Basic Writing Skill

1. HORN
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVESITY

2. Paragraph Structure

3. Abdi Yonis

4. Basic
Paragraph
Indent
Period
Capital
Letter

6. Use a period at the end of every
sentence.

7. What is a paragraph?
 A paragraph is a group of sentences with one topic.
 A paragraph consist of more than one sentence.
 Form, content, and structure are very important in a paragraph.

8. Parts of a Paragraph
 A Paragraph has three parts:
Parts of a
Paragraph
Topic
Sentences
Supporting
Sentences
Conclusion

10. Topic Sentence
• What is the topic sentence? The topic sentence is the first
sentence in a paragraph.
• What does it do? It introduces the main idea of the
paragraph.
• How do I write one? Summarize the main idea of your
paragraph. Make clear what your paragraph will be about.

11. .
Example: Canada is one of the best countries in the
world to live in. First, Canada has an excellent health
care system. All Canadians have access to medical
services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a
high standard of education. Students are taught by
well trained teachers and are encouraged to continue
‐
studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean
and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many
parks and lots of space for people to live. Asa result,
Canada is a desirable place to live.

13. II. Supporting Details
What are supporting sentences? They come after the topic
sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do? They give details to develop and support
the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write them? You should give supporting facts,
details, and examples.

14. .
Example: Canada is one of the best countries in the world
to live in. First, Canada has an excellent health care
system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a
reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of
education. Students are taught by well trained teachers
‐
and are encouraged to continue studying at university.
Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.
Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for
people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to
live.

15. III. Closing Sentence
• What is the closing sentence? The closing sentence is
the last sentence in a paragraph.
• What does it do? It restates the main idea of your
paragraph.
• How do I write one? Restate the main idea of the
paragraph using different words.

16. .
Example: Canada is one of the best countries in the world to
live in. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All
Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price.
Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are
taught by well trained teachers and are encouraged to continue
‐
studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and
efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots
of space for people to live. Asa result, Canada is a desirable
place to live.

17. Assignment
A. Write a paragraph about
1. Your best day of your life .(students in number 1.39. 41.
35.3.5.7.8.10.12.14. 31.)
2. Your worst day of your life . .(students in number 2. 40. 42.
24.6.9.11.13.15..)
3. plans for the future (students in number 43.44.45.46.26.28. 29.31.
33. 34. 36.38.)

18. .
B. Write good topic sentences for the following paragraphs. Remember to
include both a topic and a controlling idea.
Paragraph 1
In European universities, students are not required to attend classes. In fact,
professors in Germany generally do not know the names of the students enrolled
in their courses. In the United States, however, students are required to attend
all classes and may be penalized if they do not. Furthermore, in the European
system, students usually take just one comprehensive examination at the end of
their entire four or five years of study. In the North American system, on the
other hand, students usually have numerous quizzes, tests, and homework
assignments, and they almost always have to take a final examination in each
course at the end of each semester.

19. Assignment
A. Write a paragraph about
1. Your favorite place .(students in number 47. 48.25.4. 30.32.
37.56.57.58.19.18.17.40)
2. Your favorite food .(students in number 51.52.53.54.55.56.16.21.23.
27.20.22. 38)

20. .
B. Write good topic sentences for the following paragraphs. Remember to
include both a topic and a controlling idea.
Paragraph 1
In European universities, students are not required to attend classes. In fact,
professors in Germany generally do not know the names of the students enrolled
in their courses. In the United States, however, students are required to attend
all classes and may be penalized if they do not. Furthermore, in the European
system, students usually take just one comprehensive examination at the end of
their entire four or five years of study. In the North American system, on the
other hand, students usually have numerous quizzes, tests, and homework
assignments, and they almost always have to take a final examination in each
course at the end of each semester.

21. Qualities of a good
paragraph

22. •A good paragraph is like a essay. It has a clear
beginning, middle, and ending. Strong
paragraphs combine focus and attention to
detail to develop a single idea, and they help the
reader transition from one idea to the next.

23. Qualities of a Good Paragraph
•
1. UNITY - singleness or "oneness" of purpose. All the detail sentences clearly point to
support the topic sentence.
2. COHERENCE - all the sentences and ideas in the paragraph flow smoothly together to
make clear and logical points about the topic.
• Coherence can be achieved through the use of:
A. A natural or easily recognized order:
Time Order (Chronological) - arranging details or sentences as they happen according
to time; usually used in writing narratives
Space / Direction Order (Spatial) - arranging evidence in relation to space, direction or
location
Importance Order (Emphatic) - arranging details in order of importance or emphasis
Step-by-Step (Sequential or Procedural) - arranging information according to numbers.

