Form

This section explains form in writing. Form refers to the type of writing and how and where it will be presented. It plays a crucial role in shaping the way a piece of writing is structured and the language that is used. Alongside audience and purpose, the form influences decisions about the language, tone, and overall structure. Each form of writing comes with its own set of conventions; established rules or characteristics that help to define it. These conventions ensure that the writing is appropriate for the context and effective in achieving its purpose.

Below are some examples of different forms of writing and their key conventions:

Email

Emails are often more informal than traditional letters, but they can still vary depending on the purpose and recipient. Common features of an email include:

• Informal tone: When writing to a friend or colleague, emails may include colloquial language, contractions (e.g., "can't" instead of "cannot"), and emoticons. In more formal settings (such as job applications), emails will adopt a polite, professional tone.
• Hyperlinks: Emails, especially those related to work or online communication, often include links to websites, documents, or resources.
• Subject line: The subject line is crucial as it summarises the content of the email and helps the recipient determine the email's importance. For example, "Meeting Notes from Yesterday" or "Job Application – Digital Marketing Role."

Example:
An email to a friend:
"Hey Sarah,
Hope you’re well! Just wanted to check if you’re still up for meeting on Saturday. I found that lovely café you were talking about. Let me know! 😊
Cheers, Tom"

An email for a job application:
"Dear Ms Li,
I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Executive as advertised on your website. Please find attached my CV for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team’s needs.
Kind regards,
Alex Johnson"

Novel

A novel is a long work of fiction that typically follows a narrative arc (beginning, middle, and end). It is structured around a plot with characters, settings, and events. Common features include:

• Narrative arc: A novel usually follows a clear progression: exposition (introduction), rising action, climax (the turning point), falling action, and resolution.
• Imaginary characters: Novels contain characters who are often fictional, and their development over time is a key part of the story.
• Chapters: Novels are typically divided into chapters, each with a distinct part of the story. These divisions help break the narrative into manageable sections.

Example:
A section from a novel might include:
"Chapter 1: The Arrival
The rain had been falling steadily for hours, casting a grey pall over the small village of Brampton. As Emily stepped off the bus, she felt an unsettling chill in the air. She had no idea that the events of this day would change her life forever."

Newspaper Article

Newspaper articles report on factual events and are written with the aim of informing the reader. Key conventions of this form include:

• Bold headline: The headline grabs the reader’s attention and provides a summary of the article’s main point, often written in a large, bold font.
• Short paragraphs: Articles are divided into short, clear paragraphs to make the information more digestible. Each paragraph typically covers one key idea or piece of information.
• Objective tone: The tone in a newspaper article is generally neutral and factual, focusing on reporting events rather than offering personal opinions.

Example:
"Flooding Hits Northern Towns
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding in the northern parts of the country. Emergency services have been working around the clock to assist affected residents. The River Wensley reached its highest levels in decades, with some areas seeing water levels rise by over three feet. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors and avoid flooded roads."

Recipe

Recipes are designed to provide clear instructions on how to prepare a dish, and their structure reflects that. Key conventions include:

• List of ingredients: Recipes begin with a list of ingredients, often in the order they are used in the cooking process. This helps the reader gather all necessary items before starting.
• Imperative language: Instructions in a recipe are usually written using imperative verbs (e.g., "Stir the mixture" or "Preheat the oven"), giving clear and direct instructions.
• Step-by-step instructions: Recipes break down the process of making the dish into manageable, easy-to-follow steps, often with specific measurements and times.

Example:
"Classic Victoria Sponge Cake
Ingredients:

• 200g self-raising flour
• 200g butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Jam (for filling)
• Icing sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the flour.
4. Pour the mixture into two greased cake tins.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Once cooled, sandwich the two cakes together with jam and dust with icing sugar."

Other Forms of Writing

Other forms of writing each have their own unique conventions too. For instance:

• Formal letter: Often includes a recipient’s address, formal greetings (e.g., "Dear Sir/Madam"), and a clear, polite tone. The structure is typically more rigid than an email.
• Blog post: May be conversational, often structured with headings, images, and hyperlinks to engage the reader. The tone can vary, but it’s usually more informal than traditional journalism.
• Speech: A speech often uses rhetorical devices such as repetition, emotive language, and pauses to persuade or inspire an audience.

Understanding the form of writing you are working with helps ensure that your writing meets its intended purpose and adheres to the expected conventions. Whether you are crafting an email, writing a novel, or composing a recipe, recognising the conventions of each form will guide your choices regarding language, tone, and structure, making your writing more effective and appropriate for its intended audience.