This document provides information on formal writing styles and guidelines. It discusses that formal writing is used for letters to the editor, essays, reports and more. The purpose is to express an opinion or inform others while following strict rules, such as using proper grammar and avoiding slang. Example topics are given for formal essays. Guidelines are provided on how to structure paragraphs, with an introduction, three body paragraphs with a statement, example and explanation in each, and a conclusion.

1. Formal Writing

2. What is Formal Writing? Formal writing can be: A letter to the editor A formal essay A newspaper article A film or book review A report

3. The purpose… The purpose of formal writing is to express an opinion on an issue or to inform. It also lets other people know what you are thinking and can stimulate debate.

4. The rules! No slang or colloquial expressions No contractions e.g it’s should be it is Spelling must be perfect Use correct punctuation Write in the 3 rd person e.g. he, she, they Don’t use the 1 st person e.g I think…

5. Features of Formal writing Formal writing is written using formal language – as if you were speaking to the Queen, not your mates!

6. Year 9: Keepin’ it REAL Rhetorical question - a question that does not require an answer but just some thought. Examples - quotes or the description of an event which supports what you are writing about. Anecdotes - stories or a personal experience that illustrates the point you are making. Listing - a list of numbers or items.

7. Topics: choose 1 Our parents are our role models. We are all responsible for a clean and green environment. The media influences how we think we should look. Fast food is bad for your health. Manaaki Orewa has improved Orewa College. Religion is no longer relevant. New Zealand needs a new capital city. Why we should be proud to be New Zealanders.

8. Research questions Once you have chosen your topic, write down 3-5 questions about your topic that you would like to find answers for. Your questions should be open ended. For example: What kinds of things should our parents be role modeling to their children? Or What are some of the actions we could take to make our environment clean and green?

9. Researching the answers Once you have your questions written, you need to research the answers. You can use computers, ask your family, or get books/newspapers/magazines from the library. We will be going to the computer lab for 1 period only!

10. Topic School uniforms are necessary.

11. Brainstorm Why?

12. Essay Structure Introduction Paragraph 1 Para 2 Para 3 Conclusion

13. Paragraph Structure S tatement E xample e X planation Y our response

14. Complete the chart: Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Statement - Main idea Example - What is an example from real life that supports the point you are making? Explanation - How does this example prove the point you are making? Your response - Why is this important? What can we learn from it?

15. Introduction Your introduction should state whether you agree/disagree with the topic and include all of your statement sentences. For example, I disagree with the statement that cellphones have become addictive because… Conclusion Your conclusion should: answer the question include your 3 main points( statement sentences) a summary of what we can learn/ what was important or significant.

16. The End