Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Writing Style
Writing Style
Telling stories is common in any language. Think of all the situations in which
you can tell a story:
In each of these situations - and many others - you provide information about
something that happened in the past. In order to help your audience understand,
you need to link these ideas together. One of the most important ways to link
ideas is to sequence them. Sequencing refers to the order in which events
happened. These are some of the most common ways to sequence in writing or
speaking:
Beginning:
Firstly,
First of all,
To start off with,
Initially,
Examples:
Continuing:
Then,
After that,
Next,
As soon as / When + full clause,
but then
Immediately,
Examples:
Suddenly,
Unexpectedly,
Examples:
Suddenly, a child burst into the room with a note for Ms. Smith.
Unexpectedly, the people in the room didn't agree with the mayor.
Examples:
While we were getting ready for the trip, Jennifer was making the reservations
at the travel agent's.
During the meeting, Jack came over and asked me a few questions.
Ending:
Finally,
In the end,
Eventually,
Lastly,
Examples:
When you tell stories you will also need to give reasons for actions. Here is some
help with linking your ideas, and providing reasons for your actions.
Capitalization Rules
This guide to capitalization rules is especially for ESL students. It contains clear
explanations for each rule with simple examples of correct sentences. Once you
understand these rules, try the capitalization rules quiz to test yourself.
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
• Capitalize North, South, East, and West when contained in the name of a
place (state, country, etc.) but not when used for giving directions.
Correct Examples:
Incorrect Examples:
She lives in Southern Europe. SHOULD BE She lives in southern Europe.
I'm going to visit my friends in Eastern Oregon. SHOULD BE I'm going
to visit my friends in eastern Oregon.
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
• Common nouns may be capitalized when used as names for the entire
class of something.
Example:
Examples:
Capitalize days of the week, holidays, and months of the year. Do not
capitalize seasons.
Correct Examples:
Incorrect Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Capitalize titles that come before names. Do not capitalize titles that
follow names.
Correct Examples:
Incorrect Examples:
George Washington was the first President of the United States. SHOULD BE
George Washington was the first president of the United States.
Peter Smith was elected Mayor in 1995. SHOULD BE Peter Smith was elected
mayor in 1995.
Examples:
Examples:
The last time I talked to Peter he said, "Study hard and get to bed early!"
Thomas Patterman was a simple man who said, "Give me life, liberty and a
bottle of rum!"
Examples:
For example: Students require more recreational time in order to better focus on
lessons in class.
Clinical analysis further suggests that physical exercise greatly improves the
ability to focus on academic materials. Longer periods of recess are clearly
required to allow students the best possible chances of success in their studies.
Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary ingredients for improving
student scores on standardized tests.
1. Topic sentence
One sentence which states your idea, point, or opinion. This sentence
should use a strong verb and make a bold statement.
NOTE: Notice the strong verb 'require' which is a call to action. A weaker
form of this sentence might be: I think students probably need more
recreational time ... This weaker form is inappropriate for a topic
sentence.
2. Supporting sentences
Supporting sentences (notice the plural) provide explanations and support
for the topic sentence (main idea) of your paragraph.
For example: In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a recess
of more than 45 minutes consistently score better on tests immediately
following the recess period. Clinical analysis further suggests that physical
exercise greatly improves the ability to focus on academic materials.
3. Concluding sentence
The concluding sentence restates the main idea (found in your topic
sentence) and reinforces the point or opinion.
4. Transitional sentence
The transitional sentence prepares the reader for the following paragraph.
Example:
Inversion
Invert the word order by placing a prepositional phrase or other expression (at no
time, suddenly into, little, seldom, never, etc.) at the beginning of the sentence
followed by inverted word order.
Examples:
Note that the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject which is followed by the
main verb.
Expressing Annoyance
Examples:
Note that this form is generally used with the present or past continuous (he is
always doing, they were always doing).
Cleft Sentences: It
Sentences introduced by 'It is' or 'It was' are often used to emphasize a specific
subject or object. The introductory clause is then followed by a relative pronoun.
Examples:
Examples:
You have probably learned that the auxiliary verbs 'do' and 'did' are not used in
positive sentences - for example: He went to the store. NOT He did go to the
store. However, in order to emphasize something we feel strongly these auxiliary
verbs can be used as an exception to the rule.
Examples:
Note this form is often used to express something contrary to what another
person believes.
