1. Writing 101
Effective Introduction to
Situational Writing

2. Learning Objectives

To understand the different parts of a good
introduction

To form a great introductory paragraph for
situational writing questions

3. Introduction

'Situational' from Situational Writing comes from
the root word 'Situation' which means a
problem.

You need to provide suggested solutions.

The purpose of Situational Writing is to provide
suggested solutions to solve a problem.

To keep your writing effective, the purpose must
be introduced and reached at the end of the
essay.

4. Introduction

So our introduction must include problems and
suggested solutions.

Except in informal situations, an introduction
must also introduce yourself.

You need to let your recipient know who you
are – your name and role – since you are
imagining to be someone.

Q: Without knowing who wrote or sent the
writing, would the recipient read it?

5. Introduction – 4S for Success

So far, we have:
1) Self-introduction,
2) Situation,
3) Suggested solutions and
4) Supporting reasons, to explain our suggestions.

This makes up our formula:'4S for Successful
Introductions'

6. 1st S = Self-introduction

Self-introduction = Who are you?

Self introduction includes of course, your name
and your designation.

If the social distance is small, you can forego
your designation. The greater the social
distance, the more formal it is.

“You know, cousin, I am excited that you are
finally coming to town!” (small social distance)

“ I am Benjamin Tan, Chairman of Cultural
Activities Club.” (greater social distance)

7. 2 S = Situation
nd

Situation = Why are you writing?

The Situation is the problem or challenge you are
presented with.

A Summary Statement helps in establishing
purpose, which motivates the recipient to read
your writing.

A summary statement shows you have a clear
and well-defined understanding of the problem.

Q: What if your summary statement is confusing
about the problem at hand?

8. Examples of 2 S = Situation
nd

Examples are provided below.

Use the key words in the question to help you.
1) “I know that you would like to visit some
historical sites and I can recommend a few for
you.”
2) “The school is considering the best use for the
new building.”
3) “The neighbourhood is facing an increasing
spate of criminal activities and is thinking of
suitable action.

9. 3 S = Suggested Solutions
rd

Suggested Solutions = What do you propose?

This is the decision after your consideration of
a few possible solutions.

Whatever you choose to suggest, ensure that
you have reasons – with examples – to back it
up.

Whenever possible, find the path of least
resistance – those you find the greatest
number of good examples.

10. Examples of 3 S = Suggested
rd
Solutions

Some useful expressions are provided below.
You must sound balanced, showing your
careful thoughts before decision.

“Having considered all the eight historical
sites, ...”

“After considering the advantages and
disadvantages of the various options we have
decided that ...”

“After considering the merits of all the choices
given, the best course is...”

11. 4th S = Supporting Reasons

Supporting Reasons = How do you explain
your choice?

The key reasons for your choice. This works as
a summary for the reasons that you will be
introducing later on in your essay's body.

“... these three places of interest represents
important points of Singapore's history,
provides plenty of opportunities for
photography and is easily reached.”

12. Learning Activity

The Principal of your school wants to ensure
that this upgrading programme will provide a
more stimulating learning environment in your
school. You are the Chairperson of a committee
of students which has been asked to suggest
ways of upgrading the school facilities. You
have been asked to choose the best idea and
report its details to the Principal.

Bigger Library

Bigger Auditorium

More Learning Stations

13. Learning Activity Suggested Answers

I am Lee Li Hua, the Chairperson of the
Committee looking into the upgrading
programme. With the generous grant from
Ministry of Education, our school is able to
embark on an upgrading programme for its
facilities. Having considered the merits and
demerits of the various ideas discussed during our
meeting, we have unanimously decided to adopt
the idea of setting up more learning stations
across the school. We are sure that this will inject
greater interest and hence, more effective learning
while keeping a rein on operational costs.

14. Discussion

What's '4S for Success'?

How can such a method help us in writing?

15. In Summary

'4S for Success' describes what a successful
introduction must include. 4S is an acronym
representing self-introduction, situation,
suggested solutions and supporting reasons
respectively.

It will guide us to cover all the necessary
ground for an effective hook in our
introductions to our Situational Writings.