Unit 3. How to interpret writing tasks

Before you start writing it is important to read the writing task carefully as it contains all the information necessary for planning your text. More specifically, the writing task establishes the following:

• What must be written? – e.g. an essay, a letter, an article, a report, etc.

• The target reader (s) – who is going to read your piece of writing. e.g. a friend, a relative, your teacher, magazine or newspaper readers, your manager, etc.

• The register and style you should use – e.g. formal, semi-formal, informal, lively, academic, professional, etc.

• The role of the writer – who you are writing as. e.g. an employee, a teacher, researcher, a member of the public, a reader, a dissatisfied customer.

• The reason(s) for writing – e.g. to inform, to describe, to narrate, to make suggestions/recommendations, to complain, etc,

• What must be included in your piece of writing – e.g. your viewpoints, your opinions, specific information and data about smth, your own experiences, etc.

For more information see Smart Writing Tips Section C.

3.1. Read the writing tasks and complete the table.

Task*	Situation*: Who is the target reader?	Functions*: What are the key words and phrases?	Type of a written paper: What must you write? What register, style should you use?	Topic: What should you write about?

a) You have read the advertisement below and would like to apply for the job. Write a letter giving details of your qualifications, experience and qualities to include with your CV.

Growing investment firm is looking for highly motivated teachers of English to train Business English courses. Full training of Business English in all aspects of the investment field should be given. Advanced knowledge of English, good communicative and teaching skills is a must.

Write to: Anna Smythe, Personnel Manager

Ace Investments

Of 29 London Rd, Burghley

b) You are organizing a conference and are in charge of informing participants of the time and place. You should also include details of the schedule and planned activities as well as the subjects to be discussed. Write a letter to send to the participants.

c) You have just joined a book club for the teachers of English and are very dissatisfied with both the service and the books you have received. Write a letter stating the reasons for your dissatisfaction and what you expect to be done.

d) You were unable to attend an important meeting at which you were supposed to make a presentation. Write to the chairperson, apologizing for and explaining your absence and suggesting alternative arrengements for the presentation.

e) The library in your town or college is about to be expanded. Write a letter to the planning committee explaining how you thinl the present facilities could be improved and suggesting some new services which the library could provide for your students and colleagues.

f) Your college or department at the university has received a large grant. Write a letter to the local newspaper giving your opinion as to how this money could best be spent.

For more information see smart Writing Tips: Section D.