Name: _____________________________ Set: ____ Date: _____________________________

S5 English Language
Overview of Text Types

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

1. Saluation: ‘Dear Editor,’

2. Introduction:
Context
 Explain what prompts you to write this letter, for example, an article, another letter
to the editor, etc.
 Provide background information on the issue / problem / challenge at hand to orient
the audience. (Answer Five W’s and One H questions.)
Stance
 Present your stance on the topic.

3. Main Body:
 With the intention of addressing the rubric, proffer three* distinct arguments in
separate paragraphs.
 Each argument should be a direct answer to why your stance should be believed or
accepted.
 Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence (assertion), which is then
justified and developed with explanations and examples.
 Maintain an objective and impersonal tone.

4. Conclusion:
 Reiterate your stance by revisiting the rationale for the reader to align themselves
with you.
 Issue a call-to-action: Recommend the public (“we”, “us”) / authorities / specific
stakeholder to take (a new course of) action.

5. Complimentary Close: ‘Yours faithfully,’

6. Sign-off: Full name

REPORT / PROPOSAL:

1. To: full name, position

Introduction:
 Start with the HEADING ‘Introduction’.
 Acquaint the reader with the context or situation that prompted the report or
proposal.
 Provide any background information that is necessary to facilitate understanding.
 State the purpose the report or proposal aims to fulfill.

2. Main Body:
 Organize the content into sections, each of which has its own HEADING.
 There can be more than one paragraph in a section.
 Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, clearly presented as the topic
sentence(s).
 The main idea should be developed and justified with supporting details,
explanations and examples in the rest of the paragraph.

3. Conclusion:
 Start with the HEADING ‘Conclusion’.
 Offer a personal opinion or evaluation of the situation.
 If no recommendations have been made in the main body, you can recommend the
next course of action. If recommendations have been made, reaffirm the need for the
proposed measures.
 Explicitly and confidently entreat the target audience to take the desired action.
 Reassure the target audience of a positive outcome.

FILM REVIEW:

1. Title

2. Introduction:
 Present in a unique light that grabs the reader’s attention and reveals some insights
into the film at the same time.
 Highlight the most notable details of the film apart from its title, for example, its
genre, director, lead actor(s), themes, award nominations, etc.
 Present your overarching opinion of the film.

3. Main Body:
 The first paragraph must be a synopsis of the plot. Introduce the setting, key
characters (as well as full names of the actors who play those roles), and central
conflict.
Name: _____________________________ Set: ____ Date: _____________________________

 Allocate the next 3 to 4 paragraphs to the evaluation of the various aspects of the
film that stand out to you. Make sure to focus on one aspect of the film in each
paragraph, and explain your reactions to each aspect of the film by considering how
well (or poorly) specific aspects of the film are executed.
 The final paragraph typically assesses the themes. Offer your own interpretations and
perceptions.

4. Conclusion:
 State your final verdict of the film, reiterating your opinions with greater precision
and understanding on the reader’s part.
 Recommend which demographic in particular would enjoy the film and what they
can gain from the cinematic experience.

ARTICLE:

1. Headline:
 Craft an eye-catching headline that encapsulates the theme of the article.

2. Introduction:
Hook
 Pique the reader’s interest in the topic.
Context
 Provide sufficient background information surrounding the topic to orient the reader
and facilitate understanding. the topic.
 End with the main idea you’d like to get across.

3. Main Body:
 Develop and elaborate on different aspects of the main idea in separate paragraphs.
 Try to begin with a topic sentence to help youself stay focused and guide the reader.
 Bear in mind that a conversational tone ≠ vague / meandering. It is still important to
justify and develop your points with concrete explanations and examples.
 Avoid formulaiac cohesive devices; use syntax to more naturally create a cohesive
flow.

4. Conclusion:
 The take-home message is typically a call to action that reminds the reader of the
role they should play henceforth.
 End with a ‘clincher statement’ that presents a new and different perspective on the
topic, which reinforces the take-home message and ideally echoes the introduction.
SPEECH:

1. Introduction:
 Greet the audience.
o ‘Good morning / afternoon / evening,’ + everyone / ladies and gentlemen /
specific member of the audience
 OPTIONAL: Introduce yourself (and the organization / group / club you represent).
 Introduce the broad topic.
 Provide background information and context to relate the topic to the audience.
 State the specific topic clearly and precisely.

2. Main Body:
 Each required point in the rubric should be addressed in a separate paragraph.
 Begin with a topic sentence, then justify and develop it with explanations and
examples.

3. Conclusion:
 OPTIONAL: Summarize the key ideas.
 Reiterate the theme of the speech. (Echo the introduction.)
 Present a call to action, or bring out a hopeful message or vision.
 End with ‘Thank you.’

DIARY ENTRY / BLOG:

1. Salutation:
 ‘Dear diary,’ (for diary only)

2. Introduction:
 Orient the reader by setting the scene (establishing the situation and introducing the
people involved).

3. Main Body:
 Focus on the notable events / incidents of the experience instead of recalling every
single mundane action.
 Include interesting details and roadblocks which represented setbacks for you.
 Record thoughts, feelings, observations, and reactions which stand out to you
throughout the entry.

4. Conclusion:
 End with a brief reflection on how the experience went or how the event(s) /
incident(s) have impacted you.
Name: _____________________________ Set: ____ Date: _____________________________

INFORMAL LETTER / EMAIL:

1. Salutation: ‘Dear’ + First name,

2. Introduction:
 Adopt a friendly tone.
 Begin with some pleasantries, especially when writing to family and friends.
 Refer to the letter you have received, if any.
 Express your reason for writing.

3. Main Body:
 Each required point in the rubric should be addressed in a separate paragraph.
 Begin with a topic sentence, then justify and develop it with explanations and
examples.

4. Conclusion:
 End the letter with warm wishes. Depending on your reason for writing, include
closing remarks that reflect your purpose for writing – to advise, encourage, etc.

5. Complimentary Close:
 It varies with the relationship between you and the recipient of the letter.
 Some examples include ‘Cheers,’; ‘Best wishes,’; ‘Love,’

6. Sign-off: First name