The basics of good business letter writing are easy to learn. The following guide
provides the phrases that are usually found in any standard business letter. These
phrases are used as a kind of frame and introduction to the content of business
letters. At the end of this guide, you will find links to sites that give tips on the
difficult part of writing successful business letters – arguing your business
objective. By using these standard phrases, you can give a professional tone to
your English business letters.
The Start
Dear Sir or Madam: (use if you don't know who you are writing to)
Dear Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms Smith: (use if you know who you are writing to,
and have a formal relationship with - VERY IMPORTANT use Ms for women
unless asked to use Mrs or Miss)
The Reference
Requesting
Agreeing to Requests
I would be delighted to
Unfortunately
I am afraid that
Enclosing Documents
I am enclosing
Please find enclosed
Enclosed you will find
Closing Remarks
Thank you for your help Please contact us again if we can help in any way.
there are any problems.
you have any questions.
The Finish
Yours faithfully, (If you don't know the name of the person you're writing to)
Yours sincerely, (If you know the name of the person you're writing to)
Best wishes,
Sample Letter
Fred Flintstone
Sales Manager
Cheese Specialists Inc.
456 Rubble Road
Rockville, IL
Dear Mr Flintstone:
Yours sincerely,
Kenneth Beare
Director of Ken's Cheese House
Here are some other basic business letters which you will find useful
for typical English business correspondence.
These short writing topics are designed for lower level classes and give students
an opportunity to write about a number of basic subjects including: studies,
hobbies, travel, likes and dislikes, application forms, brief job descriptions,
recipes, etc.
English Studies
You want to go to a language school to study English. Fill in the application form.
We want to find the right family to stay with, and would also like to know about
your interests and hobbies so that we can organize social activities.
Surname
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
First Name (s)
Occupation
Address
Post code
Date of birth
Age
Nationality
Fill in the application form. We want to find the right family to stay with, and
would also like to know about your interests and hobbies so that we can organise
social activities.
Surname
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
First Name (s)
Occupation
Address
Post code
Date of birth
Age
Nationality
Summer Work
You want to work in Canada for the summer. Fill in the application form. We
want to find the right job for you, and would also like to know about your work or
school experience and capabilities.
Surname
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
First Name (s)
Occupation
Address
Post code
Date of birth
Age
Nationality
Write about you and your work (school) experience (about 50 words).
Exchange Program
You want to have a family stay with you in your home. Fill in the application
form. We want to find the right family to stay with you, and would also like to
know about your interests and hobbies so that we can organize social activities.
Surname
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
First Name (s)
Occupation
Address
Post code
Date of birth
Age
Nationality
Write about you and your family (interests/hobbies etc.) and your area in the
country you live in (about 50 words).
You want to find a pen pal. Fill in the application form. We want to find the right
pen pal for you - someone who shares the same interests and hobbies.
Surname
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
First Name (s)
Occupation
Address
Post code
Date of birth
Age
Nationality
Write about you and your family. Include what interests you have and what you
would like to exchange information about (about 50 words).
A Postcard
This is the last part of a letter from a friend. Read it and respond.
Anyway, have a good time at the seaside, and please send me a postcard about
where you're staying, the weather, the food, etc. By the way, who are you going
with? See you in September,
Love, Janet
Now you are on holiday at the seaside. Write the postcard (about 50
words).
A Letter to a Friend
.So, the weather has been great and we are having a fun time here in
Switzerland. Please send me a postcard about where you're staying, the people,
the food, what you are doing etc. See you soon
Love, Peter
A Great City
This is part of a description about New York. Read it and respond to the question.
New York is an interesting city with many things to discover. There are 7
million people who live in New York. The winters are very cold and the
summers are very hot. You can find any type of food you may want; Italian
food, Greek food, French food, Mexican food, and, of course, American food.
There are many theaters in New York.
I enjoy reading the classics; Shakespeare, Goethe, Dante and so on, and I enjoy
listening to jazz. I don't like going to the disco or rock concerts. I like playing
football, tennis and volleyball and I try to play tennis at least once a week
Now write a short description about your likes and dislikes. (about 50
words)
Americans
These short writing topics are designed for lower level classes and give students
an opportunity to write about a number of basic subjects including: studies,
hobbies, travel, likes and dislikes, application forms, brief job descriptions,
recipes, etc.
My Friend Tom
Tom likes listening to classical music, but doesn't like jazz. He also enjoys
traveling abroad. He speaks three languages; English, French and Spanish and
often visits France in the summer. He is married and has two children
My Home
My Hobby
I like traveling because I learn about other cultures. I like trying different kinds
of food and drinking the local wine. I think it is important to learn a few words
of the country's language. I also like visiting museums when I travel.
