ENGLISH A – Notes

1. Summary Writing –
A summary is a concise and condensed version of a longer piece of text, such as an article, book, or
report. Its purpose is to convey the main ideas, key points, and significant details of the original work in
a clear and succinct manner. Summaries are often used to provide an overview of a text without going
into extensive detail. Summaries are no longer than 120 words. Here are some tips and points to follow
when writing a summary:
• Understand the text: Before you can summarize a piece of writing, it is essential to thoroughly read
and understand the original text. Make sure you comprehend the main ideas, arguments, and key
points presented by the author.
• Identify the main points: Focus on identifying the most important ideas and arguments in the text.
These are typically found in the introduction, conclusion, and topic sentences of paragraphs.
• Highlight key details: Note down any significant facts, examples, or evidence that support the main
points. These details can help reinforce the understanding of the text's content.
• Condense the information: Aim to condense the original text into a shorter version while retaining
its essential meaning. Avoid including unnecessary details or repetitive information.
• Use your own words: Summarize the text using your own language and writing style. Paraphrase
the author's ideas rather than directly quoting them but ensure that you accurately represent the
original meaning.
• Maintain objectivity: Your summary should remain objective and unbiased, presenting the author's
ideas without inserting your own opinions or interpretations.
• Focus on coherence and flow: Organize your summary in a logical manner, arranging the main
points in a sequence that makes sense. Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas and
ensure smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
• Be concise: Keep your summary brief and to the point. Aim to convey the main ideas of the text in
as few words as possible without sacrificing clarity or accuracy.
• Check for accuracy: After writing your summary, double-check that you have accurately
represented the original text's meaning. Make sure you have not omitted any crucial information or
misrepresented the author's ideas.
• Revise and edit: Take the time to review your summary and make any necessary revisions or edits
for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
FORMAT FOR SUMMARY WRITING –
A standard format for writing a summary typically includes the following components:
• Introduction: Begin your summary with an introductory sentence or paragraph that provides
context for the original text. Mention the title, author, and any relevant background information.
This section should also include a thesis statement or a brief overview of the main ideas you will
cover in the summary.
• Main Body: The main body of the summary should consist of concise paragraphs that cover the key
points and main ideas of the original text. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea or
topic and be organized logically. Use topic sentences to introduce each new point and provide
supporting details or evidence, as necessary. It is essential to paraphrase the author's ideas using
your own words while maintaining the original meaning.
• Conclusion: End your summary with a concluding paragraph that reinforces the significance of the
main ideas discussed in the text. Summarize the key points and reiterate the thesis statement or
main argument. You may also offer some concluding thoughts or implications based on the content
of the original text.

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2. Argumentative Essay - An argumentative essay is a genre of academic writing where the author
presents a claim or thesis on a specific topic and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and persuasive
techniques. The goal is to convince the reader of the validity of the author's viewpoint by providing
logical arguments and refuting opposing perspectives.
FORMAT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY –
• Introduction:
o Hook: Begin your essay with a compelling hook that grabs the reader's attention. This could be a
surprising statistic, an intriguing question, a relevant quote, or a brief anecdote.
o Background Information: Provide some background context on the topic to help readers
understand its importance and relevance. This could include historical background, relevant facts
or data, or an overview of the current state of the issue.
o Thesis Statement: Present your argument or main claim in a clear and concise thesis statement.
This statement should clearly state your position on the topic and preview the main points you
will use to support your argument.
• Body Paragraphs:
o Topic Sentence: Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point
or argument of the paragraph.
o Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence, examples, statistics, or quotes to support your argument
and strengthen your position. Make sure to cite your sources properly if you are using external
information.
o Analysis: Analyse and explain how the evidence you have presented supports your thesis. This is
where you demonstrate the logical reasoning behind your argument and how the evidence you
have provided is relevant to your overall point.
o Counterargument (optional): Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments or opposing
viewpoints. This demonstrates that you have considered alternative perspectives but reinforces
the strength of your own argument.
• Conclusion:
o Restate Thesis: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement but rephrase it slightly to
emphasize its importance.
o Summary of Main Points: Provide a brief summary of the main points you have made in the body
paragraphs. This reinforces the key arguments you have presented and reminds the reader of
your main points.
o Closing Statement: End your essay with a strong closing statement that reinforces the significance
of your argument and leaves an impression on the reader. You could also suggest potential
implications or actions related to your argument.
3. Report Writing - Report writing involves the process of gathering, analysing, and presenting information
on a specific topic or issue in a structured format. Reports are commonly used in academic,
professional, and business settings to communicate findings, recommendations, or progress on a
project or research endeavour. Report writing is the systematic process of collecting and organizing
data, analysing findings, and presenting information in a formal document format. Reports typically
include an introduction, methods or background section, results or findings section, discussion or
analysis section, and conclusion or recommendations section. They are written in a clear, concise, and
objective manner, with the aim of informing readers about a particular topic, problem, or issue. Here
are some tips and points to follow when authoring a report:

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 • Understand the Purpose: Before you begin writing, ensure you understand the purpose and
audience of the report. Determine whether the report is meant to inform, persuade, analyse, or
propose solutions to a problem.
• Plan and Organize: Create an outline or structure for your report, identifying the key sections and
sub-sections that need to be included. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover
all relevant information.
• Gather Data and Information: Conduct thorough research and collect relevant data, facts, and
evidence to support your report's findings and conclusions. Use credible sources and cite them
properly to maintain accuracy and integrity
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Write in a clear, concise, and professional manner, avoiding
unnecessary jargon or technical language that may confuse readers. Use plain language to convey
your message effectively.
• Follow a Formal Structure: Structure your report in a logical and coherent manner, with clear
headings and subheadings to guide the reader through the document. Include an introduction,
methods or background section, results or findings section, discussion or analysis section, and
conclusion or recommendations section.
• Provide Context and Background: Begin your report with an introduction that provides context and
background information on the topic or issue being addressed. Clearly state the purpose and
objectives of the report to orient the reader.
• Present Findings Objectively: Present your findings or results in an objective and unbiased manner,
using tables, graphs, or visuals to enhance clarity and comprehension. Interpret the data accurately
and avoid making subjective judgments or assumptions.
• Include Analysis and Interpretation: In the discussion or analysis section of your report, analyse
the findings and interpret their implications. Discuss any patterns, trends, or relationships observed
in the data and relate them back to the report's objectives.
• Draw Conclusions and Make Recommendations: Summarize the key findings and draw conclusions
based on the analysis presented in the report. Make recommendations for further action, policy
changes, or future research, if applicable.
• Proofread and Revise: Before finalizing your report, proofread it carefully to check for errors in
grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. Revise any unclear or awkwardly phrased
sentences to improve clarity and readability.
FORMAT FOR REPORT WRITING –

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