IKAIN3AUIUNAL WRITING

IWU „„,„* a i>*M*r, e poinf ot view or an opinion and it i» your objective to influence or persuade
your audience or reader* to agree with you. lake o stand and support your opinion.
* You may be given a topk such ai, 'Pocka /none/ nsacne* intkptndancm,' Transoctional writing os a practical, communicative purpose,
* Effective planning, e.g. with o Mind Map* wilt ensure that you structure your argument logically. as opposed fo writing that is purely creative.
* The introduction if vital because it captures the attention of your reader, dearly state* your
opinion and conveys your Htetu statement. Transactional writing includes letters, ,, Diary Entries, Dialogues, teviews and Minutes of Meetings,
The thesis statement it made up of one or two sentences. It highlights the main idea that will • Each of these has its own format am oftows a specific set of roles,
run through your work and ouHines the manner in which you will formulate your argument.
• A portion of the marts il allocated correct format ond procedure.
A strong opening would be a question, a proposal or a '•hocking statement'
e.g. 'Money growi on frees/',
* in the body it is essential that yaw support your viewpoint with examples and/or facts,
leiaterf facts should be grouped in parajiraph* of (heir own. 1
The informal Utter provides you with the vehicle to inform, invite, congratulate or offer condolences.
CoAaecting words bock up your argument and make it more convincing e.g. farfnermorv, * The tone is conversational, friendly, nformal and above all, sincere.
of equa/ importance, in addition, it is c/eor that and connqwntty.
• Contractions e.g. I'm and we've are remitted as they enhance the naturalness of the situation.
fthetowai question* and repetition may be used for emphasis.
Your conclusion should be short, strong and memorable. It should tie up and summarise what
FEATURES OF THE INFORMAL LETTER:
you have said. e.g. 'Cartful handling ofpockft money today ensures c/evw budgeting for tomorrow.'
ytodayfl
» The sender's address is written in the niddle right-hand side of the page and is followed by the date.
• No punctuation is used for the addre: s.
5. WSCURStVi OR EXPOSITORY WRITING * The address of the recipient is not w Hen on the letter; it is written on the envelope,
This is an analysis of a subject. It may be compared to a vjrirten debate as both sides of an • The salutation or greeting is written n the line immediately below the dale, next to the margin,
argument are presented. M provides a challenging vehicle for expressing onesetf in an interesting * Leave o line between the salutation d the introductory paragraph
and informative manner. The introductory paragraph is short < ind (totes the reowwi for the lette
You may be given a topic such at 'Format examination* are necessary.' Do not begin with "How are you?" c "/ am fine." or "I am writing to teti vow ..."
In order to write effectively, you need ro have knowledge of and opinions on the chosen topic. The middle/body of letter consists at (east two paragraphs and expands on the reason for
Careful and logical planning e.g. with a Mind Map*, veil! ensure efficient work. the letter.
Your introductory paragraph state* and briefly explains! the nature of the debute. The conclusion is usually short and ro nds off the letter,
Include points for both sides of the argument in the body of the essay. Remember to leave a line between ecu paragraph.
Separate the issues into different paragraphs, Use facts, evidence, exotnpfes, statistics and The ending max lake several form* de sending on your relationship with the recipient.
opinions to support the arguments. Substantiate with relevant sources.
Your surname ii unnecessary if you ai i writing to family or clou friends.
Use formol language with technical terms where necessary,
Do not leave o lira before signing.
Use connecting words lo show shifts in discussion e.g. aWnohVe/y, similarly, ia contrast,
on tb* one/oftW />or>d, nawetw ond while.
* In your concluding paragraph, you should make judgment* concerning the alternatives and then
5 Woodmwjd Mews
make recommendations
It Young Rood
Saxonwold
JoHanneibvrg
6. WRITING BASED ON VISUAL STIMUU
Visual stimuli may include pictures, photographs, odverti»e«MHtts, biH-boards, quotations,
2196
South Africa (it writing to in a different country!
slogans or poems.
31 Jonuory 2004
* The stimulus may spark on idea that you wish to pursue.
* For a Second Language especially, it is on opportunity to iisa your preferred topks or vocabulary. DMT Mom and Dad/Grandma and Oroodpo/John/Mr Jone> {Salutation)
However, tw warned *at era-prepared essay* »n be recea«isid and you witt be severely penalised. <?
* A clever title is the key to linking the stimulus with your colntent. Introduction • The first paragraph is shojt and states the reason for the letter.
* Your content must be relevant to the stimulus and the Uric. I
Middle/tody of Utter - Expands on the reason br the letter - consists of at least two paragraphs.