My Daughter
My daughter is 3 years old. She likes playing with her toys. Her favorite toy is
her doll "Maria". She likes fish and turkey, but doesn't like vegetables.
Scrambled Eggs
Take three eggs and mix them in a bowl. Put some oil in a pan and put in some
salt. Add the eggs to the pan and stir. After 10 minutes take the eggs out of the
pan.
Type of
Connector(s) Examples
Connector
Coordinating High level positions are stressful, and
and...too
Conjunction can be harmful to your health too.
Subordinating Just as high level positions are stressful,
just as
conjunction they can be harmful to your health.
High level positions are stressful at
Conjunctive similarly, in
times; similarly, they can be harmful to
adverbs comparison
your health.
Similar to other important professions,
Prepositions like, similar to high level business positions are
stressful at times.
I am forty years old, rather tall and I have blue eyes and short
black hair. I wear casual clothes as I teach students in a relaxed
atmosphere. I enjoy my job because I get to meet and help so
many different people from all over the world. During my spare
time, I like playing tennis which I play at least three times a week.
I also love listening to classical music and I must admit that I
spend a lot of money on buying new CDs! I live in a pretty seaside
town on the Italian coast. I enjoy eating great Italian food and
laughing with the likable people who live here.
Written Exercise I
Written Exercise II
Now that you have the information about yourself ready. Fill in the gaps in to
complete this descriptive paragraph about yourself.
Practice
Ask your friends the same questions as in exercise I and write paragraphs about
them.
Narrative paragraphs are often used to describe what a person does over a period
of time. Read this example narrative paragraph, notice how words like 'later' are
used to connect what happens.
Written Exercise I
Written Exercise II
Now that you have a good feeling for the form of a narrative paragraph. Fill in the
gaps in this paragraph with information about what you did yesterday evening.
Practice
Try to write a number of similar paragraphs about what you did last weekend, on
your last holiday, etc.
Narrative paragraphs are often used to describe our routines. Read this example
narrative paragraph, notice how words like 'sometimes, often, etc.' are used to say
often something happens.
Answer the following questions by choosing the words that best fit your habits.
Click on the arrow to choose the word you want to complete the sentences.
Written Exercise II
Now that you have a good feeling for the form of a narrative paragraph describing
habits. Fill in the gaps in this paragraph with information about what you usually
do on Sundays.
Some words and phrases help to develop ideas and relate them to one another.
These kinds of words and phrases are often called discourse markers. Note that
most of these discourse markers are formal and used when speaking in a formal
context or when presenting complicated information in writing.
These expressions focus attention on what follows in the sentence. This is done
by announcing the subject in advance. As regards and as far as………is concerned
usually indicate a change of subject
Examples:
These expressions give expression to two ideas which contrast but do not
contradict each other.
Examples:
Examples:
We use these expressions to add information to what has been said. The usage of
these words is much more elegant than just making a list or using the conjunction
'and'.
Examples:
His problems with his parents are extremely frustrating. Moreover, there seems
to be no easy solution to them.
I assured him that I would come to his presentation. Furthermore, I also invited
a number of important representatives from the local chamber of commerce.
Our energy bills have been increasing steadily. In addition to these costs, our
telephone costs have doubled over the past six months.
Examples:
He reduced the amount of time studying for his final exams. As a result, his
marks were rather low.
We've lost over 3,000 customers over the past six months. Consequently, we
have been forced to cut back our advertising budget.
The government has drastically reduced its spending. Therefore, a number of
programs have been canceled.
Metaphors
Metaphors make a comparison between two objects with the intent of giving
clearer meaning to one of them. Often forms of the "to be" verb are used, such as
"is" or "was", to make the comparison.
Similes
Of course, there are many other poetic devices. You will find a list of the most
important poetic devices arranged by their purpose on the following pages.
Example:
The boy was a helpless bird waiting for its mother.
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
His could almost taste his fear as he smelt the fright of the bolting horse.
Example:
Example:
1st person: the speaker is a character in the story or poem and tells it from
his/her perspective (uses "I")
Example:
3rd person: the speaker is not part of the story, but tells about the other
characters.
Example:
Written Exercise I
Answer the following questions by choosing the words that best fit your habits.
Click on the arrow to choose the word you want to complete the sentences.
Now that you have a good feeling for the form of a narrative paragraph describing
habits. Fill in the gaps in this paragraph with information about what you usually
do on Sundays.
Practice
Ask friends about what they usually do on Sundays and write a narrative
paragraph describing their Sunday habits.
