir/Madam,” and “Yours faithfully,”. If you know the name of the person you’re addressing use “Dear Mr. ___/Mrs. ___/Ms. ___,” and “Yours sincerely,”.
Useful phrases/linking words
- I am writing with regard/reference to …
- I am writing to express (my concern about/ disappointment with/disapproval of/apologies for) …
- I would like to draw your attention to/point out …
- (I feel) I must also (dis)agree with …
- I should also like to point out that …
- Your (article) states that … However, …
- I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would …
- I look forward to receiving/seeing …
- I trust/very much hope you will …
Informal letter/Email (informal)
Function of paragraphs
- Introduction/reason for writing
- Question/request
- Question/request
- Question/request
- Conclusion/desired outcome
Important points
Use short verb forms like “I’m” instead of “I am” or “I don’t have” instead of “I do not have”.
If you don’t know the name of the person you’re addressing use an appropriate greeting and ending based on the relationship between the writer and receiver of the letter/email.
Useful phrases/linking words
- Great/Lovely to hear from you (after so long).
- Thanks (a lot) for the letter.
- Sorry to hear about your …
- Sorry I haven’t written/been in touch for so long.
- You’d get so much out of it.
- It’d be a wonderful/marvellous opportunity for you to …
- Just think of (all the people you’d meet).
- Just imagine how it would (improve your CV), not to mention (The money you could earn).
- Whatever you do, make sure you …
- It’s (not) worth/There’s no/little point [+ gerund]
- I’d/I wouldn’t … if I were you.
- You’d be much better off [+ gerund]
- Write back soon and let me know how it goes.
- Looking forward to hearing from you.
- Can’t wait to see you again.
- (Give my) love/regards to …
- Friends: All the best/Best wishes/Bye for now
- Close friends or relatives: Lots of love/All my love/Love
Story
Function of paragraphs
- Set the scene of the story
- Supplies important background details
- Describes an important action of event
- Develops the story further and moves towards the conclusion
- Reflects on the events of the story as a whole/how the main character feels about what happened
Important points
The past simple is used to move the story forward or describe facts.
The past continuous is used to describe a situation/scene.
The past perfect (simple or continuous) is used to give background information.
You should use vivid and descriptive expressions.
Useful phrases/linking words
- Once upon a time …
- And they all lived happily ever after.
Review
Function of paragraphs
- A summary of the topic
- Opinion/1. subject
- Opinion/2. subject
- Opinion/3. subject
- Conclusion/recommendation
Important points
It should have an eye-catching title.
It should have an interesting opening paragraph, which tells the reader what exactly is being reviewed.
It should address the reader directly.
Useful phrases/linking words
- … provides a fascinating/valuable/revealing insight into …
- I found the plot rather predictable/disappointing.
- The acting is very impressive/convincing.
- She gives a compelling/memorable performance as …
- 0ne particular strength/weakness of the film/book/CD is …
- The design/characterization/production is second to none/is not its best feature.
- Don’t be put off by the title/critics/cover.
- It will have you roaring with laughter/rushing out to buy the sequel.
- It is a definite must-see.
- I would definitely give it a miss.
- I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in …
- I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and buy/see it.
Essay
Function of paragraphs
- Introduction
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Conclusion
Important points
It should have an eye-catching title.
Useful phrases/linking words
- It is probably true to say that …
- There can be no doubt that …
- It is simply not the case that …
- It is widely believed that …
- No one would dispute the fact that …
- Few people would contest/dispute (the fact) that …
- It is generally agreed that …
- There are those who argue that …
- It has been suggested that …
- It is often claimed that …
- Opponents/Supporters/Proponents of (hunting) argue that …
- All the evidence suggests that …
- A recent survey proved that …
- Judging by the comments made by …
- Interviews with (students) have revealed that…
Report/Proposal
Function of paragraphs
- Introduction
- The benefits/advantages of the topic
- Disadvantages
- Conclusion
Important points
It should have a relevant title.
The introduction paragraph should give a general statement about the topic.
Use many linking words to connect the ideas.
Every paragraph must have its own heading.
The conclusion paragraph should have a positive remark.
Useful phrases/linking words
- The (town/centre/stadium) is well equipped to deal with/perfectly suited for (such events).
- It is conveniently located/ideally situated/well connected to (the capital).
- There is little doubt that it would be a resounding success/of great benefit to the (town/company).
- There is no shortage/a wide selection of (hotels/cinemas) to choose from.
- The (town/conference centre/school) boasts an impressive range of (amenities/facilities).
- Few (cities/schools) can offer such a large choice of …
- It is within easy reach/walking distance/driving distance of the (centre/hotel).
- It is just a short walk/drive/bus ride/ train ride from the (coast/station).
- The (town) has easy access to (the motorway network).
- The aim/purpose of this report is to examine/evaluate/describe/outline …
- It will also include/consider/suggest/recommend …
- The report is based on a survey conducted among (college students).
- The outlook for young people/jobs/the country is (far from) bright/optimistic/depressing.
- The future looks bleak/remains uncertain/is promising.
- This seems unlikely in the near/foreseeable future.
- I would (strongly) recommend that (the school/company) should …
- In the light of the results of the survey, I would (strongly) advise against …
- I feel it would be to our advantage if …
Article
Function of paragraphs
- Introduction/topic catcher
- Description
- More details
- Conclusion/advice/surprise/personal information
Important points
It should start with a provocative statement or comparison that catches the reader’s interest.
Use informal style.
It should be humorous and interesting to read.
Conclude with a provocative statement, some advice, surprise, or personal information.