English (Core) · Writing Skills & Grammar
Key Takeaways: Writing Skills & Grammar
Key Takeaways: Writing Skills & Grammar
Key Takeaways: Writing Skills & Grammar
Section B rewards format first, content second, and clean expression throughout - and every one of those is within your control if you practise the skeletons until they are automatic.
Format at a glance
| Task | Has address/date? | Person | Tense | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notice | Date only; boxed | 3rd | present/future | the word NOTICE + name & designation |
| Formal invitation | Day/date/venue | 3rd | present | no salutation, no signature, RSVP |
| Informal invitation | Date | 1st | present | salutation + signature |
| Letter to Editor | Both + subject | 3rd-ish, public voice | present | "The Editor" block, Yours faithfully |
| Job Application | Both + subject | 1st | present | attached tabulated bio-data |
| Business Letter | Both + subject | formal | present | exact quantities / order number |
| Article | None; title + by-line | semi-formal | present | intro-body-conclusion |
| Report | By-line (+ dateline) | 3rd | past | factual, objective, headline |
Universal rules that save marks
- Match the register to the task: Sir/Madam + Yours faithfully for formal letters; warm first person for informal notes.
- Respect the word limit - examiners stop rewarding beyond it and padding hides your good points.
- Answer the 5 W's in notices and reports; give a clear call to action in editor and business letters.
- Keep tense consistent - past for reports, present for articles - and check subject-verb agreement.
- A catchy title/headline and by-line are free marks in articles and reports; never skip them.
Exam strategy
- Read the prompt and underline every required detail before writing. …