FORMATS AND BASIC GUIDELINES FOR DIRECTED WRITING

(Refer to your IGCSE text for more details)

1. SPEECH

Opening:
Good Morning/Dear Students/Dear Friends/Ladies and Gentlemen etc
Next:
Introduce yourself (only if necessary) and men on who you represent. State the topic/
purpose of the speech and what areas you will be talking about. (This can be direct or
indirect through ques ons, a short case study, etc)
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic
Conclusion:
Give the conclusion – but don’t say “In conclusion…” There are other ways of le ng your
audience know this.
Closing:
End with a “Thank you” in a separate line.

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Be conscious of who your audience is and use the right register.
• Engage the audience by ’speaking’ to them by using “you, your”, using exclama ons if necessary and by asking
rhetorical ques ons.
• Make your speech interes ng by using varied sentence structures and idioma c expressions (though not
clichéd).
• Use persuasive language (if the task requires it.)
• Be convincing - with facts, gures and opinions.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Make the ow of ideas logical and natural by using sentence linkers.
• Do not be rude or o ensive.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.



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 2. INTERVIEW

Interviewer/Name 1: The rst ques on by the interviewer

Interviewee/ Name 2: The response to the rst ques on
Interviewer/Name 1: The second ques on by the interviewer
Interviewee/ Name 2: The response to the second ques on
Interviewer/Name 1: The third ques on by the interviewer
Interviewee/ Name 2: The response to the third ques on
[The interviewer’s ques ons are generally given in the Exam ques on paper.]

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Every sentence in the response should include one or more relevant points.
• Make the ow of ideas logical and natural by using sentence linkers.
• Do not be rude or o ensive.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

3. DIALOGUE /CONVERSATION

Name 1:
Name 2:
Name 1:
Name 2:
Name 1:
Name 2:
[ Note that the IGCSE ques on may include a third person in the dialogue]

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task. Some points may be direct and others may
have to be inferred.
• Make the ow of the dialogue natural by using apt responses, ques ons, comments etc.
• Every sentence should include a relevant point.
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 • Consider who the speaker is and use the appropriate register/style for each speaker.
• Do not be rude or o ensive.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

4. INFORMAL LETTER

Saluta on:
Dear Name/Mother/Father/etc
Introduc on:
This should be very natural, introducing the main point of the le er.
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic in rela on to your ques on.
These ideas should ow from one paragraph to the next
Conclusion:
Give the conclusion – but do not say “In conclusion…” There are other ways of le ng your reader
know this.
Complementary close:

With love/Yours lovingly (Note that only the rst word Yours begins with a capital le er. It does not
have an apostrophe)
First name (no surname)
[Note: The ques on will usually specify how to begin. The address is not required.]

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Be conscious of who your reader is and use the right register.
• Engage the reader by using “you, your”, using exclama ons if necessary and by asking for opinions/comments.
• Make your le er interes ng by using varied sentence structures and idioma c expressions.
• Read the ques on carefully to use the right tone
• Use descrip ve/persuasive/augmenta ve language as required in the ques on
• Be convincing - with facts, opinions and feelings
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Make the ow of ideas logical and natural.
• Do not be rude or o ensive.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

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 5.FORMAL LETTER

Saluta on:
Dear Sir/ Madam
Introduc on:
This should be very straigh orward and brief introducing the main point of the le er.
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic in rela on to your
ques on. These ideas should ow from one paragraph to the next
Conclusion: Give the conclusion – but do not say “In conclusion…” There are other ways of le ng
your reader know this.

Complementary close: Yours truly/Yours faithfully (Note that only the rst word Yours begins with
a capital le er. It does not have an apostrophe)
Signature
Full name (name and surname)
[Note: The ques on will usually specify how to begin. The addresses are not required]

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Do not use colloquial language, slang, abbrevia ons or contrac ons
• Use formal language
• Be conscious of who your reader(s) is/are and use the right register.
• Engage the reader by using “you, your”, using exclama ons if necessary and by asking for opinions/comments.
Some mes, rhetorical ques ons may be asked
• Make your le er interes ng by using varied sentence structures.
• Use persuasive language (if the task requires it.)
• Be convincing - with facts, opinions and, if required, feelings
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Make the ow of ideas logical and natural.
• Do not be rude or o ensive.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

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 6.SEMI-FORMAL LETTER

Saluta on:
Dear Mr. ______/Mrs. _____________/Dr. ______________ etc
Introduc on:
This should be very straigh orward and brief introducing the main point of the le er.
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic in rela on to your
ques on. These ideas should ow from one paragraph to the next
Conclusion: Give the conclusion – but don’t say “In conclusion…” There are other ways of le ng
your reader know this.