24. B. Transition Words and Phrases - used to show the connection
from one sentence to another, or to signal a new train of
thoughts
Some common transitions:
A. For continuing a common line of reasoning: consequently,
clearly, then, furthermore, additionally, and, in addition,
because, besides that, in the same way, also, in the light of...
B. To change the line of reasoning: however, on the other hand,
but, yet, nevertheless, on the contrary
C. For the final points of a paragraph or essay: finally, lastly

25. D. Transitional chains, to use in separating
sections of a paragraph which is arranged
chronologically:
- First, Second, Third...
- Generally, furthermore, finally
- In the first place, also, lastly/finally
- In the first place, just in the same way,
finally
- basically, similarly, as well as

26. E. To signal conclusion: therefore, this, hence, in
conclusion, indeed
F. To restate a point within a paragraph in another way
or in a more exacting way: after, afterwards, as soon as,
at first, at last, before, before long, finally, in the first
place, in the meantime, later, meanwhile, next, soon,
then.

27. DESCRIPTIVE
INFORMATIVE
PERSUASIVE
NARRATIVE

28. This paragraph descibes something or
someone.

29. MY MOTHER
My mother is a very special woman.She is beautiful.
She is tall. She always takes care of me . She helps me with
my homework. She cooks delicious food. She loves me and I
love her so much. My mother is the best mom in the world.

30. This paragraph explains an idea and inform facts.

31. MY COUNTRY “ECUADOR”
My country is Ecuador . It is located in South
America. It is small but beautiful country. It has many
touristic places you can visit and have fun like: the
beaches, the mountains and the Amazon.The climate
is great. Ecuador is a wonderful country

32. This paragraph tries to encourage the reader of something.

33. Chocoenergy Bar
The best chocolate energy bar has
arrived to Ecuador. It is delicious, it has
milk, almonds an chocolate syrup. It also
has many vitamins that will help you grow
and make your teeth very strong. You
can’t keep living without trying this
bar .Buy one today !!!

34. This paragraph decribes an event or tells a story.
MY LAST VACATION
My last vacation was very fun. First I went to the beach with
my cousins. We surfed and swam in the ocean. Then went to
my grandparents farm and rode a horse. Next we climb a big
mountain.
Finally we came back home and rest . I had the best
vacation ever.

35. Unit Three
ESSAYS Writing

36. ESSAYS Structure

37. From Paragraph to
Essay

38. Parts of Essay
An essay has three main parts: an introduction
(introductory paragraph), a body (at least one, but
usually two or more paragraphs), and a conclusion
(concluding paragraph).
The following chart shows you how the parts of a
paragraph correspond to the parts of an essay.

40. .
An essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion.
A brief explanation of each follows:
• Introduction
The introduction should catch the reader’s attention, define
the topic and briefly tell the reader what the essay will be
addressing.

41. .
Body
The body consist of the full content of the essay. The
body must be divided into paragraphs, each of
paragraph must follow a specific idea to the end. The
writer must address all the ideas he or she wanted to
address, keeping to the topic.

42. .
Conclusion
The conclusion is the ending of the presentation. This
should attach all that was presented by the writer, a
parting shot that justifies the writer’s point of view.
As this is the end, the writer must not bring in new
information. Learners must be taught how to write –
and must write - the following parts of essays:

56. kinds of essays
Narrative essay
Discursive essay
Descriptive essay Expository essay Argumentative essay

57. .
Narrative essay
A narrative essay tells a story or tells of a past event. It can
be written from any perspective.
Example topics: ● We were having a wonderful time. There was good
food, good music and good company. Write about the incident. ● The
best story my grandfather told me.

58. .
Consider the following when writing a narrative essay:
The story must have a strong story line and be
convincing even if it is fiction.
A narrative essay is usually written in the past tense.
The introductory paragraph should capture the reader’s
attention.
A good story often has a point to make.
A narrative essay often has a strong descriptive element.