I am forty years old, rather tall and I have blue eyes and short
black hair. I wear casual clothes as I teach students in a relaxed
atmosphere. I enjoy my job because I get to meet and help so
many different people from all over the world. During my spare
time, I like playing tennis which I play at least three times a week.
I also love listening to classical music and I must admit that I
spend a lot of money on buying new CDs! I live in a pretty seaside
town on the Italian coast. I enjoy eating great Italian food and
laughing with the likable people who live here.
Written Exercise I
Written Exercise II
Now that you have the information about yourself ready. Fill in the gaps in to
complete this descriptive paragraph about yourself.
Practice
Ask your friends the same questions as in exercise I and write paragraphs about
them.
Written Exercise I
Write out the following sentences on to a piece of paper to form a paragraph.
Provide the correct form of the verb in the past and the correct prepositions. Click
on the arrow to check your answers.
Written Exercise II
Now that you have a good feeling for the form of a narrative paragraph. Fill in the
gaps in this paragraph with information about what you did yesterday evening.
Practice
Try to write a number of similar paragraphs about what you did last weekend, on
your last holiday, etc.
Written Exercise I
Answer the following questions by choosing the words that best fit your habits.
Click on the arrow to choose the word you want to complete the sentences.
Written Exercise II
Now that you have a good feeling for the form of a narrative paragraph describing
habits. Fill in the gaps in this paragraph with information about what you usually
do on Sundays.
Type of
Connector(s) Examples
Connector
High level positions are stressful
Coordinating
and at times, and can be harmful to
Conjunction
your health.
in addition,
High level positions are stressful
Conjunctive additionally,
at times; furthermore, they can be
adverbs furthermore, moreover,
harmful to your health
also
Not only are high level positions
Correlative
not only...but also stressful at times, but they also can
conjunctions
be harmful to your health.
Prepositional in addition to, along Along with being stressful, high
phrases with, as well as level positions can also be harmful
to your health.
Type of
Connector(s) Examples
Connector
High level positions are stressful at
Coordinating
but times, but professionals can learn to
conjunction
manage their stress levels.
Despite the fact that high level positions
Subordinating although, despite
are stressful at times, professionals can
conjunctions the fact that
learn to manage their stress levels.
High level positions are stressful at
Conjunctive however,
times; nevertheless, professionals can
adverbs nevertheless
learn to manage their stress levels.
In spite of the stressful nature of high
Prepositional despite, in spite
level positions, professionals can learn to
phrases of
manage their stress levels.
Type of
Connector(s) Examples
Connector
If you consider the financial rewards of
Subordinating if, unless, only
high level positions, the stressful nature of
conjunctions if, even if
these positions becomes less important.
You should remember the financial
Conjunctive rewards of high level positions; otherwise,
otherwise
adverb you might find the stressful nature of these
positions too demanding.
British American
-our (honour) -or (honor)
-re (centre) -er (center)
-ogue (dialogue) -og (dialog)
-ence (defence) -ense (defense)
-ise 1 (recognise) -ize (recognize)
American English spelling sometimes does not double the consonant at the end
of a word, while British English spelling does, especially when the consonant is
an 'l'.
The best way to learn how to spell a word is to find it in the Dictionary. To find
words in the Dictionary it is important to know the alphabet well. You will need
to be able to judge quickly whether any word comes before or after another one,
this is called alphabetical order. If the first letters of two words are the same, look
at the next letters to decide the correct order.
Words are printed in large bold type at the upper top left-hand and right-hand
corner of any page to help you quickly find a word in the Dictionary. The first of
these two words show you which is the first word on that page, the second shows
you which is the last words to be found on that page.
Example: You are looking for the word 'signal'. You can find
'signal' on the page which has the two words Signac and silage
(example taken from the Collins English Dictionary) printed at the
upper top left-hand and right-hand corner.
Understanding definitions
Once you have found the word you are looking for you need to understand a few
common conventions to make best use of your dictionary. Here is an example
entry in a dictionary:
The plural of most nouns is formed by adding -s to the end of the noun.
If the noun ends in -s, -z, -x, -ch or -sh, then the plural is formed by adding -es to
the noun.
When the -y is preceded by a vowel, the -y is not changed in the plural form -ys.
Some nouns that end in -o add -s to form the plural. For example piano, plural
pianos. Some add -es to form the plural.
Most third person present singular verb forms add -s to the end of the verb.
However, if the verb ends in -s, -z, -x, -ch or -sh the third person present singular
is formed by adding -es to the verb.