Complementary close: Yours truly/ Yours sincerely (Note that only the rst word Yours begins with
a capital le er. It does not have an apostrophe)
Signature
Full name (name
[Note: The ques on will usually specify how to begin. The addresses are not required]

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Do not use colloquial language, slang, abbrevia ons or contrac ons
• Use formal language
• Be conscious of who your reader(s) is/are and use the right register.
• Be conscious of who your reader(s) is/are and use the right register.
• Engage the reader by using “you, your”, using exclama ons if necessary and by asking for opinions/comments.
Some mes, rhetorical ques ons may be asked
• Make your le er interes ng by using varied sentence structures.
• Use persuasive language (if the task requires it.)
• Be convincing - with facts, opinions and, if required, feelings
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Make the ow of ideas logical and natural.
• Do not be rude or o ensive.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

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 7. BROCHURE

Heading: Give an eye-catching epithet for the place/hotel/ins tu on Example: KERALA –

God’s Own Country
Introduc on:
Use very descrip ve words to give the salient features of the place/hotel/ins tu on. Draw
the a en on of the readers through the e ec ve use of language.
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic.
Conclusion:
This may not be required as you will be asked to write only part of a brochure. But you
could consider a catch phrase or mo o or slogan at the bo om of the page

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Be conscious of the fact that you want to a ract people of varying interests to this place/hotel/ins tu on.
• Engage the audience by ’speaking’ to them by using “you, your”, using exclama ons and ques ons if necessary.
• Make your presenta on interes ng by using varied sentence structures and idioma c expressions
• Use persuasive language (if the task requires it.)
• Be convincing - with facts and gures.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary and good descrip on of buildings, natural surroundings etc.
• Arrange paragraphs according to the level of interest for the readers.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given. Use the colourful
language of adver sement but without exaggera on.

8. ARTICLE

Heading: Provide an eye- catching but clear tle (Use upper case or tle case)
Introduc on: Draw the a en on of the readers to the topic through the e ec ve use of
language. You could shock the reader with facts, give a very brief case study, ask thought-
provoking ques ons, etc
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic. Opinions should be
strongly expressed
Conclusion:
Reinforce the main ideas of your ar cle in a forceful manner
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 Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Be conscious of the fact that you want to appeal to people from di erent backgrounds to be aware of facts.
• In most ar cles you will need to make your readers respond in some way – through ac on
• Engage the audience by ’speaking’ to them by using “you, your”, using exclama ons if necessary and by asking
rhetorical ques ons.
• Make your presenta on interes ng by using varied sentence structures and idioma c expressions.
• Use persuasive language (if the task requires it.)
• Be convincing - with facts and gures.
• Have strong convic on in your opinions – express them clearly, logically, ra onally and forcefully
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given. Use powerful
language but avoid exaggera on.

9. NEWSPAPER REPORTS (15 + 10 Paper 1 Qn)

Headline: Provide an eye- catching but clear headline of the event (use the upper case or
tle case. Example: ‘Big Bang Machine’ Creates Record Collisions/ HURRICANE KATRINA
LEAVES THOUSANDS HOMELESS
Byline (a line in a newspaper naming the writer of an ar cle.) Eg. Correspondent, Na onal News
Introduc on: Place, Date: Expand the headlines giving the basic informa on about what,
when where, who, how and why. Opinions of the reporter are not expressed
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on details and more informa on. Opinions of the
reporter are not expressed. O cials/dignitaries/witnesses/vic ms may be quoted.
Conclusion:
There is no conclusion. But the nal piece of informa on may be given.
Note that if it is a school newspaper, emo ve language may be used to bring out school
spirit

