Formal Writing: Articles, Reports And Reviews
Overview
The formal writing task is the most demanding piece of writing on the paper. You are asked to produce an article, a report or a review for a wider reader, on a topic you may not have chosen, and to develop a clear point of view in a controlled, more formal register. Two short prompts are given to start your thinking, but the best answers go well beyond them.
This lesson teaches the differences between the three forms, how to strike a register that is more neutral and formal than a friendly email, and how to build a balanced, well-organised argument. You will see a weaker and a stronger version side by side, and a full article marked for both its content and its language.
Objectives
- Write an article, report or review in a clear formal register.
- Organise the response to suit the form, purpose and intended reader.
- Develop a point of view with reasons, examples and a clear conclusion.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Formal Writing: Articles, Reports And Reviews. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which register best suits Exercise 6, a formal article for a magazine? A. Chatty and full of slang, like a message to a friend B. Controlled and more formal, with measured phrasing and fuller forms C. Identical to the informal email in Exercise 5 D. A list of bullet points with no full sentences Answer: B
- A task asks for a report for the head teacher about the school canteen. Which feature best suits this form? A. A chatty greeting and lots of contractions B. A neutral, objective tone with clear findings and a recommendation C. Jokes and personal gossip D. A poem describing the food Answer: B
- Why is it not enough to repeat the two prompts in your answer? A. The prompts are secret and must not be mentioned B. Higher marks need you to develop your own views beyond the prompts C. The prompts are always wrong D. Repeating them uses too many words Answer: B
- Which opening best engages readers while staying formal in an article? A. Hey guys, listen up, this is gonna be good! B. How safe are our streets really, and is it time we did something about it? C. I am writing to inform you of the following matter D. Dear friend, how are you and your family? Answer: B
- Which linking phrase best signals a balanced change of direction in a discursive article? A. And then B. On the other hand C. Anyway D. Like I said Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
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