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KS3 English · Year 9Chapter 12 · Writing for purpose and audience: reviews, reports, letters and articles
Year 9 · Chapter 12

Writing for purpose and audience: reviews, reports, letters and articles

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • I can name the purpose and audience of a form of writing.
  • I can write a headline, a standfirst and a byline for an article.
  • I can give a review a clear, graded verdict.
  • I can write a letter that moves from anger to a clear request.
  • I can structure a report with headings and recommendations.
  • I can choose the salutation, sign-off and layout that suit each form.

You should already know

  • Writing letters, instructions and reports with headings (Year 8, Chapter 12 of this book)
  • Using persuasive and evaluative language for an audience (Year 8, Chapter 12 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Spoken language: extended speech, debate and Standard English (Year 9, Chapter 13 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 9. Content: Write for a range of purposes and audiences: reviews, reports, letters and articles, in Standard English (KS3 writing, W2), Choose tone, register and layout for each form, including headline, standfirst, byline, salutation and sign-off (KS3 writing, W2 and W5), Write to inform, explain, evaluate and persuade in each form (KS3 writing, W1), Plan, draft and edit for form, checking layout and punctuation (KS3 writing, W3 and W5).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word that means a short sentence summing up an article, shown under the headline. Write one word.
2
FWhat does a salutation mean in a letter? Write one short phrase.
3
FWrite one word that means the opposite of approve.
4
FWrite the plural of the word report.
5
FWhat is a verdict? Write one short phrase.
12.1

Purpose, audience and form

Year 9
Identify the purpose, audience and form of a text, and how they shape its choices (KS3 writing, W2)
Video lesson: Purpose, audience and formComing soon
Context. Four texts are written for four purposes. A review gives a judgement to readers deciding whether to visit. A letter of complaint asks a company to act. A report gives findings and recommendations to a decision maker. A newspaper article informs a wide public about a decision.

Text 1: A café review (original, fictional)

1The Cedar Cafe, Mill Lane. Rated: two stars out of five.

2The soup was warm, but the bread was stale and the butter had been left out too long. The view across the park is the best thing about the place.

3The staff were friendly and quick, even when the queue was long. The prices are fair for a café of this size.

4Verdict: worth a visit for the view and the service, but not for the food. Come for a coffee, not for lunch.

Text 2: A letter of complaint (original, fictional)

1Dear Sir or Madam,

2On Tuesday the 7.40 bus from Harlow Road did not arrive, and I waited for forty minutes in the rain with my two children. I am angry about this, because I had told the school I would be on time.

3I would like a refund of my weekly fare for that week, and I would be grateful for an explanation of why the service was cancelled without notice.

4I hope this can be put right, and I look forward to your reply within fourteen days.

5Yours faithfully, Jo Ferrer

Text 3: A report extract (original, fictional)

1Report on Sunday opening at Eastfield Library

21. Introduction. This report reviews the proposal to close the library on Sundays.

32. Findings. Visits fell by 18 per cent on weekday evenings after the proposal was announced, and residents raised concerns at two public meetings.

43. Recommendations. The council should keep Sunday opening for one year, and review the visit figures in June.

Text 4: A newspaper article (original, fictional)

1Headline: Library will stay open on Sundays, for now

2Standfirst: Councillors have agreed to a one-year trial after residents protested against the proposed closure.

3By Priya Nair, Local Affairs Reporter

4Councillors voted on Monday to keep the Eastfield Library open on Sunday afternoons. 'We listened to residents,' said Councillor Tom Hale, adding that the figures would be reviewed in June.

Key ideas

  • Purpose: what the writer wants to achieve, such as informing, persuading or evaluating.
  • Audience: who reads it, and what they need to know or do.
  • Form: the conventions of the text type, such as headings in a report or a salutation in a letter.
Worked example 12.1.1
What is the purpose of the letter in Text 2?

Method. Read the request at the end of the letter.