59. .
Descriptive essay
In a descriptive essay, the writer describes something to
allow the reader to experience the topic being described as
brightly as possible. Someone or something can be
described. Example topics:
The dentist’s waiting room.
Describe your feelings and impressions.

60. .
Consider the following when writing a descriptive essay:
The writer should create a picture in words.
Words and expressions are chosen carefully to achieve the
desired effect.
Images of sight, sound, hearing, taste and touch can be used to
make the description bright.
Figures of speech are used in original ways.
Learners should ideally have experience of the topic. It is very
difficult to describe something without having firsthand
knowledge.

61. .
Expository essay
Expository writing communicates ideas or information in a
logical way. This is a factual essay in which the writer
explains ideas or gives facts in a systematic way. An
expository essay is well researched and ideas are
supported by facts and figures.
Example topics:
More than a thousand people are killed in road accidents
during the December holiday.

62. .
Consider the following when writing a expository essay:
Good research is vital as statements have to be supported by
facts.
As the reader may not have a specialized understanding of the
topic, the writer should clarify any concepts which may be
unfamiliar.
Ideas must be organized logically and take the reader from the
known to the unknown.
An expository essay is generally written in the present tense.

63. .
Argumentative essay
In an argumentative essay, the writer has a specific opinion
or viewpoint and argues to defend or motivate his or her
position. The opinion of the writer should be clear
throughout. This is a subjective essay in which the writer
tries to convince the reader to share his or her point of
view. Example topics:
Television kills creativity. Do you agree?
The future of South Africa depends on foreign
investment. Give your views.

64. .
Consider the following when writing a argumentative essay:
The essay should start with the writer’s view of the topic in an
original and striking way.
The writer should give a range of arguments to support and
substantiate his or her view.
The writer focuses on points for OR against a statement.
The conclusion should be a strong, clear and convincing
statement of the writer’s opinion.

65. Unit Four
Letter Writing

66. Letter Writing

67. Definition of Letter Writing
• Letter is a written message from one party to another
containing information.
• Letter is a written or typed message from one person to another .
• Purpose : letter help protection communication between both
parties;theymaybring friends or relatives closer together.
Typesof letters
Therearetwobasic typesof letters
1. Formalletters
2. Informal letters

68. Formal letters (business)
letter g 68
Formal letter: is a letter written to a business, a
collage ,or any professional that are not
consider friend or family. These are also called
official letters.
Formal letter : is a latter of request , job
application letter ,resume, sells letter.

69. How to write formal letter.
• It is very important that your letter have the needed effect on
the reader.
• In order to achieve this ,they should be :
In the correct format
Short and to the point
Relevant
Free of any grammatical or spelling errors
Well presented

70. SAMPLES

71. Parts formal letter.
• Address
A.Your address
• The return address should be written in the top right hand corner
of the letter.
• B. The address of the person you are writing to formal or business
letter, this address is known as inside address. It should written on
the left starting below your address.
An inside address include the name and the address of the receiver.
The name can be written as: The General Manager, the chair person,
the collage dean, the head officer, etc.

72. The address can be (town, city, and any special or popular
place).Don't forget to began each words in capital letter.
• Date
Deferent people put the date on deferent sides of the
page. You can write this on the right or the left on the line
after the address you are writing to write the month as a
word.

73. • Greeting
A. Dear sir or madam:
If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, use this.
• B. Dear Mr Ali:
If you know the name ,use to title(Mr. Mrs. or Ms. Dr. prof. etc)
If you are writing to a woman and don’t know if she uses Mrs. Or
Miss. You can use Ms. Which is for married and single women.
Look at! Mr- for male
 Mrs- for a married female
 Miss- for an unmarried female.

74. • Ending a letter(closing)
A. Your faithfully:
If you don’t know the name of the person, end the letter in this
way.
• B. Your sincerely:
If you know the name of the person, end the letter in this way.
• C. Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you
think the person you are writing to might not know whether
you are male or female , put you title in bracket after your
name.

75. Types of formal letter
A.Job application
A letter of application is also known as cover letter. It is a job
application document sent with your resume to provide
additional information on your skill and experiences.
Its is intended to provide detailed information on how much
you are qualified for the job you are applying for..
An effective application letters explain the reason for your
interest in the specific organization and identify most
relevant skill or experience.