The past tense and the past participle of regular verbs are formed by adding -ed
to the end of the verb.
If the verb ends in -e or -ee, then the past tense and past participle are formed by
only adding -d to the end of the verb.
However, if the verb ends in a 'silent' -e (not pronounced), then the present
participle is formed by dropping this -e from the end of the verb and adding -ing.
The third person present singular of verbs ending in -y preceded by a vowel does
not change the -y
Regular verbs ending in -y preceded by a consonant form the past tense and the
past participle by changing the -y into -ied.
Regular verbs ending in -y preceded by a vowel do not change the -y for the past
tense and the past participle.
The present participle (like the gerund form) of verbs ending in -y is formed by
adding -ing to the end of the verb.
Doubled Consonants
Sometimes single syllable verbs ending with a single consonant have this letter
repeated in the spelling for the present and past participles and the past tense.
Here is a list of the main differences between British and American spelling:
British American
-our (honour) -or (honor)
-re (centre) -er (center)
-ogue (dialogue) -og (dialog)
-ence (defence) -ense (defense)
-ise 1 (recognise) -ize (recognize)
American English spelling sometimes does not double the consonant at the end
of a word, while British English spelling does, especially when the consonant is
an 'l'.
For example:
Concessive Clauses
For example:
Even though there are many advantages to working the night shift, people who
do so generally feel that the disadvantages greatly outweigh any financial
advantages that might be gained.
By placing the concessive clause at the end of the sentence, the speaker is
admitting a weakness or problem in that particular argument.
For example:
Time Clauses
Time clauses are used to indicate the time that an event in the main clause takes
place. The main time conjunctions are: when, as soon as, before, after, by the
time, by. They are placed either at the beginning or the end of a sentence. When
placed at the beginning of the sentence, the speaker is generally stressing the
importance of the time indicated.
For example:
Most often time clauses are placed at the end of a sentence and indicate the time
that the action of the main clause takes place.
For example:
I had difficulties with English grammar when I was a child.
Place Clauses
Place clauses define the location of the object of the main clause. Place
conjunctions include where and in which. They are generally placed following a
main clause in order to define the location of the object of the main clause.
For example:
Reason Clauses
Reason clauses define the reason behind a statement or action given in the main
clause. Reason conjunctions include because, as, due to, and the phrase "that the
reason why". They can be placed either before or after the main clause. If placed
before the main clause, the reason clause usually gives emphasis to that
particular reason.
For example:
Generally the reason clause follows the main clauses and explains it.
1. Take detailed notes on your work experience. Include both paid and
unpaid, full time and part time positions. Include your main
responsibilities, any other activities that were part of the job, the job title
and company information including the address and dates of employment.
Include everything!
2. Take detailed notes on your education. Include degree or certificates,
major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career
objectives. Remember to include any important continuing education
courses you may have completed.
3. Include a list of other non-work related accomplishments. These may
include competitions won, membership in special organizations, etc.
4. Based on your detailed notes, decide which skills are transferable (skills
that will be especially useful) to the position for which you are applying.
5. Write your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top
of the resume.
6. Include an objective for the resume. The objective is a short sentence
describing what type of work you hope to obtain.
7. Summarize your education, including important facts that directly relate
to the job for which you are applying. You can also choose to include the
education section after you have listed your job employment history.
8. List your work experience beginning with your most recent job. Include
dates of employment, company specifics. List your principal
responsibilities making sure to focus on transferable skills.
9. Continue to list all of your work experience in reverse order. Always focus
on skills that are transferable.
10. Finally list information skills such as languages spoken, computer
programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills
11. Finish your resume with the following phrase: REFERENCES Available
upon request
Tips
1. Be concise and short! Your finished resume should not be more than page.
2. Use dynamic action verbs such as: accomplished, collaborated,
encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.
3. Do NOT use the subject "I", use tenses in the past. Except for your present
job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on site equipment.
Peter Townsled
35 Green Road
Spokane, WA 87954
Phone (503) 456 - 6781
Fax (503) 456 - 6782
E-mail [email protected]
Personal Information
Work experience
Responsibilities
• Manage staff of 10
• Provide helpful service to customers concerning shoe choices
• Design and implement computer based tools using Microsoft Access and
Excel for staff
• Monthly bookkeeping
• Suggest changes in product offerings on a quarterly basis based on
detailed analysis of sales patterns
• Provide in-house training for new employees as needed
Responsibilities
Education
Professional memberships
Additional Skills
Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite, basic HTML programming,
spoken and written proficiency in French