  1. Find the request. I would like a refund of my weekly fare.
    I would like a refund of my weekly fare
  2. Find the second request. I would be grateful for an explanation.
    an explanation
  3. Name the purpose. The letter asks for a refund and an explanation.
    to ask the company for a refund and an explanation
  4. Write the answer.
    to ask the company for a refund and an explanation

Check. The purpose is supported by the requests. ✓

Worked example 12.1.2
Who is the audience of the report in Text 3? Choose one: the council, who will decide, children reading for fun or a shop owner selling food.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. A report with recommendations is written for a decision maker, here the council.
    the council, who will decide fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Children reading for fun and a shop owner do not need recommendations.
    children reading for fun and a shop owner selling food do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    the council, who will decide

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.1.3
Which text uses numbered sections?

Method. Look for the layout that organises the content.

  1. Find the numbers. The report has sections 1, 2 and 3.
    1. Introduction
  2. Check the layout. Numbered sections make a report easy to navigate.
    easy to navigate
  3. Name the text. Text 3, the report, uses numbered sections.
    Text 3, the report
  4. Write the answer.
    Text 3, the report

Check. The layout is named. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: purpose and form go together. A review in the form of a formal report would be the wrong tone for its readers.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Name the form, then the purpose, then the audience. Choose the tone and layout to fit all three.

Exercise 12A  Practice: purpose, audience and form

1
FCopy the phrase in the letter that says the writer is angry.
2
FIn which numbered section are the recommendations? Write the number.
3
FWhich text is written to evaluate a place for readers? Choose one: Text 1, the review, Text 3, the report or Text 4, the article.
4
FWhich text informs a wide public about a council decision? Choose one: Text 4, the article, Text 2, the letter or Text 1, the review.
5
FName the audience of the review in Text 1, and say how you know.
6
RExplain how the form of the report helps its readers.
7
FWhich text is in Standard English and formal, for an official reader? Choose one: Text 2, the letter, Text 1, the review or Text 4, the article.
8
FCopy the words that show the article is about a council decision.
9
RExplain why the review uses a graded rating before the body of the review.
10
PSWrite one sentence that states the purpose of a letter of complaint.
11
FWhich text has a standfirst? Choose one: Text 4, the article, Text 1, the review or Text 2, the letter.
12
FHow many texts in this chapter are written in the first person? Write the number.
13
RExplain why the article quotes a councillor.
12.2

Headline, standfirst and byline

Year 9
Write a headline, standfirst and byline for a news article, and explain their purpose (KS3 writing, W2)
Video lesson: Headline, standfirst and bylineComing soon
Context. A news article begins with a headline, which grabs attention, and a standfirst, which summarises the story in one sentence. The byline names the reporter. Together they tell the reader what the article is about before they read the body.

Text 4: A newspaper article (original, fictional)

1Headline: Library will stay open on Sundays, for now

2Standfirst: Councillors have agreed to a one-year trial after residents protested against the proposed closure.

3By Priya Nair, Local Affairs Reporter

4Councillors voted on Monday to keep the Eastfield Library open on Sunday afternoons. 'We listened to residents,' said Councillor Tom Hale, adding that the figures would be reviewed in June.

Key ideas

  • A headline is short and attention-grabbing, and it names the main story.
  • A standfirst is one sentence under the headline, which adds the key detail.
  • A byline gives the reporter's name and role, so the reader knows who wrote it.
Worked example 12.2.1
What is the purpose of the standfirst in Text 4?

Method. Find the standfirst and say what it adds.

  1. Find it. Councillors have agreed to a one-year trial.
    Councillors have agreed to a one-year trial
  2. Check what it adds. It adds the detail of a one-year trial and the reason, protests.
    a one-year trial
  3. Name the purpose. The standfirst summarises the story in one sentence.
    to summarise the story in one sentence under the headline
  4. Write the answer.
    to summarise the story in one sentence under the headline

Check. The standfirst is explained. ✓

Worked example 12.2.2
Which headline is the best for a story about a one-year trial? Choose one: Library will stay open on Sundays, for now, Library report or Sunday news.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It is short, names the story, and hints at the trial with for now.
    Library will stay open on Sundays, for now fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Library report is vague, and Sunday news does not say what happened.
    Library report and Sunday news do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    Library will stay open on Sundays, for now

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.2.3
What information does the byline give?