I Conclusion - The final paragraph is usually short ond rounds off the letter.

Ending:
Your ya»ddoi>cjhl«/neiohbour/thident/lovjng daughter /niece (your reMeejkjy to the recipientl
lave/Kind reflords/Yours/Yours lilKereljr Mternaiives) <J

Joan |Yoi suntOEBt » unnecessary rf you ans writing to family er close friends.)

77 ••
7t

BUSINESS OR FORMAl LETTERS 3- lETTfR TO THE EPITOR

The tone of the Imineu or Official letter it formal, businesslike and polite.
This is a formal letter, expressing your point >f view. It is usually written about an issue with which you
Only relevant details are included.
are concerned and it contains forceful argum sots to persuade readers to share your opinion.
The addresses of sender and recipient a -e written as in the formal letter.
FEATURES Of THE BUSINESS IETTER:
The word 'Dear' is omitted when writing to the press. We simply say, 'Sir/Madam'.
• Everything except the sender's address is written against the lift hand margin. ibi«k lormrti Include only relevant point!.
' The sender's address ond the date {in full) are written on the jop middle right-hand side of the page. The opening statement expresses your p aint of view or thesis.
' Write the title and the name and address of the recipient against the left margin. The body is made up of short paragrapl s with clearly stated ideas to back up this viewpoint.
• No punctuation il used for these addresses.
Use facts to support your argument, savi 19 the strongest point lor last.
If you are not lure of the exact identity of the person to whom you are writing, use Sir or Madam. language is persuasive and emotive wo ds are used to convince readers.
• The word 'Dear' is omitted when writing to the Press Rhetorical questions and repetition may be used for emphasis.
We simply soy, 'Sir' or 'Madam1. The tone may be serious or amusing.
• An underlined lubject heading is written under the salutation. A strong conclusion sums up the argumejtt. (It U u goad idea to end witti o positive iutemeni.1 f
This heading encapsulates your purpose ond ii designed to aid the recipient of the letter.
The introductory paragraph expands further on the subject heading.
• Each paragraph deals with a different aspect of the matter in hind.
• Remember to leave a line between each paragraph.
• Y««rs faithfully 11 me most commonly used ending.
• Sign your name and then print your name and line beneath il,

5 WoodmUd M, THE CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

26 Young ;Koad SMITH A JONES
SaxanwU FO MIX 12345
Johannesburg fOST UZAIETH
21 ft ovww
MM
31 January 3004 SOUTH AFRICA
The Chief Accountant
Smith & Jones
f O tax 12341
Port Elizabeth
aooo ••••••••••••«•
A postcard is usually brief, friendly and infernal. It is a papular farm of holiday correspondence.
• A pmfcard has limited writing space as thi re is usually a picture on the one side ond the address
* x Jc x x x of the recipient is written on half of the oth< r side.
Season (or non-payment of Account No. 2745 • Only concise, relevant information should, therefore, be included.
• Date and place need to be specified.
• •fbtfranf Scene*' allows fragmented language with phrases and incomplete sentences.
Introduction - The reason for the letter • usually very brief
• Include as many interesting details os passil >le.
• The torn will vary according to sender and -ecipienl.
Body - Expansion of the reason - two to three paragraphs

Conclusion - Ta tie up the loose ends and round oil the letter fari* • 31 January 2004

Yours faithfully
Juan Smitti - Ths-f fair Tower,
JOAN SMITH (M«S| e'Motu i*
Very e*per**i*e' but u'ortfv every £wf i
Durham
tyiriiy. tennorrmi . W01
JCJ In boHl letter formats, you may find difference) e.8. with line spacing or indentation. Will
« It is important to be consilient.
KM*