Guidelines:
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 • Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Use the present tense for the tle and past tense for the news report if the ac on has been completed.
• If the ac on/event is yet to take place, the tle should have the’ to’ in ni ve.
• Be conscious of the fact that you are providing authen c informa on
• The language should be clear, concise and precise.
• Make your presenta on interes ng by using varied sentence structures.
• Provide facts and gures.
• Use the language of journalism. Example: ‘ reliable sources’, ‘it is alleged’, etc
• Passive voice to be used when the focus is on the ac on/ when it is obvious/ unsure who did the ac on.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

10. FORMAL REPORTS (This is a statement of facts and an evalua on or assessment

based on events/observa ons/recordings/inves ga ons/ ndings

Introduc on: State what the report is about in clear sentences. You must state in what
capacity you are wri ng the report.
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, write your comments supported with evidence and facts.
Opinions of the person repor ng should be unbiased. Quota ons may be used if relevant
Conclusion:
The conclusion should be an overall evalua on.
Note that sugges ons / recommenda ons may be given where appropriate.

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• Be conscious of the fact that you are providing authen c informa on
• The language should be formal, clear, concise and precise.
• Make your presenta on interes ng by using varied sentence structures.
• Provide facts and gures.
• Passive voice to be used when the focus is on the ac on
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

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 11. DIARY ENTRY

Place
Day/Date
Introduc on:
Re ect on your feelings at the moment
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic/emo on/event.
Your thoughts and feelings should be expressed well. There can be a good deal of re ec on
on events and evalua on of words and ac ons of people.
Conclusion:
Make a general assessment of your ac ons/feelings. Bring out your fears/doubts/
apprehension/excitement about the future depending on the ques on

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• The language should be informal. But be crea ve and express yourself in an interes ng manner. Try to use some
gura ve language.
• Use a number of ques ons to bring out anger/doubt/frustra on if needed
• Make your wri ng interes ng by using varied sentence structures and idioma c expressions.
• Write in the authen c voice of the character in the story/passage
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Make the ow of ideas logical and natural.
• You could be crea ve and use ashbacks. The sequence of events should be clear to the examiner.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given unless you are quo ng
what characters/people have spoken.

12. PAMPHLET/LEAFLET
Heading: This should be simple and clear
Introduc on:
Write a sentence or two focusing on the issue
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
Use sub headings for each paragraph
Under each subheading focus on ideas related to the subheading. The points under one of
the subheadings can be bulleted. The last subheading9 should be an appeal to the readers –
what they can/need to do
Conclusion:
You could consider a catch phrase or mo o or slogan at the bo om of the page.

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 Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
• The language should be formal. Use simple language
• The bulleted points should follow the same gramma cal pa ern (begin all points with a verb or begin them all
with a noun.)
• Facts should be stated clearly
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given.

13. EDITORIAL

Heading: Provide an eye- catching but clear tle (Use upper case or tle case)
Introduc on: Draw the a en on of the readers to the topic through the e ec ve use of
language. You could shock the reader with facts, give a very brief case study, ask thought-
provoking ques ons, etc
Next 3-4 paragraphs:
In each paragraph that follows, focus on a speci c aspect/area/subtopic. Opinions should be
strongly expressed. The ar cle should inspire/s r/persuade
Conclusion:
Reinforce the main ideas of your ar cle in a forceful manner

Guidelines:
• Focus on the ideas given in the passage/input in rela on to the task – some ideas may be direct and others may
need to be inferred.
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 • Be conscious of the fact that you want to appeal to people from di erent backgrounds to be aware of facts.
• In most editorials you will need to make your readers respond in some way.
• Engage the readers by using exclama ons if necessary and by using sarcasm/irony/rhetorical ques ons.
• Make your presenta on interes ng by using varied sentence structures and idioma c expressions.
• Use persuasive language (if the task requires it.)
• Be convincing - with facts and gures.
• Have strong convic on in your opinions – express them clearly, logically, ra onally and forcefully
• Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Use your own words and avoid ‘copying’ words and expressions used in the passage given. Use powerful
language but avoid exaggera on.

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