Method. Look at the line under the standfirst.

  1. Find the byline. By Priya Nair, Local Affairs Reporter.
    By Priya Nair
  2. Check the role. The role is Local Affairs Reporter.
    Local Affairs Reporter
  3. Name the purpose. The byline names the writer and role.
    the reporter's name and role
  4. Write the answer.
    the reporter's name and role, Priya Nair, Local Affairs Reporter

Check. The byline is explained. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a headline should not give away every detail. It attracts attention; the standfirst adds the key facts.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Write the headline first, then the standfirst, then the first sentence of the body. Each should add a new detail.

Exercise 12B  Practice: headline, standfirst and byline

1
FCopy the headline of the article.
2
FCopy the standfirst of the article, without the word Standfirst.
3
FWho wrote the article? Write the name.
4
FWhich is the best headline for an article about a school bus being cancelled? Choose one: Buses stop without warning, Bus report or News.
5
PSWrite a standfirst for an article about a new cycle lane opening next month.
6
PSWrite a headline for the same cycle lane story.
7
RExplain why the byline is placed near the start of the article.
8
FWhich phrase is a standfirst rather than a headline? Choose one: Councillors have agreed to a one-year trial, Library will stay open or Sunday trial.
9
RExplain what a reader learns from the headline alone.
10
FWhich word in the headline shows the decision is temporary? Write the word.
11
PSWrite a byline for a reporter named Sam Ortiz, who writes about schools.
12.3

Reviews and verdicts

Year 9
Write a review with a clear, graded verdict, supported by evidence (KS3 writing, W1 and W2)
Video lesson: Reviews and verdictsComing soon
Context. A review evaluates something for a reader who has not experienced it. It gives a rating, describes the strengths and weaknesses with evidence, and ends with a verdict that sums up the judgement and who it is for.

Text 1: A café review (original, fictional)

1The Cedar Cafe, Mill Lane. Rated: two stars out of five.

2The soup was warm, but the bread was stale and the butter had been left out too long. The view across the park is the best thing about the place.

3The staff were friendly and quick, even when the queue was long. The prices are fair for a café of this size.

4Verdict: worth a visit for the view and the service, but not for the food. Come for a coffee, not for lunch.

Key ideas

  • A rating gives a quick judgement, such as two stars out of five.
  • A review gives evidence for each judgement: food, service, view, price.
  • A verdict is the final judgement, and it says who should go and why.
Worked example 12.3.1
What is the rating of The Cedar Cafe?

Method. Find the rating at the top.

  1. Find the rating. Rated: two stars out of five.
    Rated: two stars out of five
  2. Check the scale. The scale is out of five.
    out of five
  3. Name the rating. The rating is two stars out of five.
    two stars out of five
  4. Write the answer.
    two stars out of five

Check. The rating is copied and checked. ✓

Worked example 12.3.2
Which evidence supports the low food rating? Choose one: the bread was stale, the view is good or the prices are fair.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. Stale bread is a direct criticism of the food.
    the bread was stale fits
  3. Reject the other choices. The view and the prices are positive points, not evidence for a low food rating.
    the view is good and the prices are fair do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    the bread was stale

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.3.3
Why does the verdict say "Come for a coffee, not for lunch"?

Method. Read the verdict and say what it tells the reader to do.

  1. Find the advice. Come for a coffee, not for lunch.
    Come for a coffee
  2. Find the reason. The food was poor, but the view and service are good.
    the food was poor
  3. Name the function. The verdict gives clear advice matched to the evidence.
    it gives the reader clear advice on what to order
  4. Write the answer.
    it gives the reader clear advice on what to order

Check. The verdict is linked to the evidence. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a verdict must match the evidence. Do not praise a place in the verdict if the evidence shows it is poor.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Give a rating, two or three points of evidence, then a verdict that tells the reader who should go and why.

