How to go about writing

The importance of writing

There are many reasons why writing is central for learning a language. The very process of writing allows you to reflect on the vocabulary, syntax and other linguistic features you will need in order to produce a text. You have the opportunity to put into practice the language you are learning and you can experiment, at your own pace, how an idea is best expressed. It should ultimately help you feel more confident, too.

In addition, it is a skill you must develop. Fortunately, nowadays, it is easier than ever to engage in written communication, whether it is interacting by email or text, or sharing ideas in blogs and online articles.

Reflect on it

Reflect on these questions for a while and then click below.

Are you aware of different types of texts?

Are you used to writing different types of texts?

Do you adapt to different types of text?

Do you ever plan what you are going to write?

Do you organize your ideas before writing?

Do you ever check before handing in your text?

Compare two texts

Question

Below are two extracts of texts. Have a look at them and click all the aspects below that are different in both.

My mother owns a beautiful bracelet made of tiny white pearls set in a shimmering gold chain. It is so delicate. So dainty. It belonged to my great grandmother, who purchased it in the Philippine Islands - I can't help getting carried away sometimes and imagining who might have worn it before she did, such a long time ago in the Far East... It has remained in my family ever since -except when it was pawned during the Civil War, when the standard of living in my town collapsed. Fortunately, my grandmother could recover it shortly after the war, which is why the jewel has such sentimental value for me.

María.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing with regard to a job requirement on JobsOnline for the role of Sales Manager. I would be glad to apply for the role, and I think I would be a suitable candidate, given my qualifications and experience.

I completed my MBA in Sales and Marketing from the National Business Institute in 2013. I have had extensive work experience ever since, as you can see from my CV. I recently worked as a Marketing Manager in the retail company Jam O. During that time, I executed a highly successful Customer Plan that resulted in higher sales. I also worked on the planning and execution of a new product launch. I have an in-depth understanding of the whole process, and hands-on experience tackling client demands and tight deadlines.

I am a conscientious and enthusiastic worker, and I have a keen sense of cooperation and work well in teams.

Please find enclosed a copy of my CV giving further details of my qualifications and work experience. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Mansfield.

Answers

Structure

Language choice

Style

Purpose

Audience

Feedback

The first text is a description of an object, in which the writer uses evocative language and a careful choice of adjectives so that the reader can conjure up the image of the object and its meaning. The second text is a job application letter in which writer wants to persuade the reader to consider her as a candidate. Therefore, as an introduction you must know that the register, structure and style (expository, persuasive, descriptive, or narrative), are determined by the type of text you are writing. And you will also have to take into account the purpose and the audience. The choice of language is not random either, for instance, you will use more passive structures and simple tenses when writing an explanation, but in narrative texts you should use a greater variety of past tenses.

Solution

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