3. Types of Directed Writing

Report Writing

Purpose: To provide a factual and concise account of an event or situation. Types:

• Newspaper Report (for public readership)
• Report to the Principal/Editor (for institutional or formal purposes) Format:
• Headline / Title
• Byline (for newspaper reports)
• Introduction (What happened, where, when)
• Body (Details like how, why, quotes, statistics)
• Conclusion (Current status or future outlook) Style:
• Objective and factual
• Past tense (for events)
• Use of third person
• Passive voice often used

Report writing is where you condense an event or situation into a structured format. The main purpose is to inform the audience in a factual way. You start with a clear headline that captures the essence of the report, followed by an introduction detailing the event’s basic facts. In the body, you provide deeper insights - explain how the event unfolded, include any relevant quotes or statistics, and wrap it up with a conclusion that outlines the current situation or what might happen next. The writing style is objective; you use past tense since you are recounting something that has already occurred.

Think of a report as a news article in a newspaper. For example, if a school hosts a sports day, a report would detail the day’s events, describe the competitions, list the winners, and summarize the school's efforts in organizing the event, similar to how a news reporter presents facts to the public.

Article Writing

Purpose: To express an opinion or inform readers about a topic. Format:

• Title
• By [Name]
• Introduction (Grab attention, introduce topic)
• Main Body (Arguments, facts, examples)
• Conclusion (Opinion or call to action) Style:
• Formal or semi-formal
• Logical flow of ideas
• Use of rhetorical devices (questions, exclamations) permitted

Article writing allows you to express your thoughts or provide information on a particular subject. You start with an eye-catching title, followed by your name. The introduction should not just greet the readers but also pique their interest in the topic. In the main body, you present your arguments, supported by facts and examples. Finally, wrap up with a conclusion that summarizes your viewpoint or encourages readers to take action. The style can vary from formal to semi-formal and should maintain a logical progression of ideas throughout.

Imagine writing for a magazine about climate change. Your article would start with a compelling title like 'Facing the Climate Crisis'. The introduction would outline what climate change is, the body would dive into specific issues like rising sea levels and their effects, and the conclusion could suggest steps individuals can take to help counteract this crisis. It’s like crafting an engaging blog post or opinion piece that invites readers to connect with your message.

Speech Writing

Purpose: To deliver a persuasive or informative talk on a given occasion. Format:

• Salutation (e.g., Good morning respected Principal, teachers and dear friends)
• Introduction (Engage audience, introduce topic)
• Body (Arguments, emotional appeal, examples)
• Conclusion (Thank the audience) Style:
• Persuasive tone
• Use of personal pronouns (I, we)
• Rhetorical devices and repetition for emphasis
• Use of transition words and pauses

Speech writing is about creating a spoken message intended to persuade or inform. You begin with a salutation to greet your audience warmly. The introduction needs to capture the audience's attention while clearly stating your topic. The body contains your key points, bolstered by emotional appeals and examples to strengthen your case. Conclude with a thank-you note to the audience for their attention. The tone is generally persuasive, using personal pronouns to make a connection and incorporating rhetorical devices for effect.

Think of a graduation speech. You would start with a respectful greeting ('Good morning to our esteemed faculty and graduates'), then share an inspiring story about overcoming challenges in school. The body might focus on lessons learned, and you would finish with a motivational quote or a thank-you, leaving your classmates feeling proud and inspired to take the next step in their journeys.

Formal Letter

Purpose: For official communication to an authority, editor, or company. Format:

• Sender’s Address
• Date
• Receiver’s Designation and Address
• Subject Line
• Salutation (Sir/Madam)
• Body:
  • Para 1: Reason for writing
  • Para 2: Details and arguments
  • Para 3: Request or conclusion
• Subscription: Yours faithfully
• Signature and Name Style:
• Precise, formal, and polite
• Avoid contractions and slang

Formal letter writing is essential for communication that requires professionalism. The letter begins with your address and the date, followed by the recipient's address. The subject line outlines the letter's purpose succinctly. After using an appropriate salutation (like 'Dear Sir/Madam'), the body of the letter is divided into three paragraphs. The first states the reason for writing, the second provides further details or arguments, and the third concludes with a request or a summary. The letter should be polite, precise, and free of any informal language.

Picture writing a letter to a local company about a faulty product. You would start by explaining who you are and the product issue, use a detailed paragraph to describe your experience, and finally request a resolution like a refund or replacement. This process is similar to framing a formal request in a business setting.

Notice Writing

Purpose: To announce an event or information to a specific group. Format:

• Name of the Organisation / Institution
• NOTICE
• Date
• Heading / Title
• Body: What, when, where, who, instructions
• Signature with name and designation Style:
• Clear and to-the-point
• Use of bullet points (if required)
• Boxed format is often used

Notice writing serves to convey important information to a defined audience, such as students or staff. It begins with the name of the organization at the top, followed by the word 'NOTICE' and the date. The heading should be attention-grabbing. The body explains the details of the notice: what the event is, when and where it will occur, and any special instructions. A clear style that is direct ensures that the information is easily digestible. Sometimes, bullet points are used for clarity, and notices are often presented in a boxed format to stand out.

Think of a school notice about an upcoming sports day. It includes the school’s name at the top, clearly states 'NOTICE', provides the date, lists the event details like types of games, timing, and location, and ends with a designated authority's signature. This helps ensure that all students are aware and can participate.

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