76. Note : curriculum vitae (CV): is brief account of a persons
education ,qualifications, and previous experience typically
sent with job application.
The purpose of the letter of application that goes with your
resume is to introduce your self briefly and to tray to make
an employer interested in you.
Sample letter A
Write a letter in response the following advertisement.
Wanted : smart postgraduate ,fluent in English, computer literate for
junior editor post in well – known publishing house .contact PO
BOX 3422, C/O Somali printing press Borama Halane.

77. Dilla town
Dilla woreda Awdal zone
May 17/2019
C/O Somali priting press
Borama
Hallane street
PO BOX 3422
Dear sir:
subject: Application for the post of junior editor
with reference to your letter to your advertisement in “Somali printing press” dated may 15, I would like to
apply for the post of junior editor. I have completed my post graduation in history and have studied
throughout in English medium institutions. Iam greatly interested in attractive world books and iam looking
for and opportunity to be part of it.
If selected, I will do my work with sincerity and dedication.
Enclosed is a detailed curriculum vitae.
Yours faithfuly
Bilaal Ahmed

78. CURRICULAM VITAE
Name: Bilal Ahmed
Age: 28
Address: Dilla town
Education: Horn international university
Qualification : B.A (History)
Experience : Editor of school and university magazines
Interest: Reading, writing articles for magazines
Reference: Academic dean of the university.

79. Class work

80. B. Letters of requesting information.
This letter is one common type of business
letter. It is used to ask information about
colleges, employment opportunities and specific
product and services.
.

81. Po Box 0020
Borama
December 10/2018
Director of Admission
Admission office
East Africa University
Dear sir:
Iam at Sheikh Ali Jawhar high school, interested in attending a university that offers weak end
program in Health Please send me the following information program:
1. A list detailing the program that you offer in Health.
2. information on admissions and semester fee.
I would appreciate receiving this information as soon as possible ,as I plan to visit universities
confident Health program before making any formal application.
Yours faithfuly
Zuber Omer

82. Class work
Write letter requesting information
about your department

83. sample of letter of request in formation
from company to a customer ,asking for the settlement of overdue account.
Alloge light company
Borama
April 10/2019
Mr Osman Ali
Halane street
Borama
Dear sir:
we wish to call your attention to our bill for $150 payment which is long overdue. We have send you
several reminders ,but you haven't received from you reply. we are asking you to settle this account with
out further delay, or we shall be obliged to take legal steps to recover the amount due .
Yours faithfuly
Najib
Manager

84. Class work
Write letter requesting
information semester fee payment

85. B. Informal or friendly
letters
They have five parts:

86. Sample Format:

87. 1. The Heading: The heading can include your
address and the date. In informal, friendly
letters your address is not necessary.
2. The Salutation (greeting): The greeting
always ends with a comma.The greeting may
be formal, beginning with the word “Dear”
and using the person’s given name or
relationship, or it may be informal if
appropriate e.g.Dear Uncle, Hi Ahmed,

88. • 3. The Body: The body of the letter is the
information you are writing in your letter. It
includes the message you want to write. Normally in
a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is
indented*.It usually includes an introduction where
we greet the person and state the reason we are
writing; the main body we develop the subject and
the conclusion or signalling the end where we use
suitable remarks (invite, send greeting, etc) or
indicate that the letter is going to finish.

89. • 4. The Closing: This short expression is always
a few words on a single line. In the closing the
first word is capitalized and you put a comma
after the last word.
• 5 The Signature line. This is your name.
It goes under the closing

90. Types of friendly letter
A. invitation letter
An invitation letter asks someone to come to an event, such as
party. The invitation tells the reason for events. It also tells
the date ,time, and location.

91. Dear Parents and Guardians,
You and your families are invite to the Alqalam technical collage to see the
students art show. The art show will be held Saturday , February 10,from
9:00 A.M to 11:45 A.M at the collage . We look forward to seeing you!
With best regards
Collage Director

92. Class work
Please try to write invitation letter
to some one.

93. A. thank –you letter
Thank- you letter says someone ,you can thank some one for
gift or for doing something special ,such as helping you fix
your bike etc.

94. Borama
Sheikh Ali
sep 25 /2018
Dear Uncle Ahmed ,
Thank you for fixing the chain on my bike . It kept falling off when I stopped. It
doesn’t do that any more .I thought I had to get a new bike . Now I can ride it again
with out any trouble .
Sincerely
Jamal

95. Class work
Please try to write Thank You
letter