Functional Writing
Tips
Read the question carefully!
Do not ignore any details and do not change important facts in the situation.
Use all the points provided as omitting any point will lead to loss of marks
Types of function writing: letters, reports, accounts, newspaper or magazine articles, speeches
Read The Straits Times Forum section to the writing style for formal letters
Consider the following questions:
Who am I writing for? [Audience]
They could be the public, principal, teacher, friend, company manager, town council etc
Why am I writing this? [Purpose]
To give an account of something I witnessed, to complain about something, to explain, inform. instruct, convince and persuade, sell, etc
How is this piece to be written? [Format]
report, letter, account, article. statement, review. speech etc
What is the tone I should use? [Language]
formal, informal, persuasive, informative, argumentative etc
1. Formal Letter
Leave a line after each paragraph.
Paragraphs should all start from the left.
Below are the suggested structures for formal letters of different purposes.
If you are writing to somebody as representative of an organisation, include the name of YOUR organisation before the senderÂ’s address and also YOUR position/ status in the company at the END after your name.
Use ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the recipient'’s name eg Dear Mr Tan
Use ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don’'t know the recipient’'s name
Eg. writing a letter to a newspaper
address your letter to the newspaper editor
give a heading
agree or disagree with a previous writer or write without referring to a letter already published (see the forum section of the straits times to see how it is written)
give reasons/evidence for your points
be polite
don't make accusations which you cannot prove
Sample O Level style question:
Some Open House suggestions have been added by other students. You will write a letter to the principal,
Mr Kenny, on the best suggestion for the Open House.
Memory Lane Video
We will use old footage or photographs of the school to show its development and progress. Interviews with
teachers and past students will pique newcomers' interest and help them know what we have built.
School Open House Party
We should invite guests to a party where we can mingle and chat as guides. Potential students will enjoy
the way we interact and the day will as a small party to remember the day.
Forum with Creative Handouts
Parents and potential students will surely need to ask questions. A 2 hour forum with the teachers and
present students fielding questions will definitely be helpful. We will turn the lecture studio into a funky place
with interesting posters, and give out creative souvenirs to help them remember their time here.
Write a letter between 250-350 words, written in a respectful tone.
2. Informal Letter
start by thanking your friend for a letter (if the letter is in reply from your friend)
eg Dear Sha Sha,
Many thanks for your letter of 3rd March, which arrived this morning.
Think of an excuse to make you finish the letter
eg. I must stop now because it's time for dinner and Mum needs this tabke
eg. Sorry, I've got to go now as I have to look after my baby brother.
For informal letter, you may use sign-off with other appropriate phrases such as ‘Your friend’ depending on the context of the letter.
Examples of phrases you can use in informal letters:
That reminds me...
Why don't we...
I'd better get going...
Thanks for your letter...
Please let me know...
I'm really sorry...
Love,
Could you do me a favour?
You'll be happy to know that...
Practise! Write letter of about 200-300 words for the following:
Write a letter to a friend whom you have not seen or spoken to for in a long time. Tell him/her what you have been doing and ask how he/she are and what he/she has been doing recently.
Write a letter to a friend you know has been having some problems. Ask him/her how he/she is doing and how you can help.
Sample O Level style question:
Your grandfather, who lives in the United States, has offered to pay for your December holiday in USA. After comparing the various packages offered by the tour agencies, he identified two reasonably-priced packages with fun-filled activities :
Ripley’s Mysterious Journey (a 20-minute ride from grandfather’s house)
largest haunted mansion in USA
thrilling roller coaster rides
“A Night on Elm Street” Horror Tour
190m high bungee jump
Frankenstein's Cafe
Various sidewalk cafes that offer international cuisine
Costner’s Waterworld (a 2-hour ride from grandfather’s house)
High-speed flume ride for the adventurous
635m long artificial rapid river – longest in USA
artificial wave pool for tsunami effect
world's bubbliest jacuzzi
skyrider for a spectacular aerial view
famous fast food restaurants such as Carl’s Junior and Macdonald’s
Write a letter to your grandfather, thanking him for his kind offer. Tell him which attraction you have
chosen and explain in details your reasons for doing so. Remember your grandfather wants you to enjoy yourself and is concerned for your happiness. At the same time, he would like to spend some time with you.
Set your letter out correctly, in clear, accurate English, and use an affectionate tone which will show him how much you appreciate his offer and his interest. Your letter should be between 250 – 350 words.
Note: You may email me your letters for comments :)
3. Report Writing
show who the report is for and who wrote it
give a report heading
use formal language
use subheadings and numbered paragraphs when necessary
no need for formal greeting or ending
write the date
Use first person
Name of person to be in full
Don't need to sign your name.
