Question 5 Possible Formats Flashcards
Newspaper
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Always starts with a headline - this tells in an interesting, engaging way what it is mainly about
It has a caption under the photo - this provides more information that works to create more reader interest
Use images that work to catch the eye as well as support the story
Gives information split into paragraphs (which are often of a single sentence each)
Uses a formal tone and Standard English and a variety of sentence lengths and types
Uses quotations from involved parties and experts
Includes key facts and figures
offers lots of specific details about its topic
Leaflet
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Write in full sentences and in shorter paragraphs.
You can use informal language, but remember use varied, interesting
Use ambitious vocabulary and no slang
You can use bullet points to set out key points and information. Do this at the end or near the end of the leaflet. Make sure you have explained each point fully, earlier in your writing.
Use DAFORREST!
Make sure you include lots of facts about the topic as well as opinions.
Use lots of statistics
Report
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Use a question in title
Use a range of resources to gather info
Focus on one main idea
Based on Present Tense - 3rd Person
Use technical vocabulary and descriptive, factual language.
Explain clearly wha your talking about. Give an angle/perspective
Make it clear, as if an alien was reading it and keep it factual
Letter
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Choose your style based on the receiver
Be persuasive
The language used will depend on the audience of the letter; if you are trying to persuade the recipient of a particular idea, then your language may be positive and upbeat in tone. If the letter is being used to make a complaint, the language is more likely to be formal, with emotive language to describe the experience or service.
Has a conventional structure with addresses at the top, an opening address using ‘Dear …’ and ending with a something such as ‘Yours sincerely’
The opening paragraph should outline the overall aim of the letter and the conclusion should summarise the main points.
Diary
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Use informal language
Use past tense as if your writing about the events at the end of the day
Write as if your almost chatting to yourself, tone e.c.t
Day, Date and Time of the entry.
A suitable descriptive heading of the entry you are putting on.
The detailed comprehensive body of the diary entry (i.e. contents).
A Diary should be written in the First Person and not in the second or third, i.e. - I went to the port (not he went to the city).
A Diary doesn’t need to be formal it can be written in an Informal style.
Signature of the writer to give it much need authenticity.
Make it realistic
Speech
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Write Formally, Use English skillfully - as you will have had time to prepare your speech in advance, you can show off your English language skills and vocabulary.
Be memorable - former prime minister Tony Blair was famous for making a speech that included the phrase ‘Education, education, education’. This use of repetition helped his audience to identify and remember his key idea. Think about the type of language techniques you can add to your own speeches that will help make your ideas memorable.
Make people think - you may have heard of Martin Luther King who famously repeated the phrase ‘I have a dream…’ when he campaigned for equal rights for black Americans. This was a speech designed to inspire and emotionally ‘connect’ with his audience - to make them think.
Opinion
Some of it’s Key Conventions:
Make it personal
Somewhere between formal and informal
Be very opinionated
Convey a string link to the subject and your thoughts
Add unknown facts to interest the reader and make it interesting
Make it a balance argument opinion (e.g However, …..)
Don’t Repeat!
Write to the interests of a specific audience
Comment on other ideas, things and share your views on all things related to the topic