No indentation (need a new line to indicate the start of every new paragraph)
A. General reports
To: (name of person the report is sent to)
From: (writer of report)
Date: (date the report was written)
B. Reports to authorities
Sample O Level style question:
The Superintendent wants you to look into a complaint case made by a mother of two children who go to St Mary's School. It regards South Street, a dangerous stretch of road near where she lives. You are the police inspector of that precinct. You have been asked to conduct an investigation, making observations about the road condition in that area. The Traffic Police Department you are in specialises in upholding road safety.
Below are the points highlighted by the mother:
heavy traffic during morning peak hours which coincide with the school children's arrival time
drivers exceed stipulated speed limit
narrow pavement for pedestrians
poor visibility round the bend
Write a report for your Superintendent, addressing each of the concerns highlighted by the mother. Explain in detail how these problems are hazardous to the residents, especially the school children.
Include in your report your suggestions on how to improve the traffic condition and improve safety. Your report should be between 250 – 350 words.
3. Informative Article
Eg. a web page on the school
Use a simple title eg Welcome to our Homepage
Use the following structure:
Paragraph 1: Brief history of the school
Paragraph 2: Details that is required of you in the question
4. News Article
generally, use short paragraphs - about 2 t0 5 lines per paragraph
Include a catchy headline and a byline
Headline eg: COW HITS BY TRAIN LANDS ON FARMER'S WIFE
Byline eg
John Smith
Staff Writer
Include the following structure:
Paragraph 1: summarize the whole article
Eg. A mysterious object was seen in the night sky over Singapore, generating panic among the public.
Eg. Two men were killed and dozens injured when a fire swept through a night club in Moonlight Street last night.
Paragraph 2: Give series of events in chronological sequence
give details
use dialogues from one or more survivors or witnesses
Paragraph 3: Give general comments on incident
say what the police or government are going to do
5. Speeches
Use the following structure
Paragraph 1: salutations
introduce yourself
state purpose of speech
Eg. A very good morning to Mdm Tan, Mrs Li, Mr Joby and fellow students of Toa Payoh Secondary School. My name is Benny Tan of Sec 4E1 and I am here to speak in support of my friend, Lee Sha Sha of Sec 4E1 who is standing for elections to the Student Council.
Eg. Ladies and gentlemen, this evening it is my pleasure to welcome our guest speaker...
Subsequent paragraphs:
highlight the points that are given in the question. Maintain a persuasive tone throughout the speech
Ending:
End with a personal or general comment
eg. I hope I have convinced you that Lee Sha Sha is an ideal candidate and should be elected to the Student Council.
Thank you.
you can write in the same way as you speak
using short forms: I'm, I'll, We'll, don't
using non sentences at times: Should we worry about the cost? No, not at all
sometimes mentioning the audience: And so you see, my friends, that this is not the only way to solve the problem
sum up at the end of your speech, or tell your audience what you want them to do eg vote for whoever.
Sample O Level style question 1:
The teacher will pick 2 pairs to present each of the topic below. These pairs play the role of a student committee who will persuade the class for an activity during the holidays. The class may also choose two more people to be part of the ground to speak up during the dialogue session. The class has to decide, at the end of 10 -15 minutes, the activity that will benefit the class best during the holidays.
A Business Course
A two-day workshop, the business course will provide learning for basic money management, business ideas and a look into how systems are run in the world today that affects everyday trade. Students will also get a hands on project to develop a group business idea.
A First Aid Course
Held overnight at a retreat, the first aid course will teach students how to give aid in life threatening
situations, and provide tips on how to treat ailments and wounds. The students will also go through a life simulation of a dangerous situation and provide first aid on the spot for practice.
Sample O Level style question 2:
The principal of your school has agreed to hold a week’s course in the December vacation for senior students like yourself. You will be given instructions on a useful course that is not already covered in the school curriculum. The subject will be chosen by you and your classmates. You and your classmates now have to decide on a course for your class, based in the following suggestions received:
A Humanitarian Programme
I’d like to suggest that we join a Humanitarian Programme in a neighbouring country. Singapore teenagers lead a sheltered and affluent life. Learning to help others in times of need will help us see life outside of our comfort zone and teach us important lessons.
A Marathon Challenge
Why don't we take the chance to keep fit? We know the importance of staying healthy. Doing a marathon as a class can build team work, and perserverance. We will have a good memory of this challenge long after we leave the school. If we win, we can donate the prize money to the school or a charity.
Tuition for Underprivileged Children
Can we use our skills and learning to help underprivileged children in Singapore? Children in
disadvantaged backgrounds often need help in their academia but do not have the money for tuition. We can offer our time and help develop their knowledge. Who knows? We may even forge a lasting friendship.
Write a speech in which you explain to your classmates which of the three courses you prefer and
your reasons for your choice. Try to persuade them to support you and convince them that your choice is the course that should be provided.
Sample O Level style question 3:
Introducing A Guest Speaker
You are advised to write between 250 and 300 words for this section. You should read the information carefully and plan your answer before beginning to write.
Your school has invited someone to speak during a school event to award outstanding student leaders, and you have been asked to give a speech introducing the guest speaker. Write the speech, with the following points in mind :
Who the person is
What his/her achievements are
What topic he/she will be talking about
Why he/she has the credentials for the talking
You are to address the speech to a school of students, so be sure not to be overly formal. You may begin as follows : Ladies and gentlemen, I'm very pleased to introduce a very special guest...
6. Debate speech
start by addressing the chair and your guests and audience
eg Madam Chair, honoured guests, fellow students...
say which side of the debate you are on
eg I am delighted to support the motion that some of our streets be closed to all vehicles from 7.30am to 6.30pm and I urge you to vote in favour of the motion
eg Like any other reasonable person, I am bound to oppose the proposal to ban vehicles from our streets. I urge you to oppose the motion and to...
put forward your ideas in support of your position.
anticipate the main points of the opposition and show that they are wrong
remember to use speech forms
finish your speech by repeating that you want your listeners to vote for or against the motion
7. Making a police statement
start by identifying yourself:
name and address
when and where something happened
if you were a witness and heard somebody say something, quote the exact words which the person said (don't use reported speech)
describe what happened from the beginning to the end
describe the people involved in the accident if necessary (describe the criminals/drivers/victims but not the appearance of firemen or the police etc)
no need for greeting or formal ending. just sign your name at the end of the statement
Example:
I am Jane Zhen Shan Lin and I live in Block 123, #15-323, Toa Payoh Road, Singapore 123323 (make this up!)
At about 5.30pm on Friday, 12th May, I was standing outside the Lee Mah Jewellery Shop at 453 Newton Road when a large black car...
7. Brochure/Leaflet
Underlined title:________________________
Introduction to the topic:
brief history of the company
refer to context provided in the question paper
Body:
provide various solutions to the problem/topic
list of goods/services that the company provides
Name of company/organisation
business address
contact number
website
8. Situational writing
4 main types of topic are possible
using given notes as the basis of an answer
writing an answer based on a picture (with or without notes)
writing an answer based on a series of pictures eg robbery, accident etc
studying a number of different suggestions
a. Using notes
consider:
who am I supposed to be in the topic?
What am I supposed to do?
Who am I writing to?
What format must I use?
it may be necessary to rearrange the notes to get a more logical order
check whether you have to use all the information given in the notes or you can omit some
check if you can add other relevant information
b. Using a picture
say what the scene shows and then go into detail, perhaps in order of importance
look for the main point in the picture eg an injured person, a fire, a statue etc. Then describe what you seem moving outwards from the main point
work from the foreground to the background or from left to right
c. Using a series of pictures
Study the question and see what information you can add. If possible, add
names of people involved
time and date
name of the place where the action occurred
these details will make it easier to give an account of the incident, especially if many people are involved
consider using relevant dialogues
pace yourself to ensure you allocate equal time to each picture
d. choosing from a number of ideas or suggestions
eg deciding the best use of a new school building and writing a report to explain your choice
eg. deciding the best place to hold a school event and writing a letter to explain your choice
Pick the one which is easiest for you to write about
Need more help in composition and functional writing? Consider getting a tutor who can help monitor your progress and give you guidance to help you improve. And of course, you have to read up more on your own as well.
Questions
Q1.
You are advised to write between 150 and 200 words for this section. You should read the information carefully and plan your answer before beginning to write.
During a school holiday you made friends with a Canadian student who was visiting Singapore for a short time. You arranged to meet her at the airport, to say goodbye, on the day she was returning to Canada. Unfortunately, you were delayed on your way to the airport, and by the time you got there, her plane had left.
Write an email to your friend
- apologising for your failure to say goodbye
- explaining the reasons you were delayed
- saying how much you enjoyed her stay
- talk about one or more particularly memorable places the two of you visited
Useful Words and Phrases
To indicare more info
besides
furthermore
in addition
indeed
in fact
moreover
secondly, thirdly, etc
To indicate an example
for example
for instance
in particular
particularly
specifically
to demonstrate
to illustrate
To indicate a cause or reason
as
because
because of
due to
for the reason that
since
To indicate a result or effect
accordingly
finally
consequently
hence
so
thus
therefore
To indicate a purpose or reason why
for fear that
in the hope that
in order to
so
so that
with this in mind
To compare or contrast
although
however
in comparison
in contrast
Addition
also
again
as well as
besides
coupled with
furthermore
in addition
likewise
moreover
similarly
Consequence
accordingly
as a result
consequently
for this purpose
hence
otherwise
subsequently
therefore
thus
thereupon
Generalising
as a rule
as usual
for the most part
generally
generally speaking
usually
ordinarily
Exemplifying
chiefly
especially
for instance
in particular
markedly
namely
particularly
including
specifically
such as
Illustration
for example
for instance
for one thing
as an illustration
illustrated with
as an example
in this case