Exercise 12C  Practice: reviews and verdicts

1
FCopy the phrase in the review that gives the verdict label.
2
FCopy the words that describe the view.
3
FIn which paragraph is the service described? Write the number.
4
FWhich evidence supports a positive judgement of the service? Choose one: the staff were friendly and quick, the soup was warm or the bread was stale.
5
RGive one reason the verdict is fair, using the evidence.
6
PSWrite a verdict for a café you know, with a rating and one reason.
7
FWhat is the purpose of a graded rating in a review? Choose one: to give a quick judgement, to hide the evidence or to make the review longer.
8
RExplain why a review should give evidence, not just an opinion.
9
PSWrite one piece of evidence for the service of a shop, in one sentence.
10
FWhat is the rating scale in the review? Write the number of stars that is the top rating.
11
RExplain why the review praises the view but not the food.
12
PSWrite one sentence of verdict for a reader who likes quiet places.
13
FWhich word best describes a review verdict? Choose one: final, opening or random.
12.4

Letters: from anger to resolution

Year 9
Write a letter of complaint that moves from anger to a clear request and resolution (KS3 writing, W1, W2 and W5)
Video lesson: Letters: from anger to resolutionComing soon
Context. A letter of complaint can begin in anger and end in a reasonable request. The writer states what happened, shows the effect, and then asks for a clear remedy. The tone moves from strong feeling to calm, specific language, which makes the request more likely to succeed.

Text 2: A letter of complaint (original, fictional)

1Dear Sir or Madam,

2On Tuesday the 7.40 bus from Harlow Road did not arrive, and I waited for forty minutes in the rain with my two children. I am angry about this, because I had told the school I would be on time.

3I would like a refund of my weekly fare for that week, and I would be grateful for an explanation of why the service was cancelled without notice.

4I hope this can be put right, and I look forward to your reply within fourteen days.

5Yours faithfully, Jo Ferrer

Key ideas

  • Opening: the salutation and the purpose, such as a complaint about a bus service.
  • Middle: what happened, the effect on the writer, and the feeling, stated plainly.
  • End: the specific request, a deadline, and a polite sign-off that matches the salutation.
Worked example 12.4.1
How does the tone change from the second paragraph to the third?

Method. Compare the feeling in paragraph 2 with the request in paragraph 3.

  1. Find the feeling. I am angry about this.
    I am angry about this
  2. Find the request. I would like a refund of my weekly fare.
    I would like a refund
  3. Name the change. The tone moves from anger to a calm, specific request.
    from strong feeling to a calm, specific request
  4. Write the answer.
    from strong feeling to a calm, specific request

Check. The tone change is shown with two quotations. ✓

Worked example 12.4.2
Which sign-off matches the salutation "Dear Sir or Madam"? Choose one: Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely or Love.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. Dear Sir or Madam is matched with Yours faithfully in UK letters.
    Yours faithfully fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Yours sincerely goes with a named reader, and Love is too informal.
    Yours sincerely and Love do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    Yours faithfully

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.4.3
Why does the letter end with a deadline, "within fourteen days"?

Method. Think about what a deadline does for a complaint.

  1. Find the deadline. within fourteen days
    within fourteen days
  2. Think about the effect. A deadline makes the request firm and specific.
    firm and specific
  3. Name the purpose. It sets a clear time for a reply.
    to make the request specific and to set a clear time for a reply
  4. Write the answer.
    to make the request specific and to set a clear time for a reply

Check. The deadline and its purpose are explained. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: anger in the first sentence can make a letter sound rude. State the feeling once, then move to the facts and the request.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Use Dear Sir or Madam with Yours faithfully. Use Dear name with Yours sincerely. State the request, a deadline and a calm tone.

Exercise 12D  Practice: letters of complaint

1
FCopy the request for a refund.
2
FIn which paragraph is the feeling of anger stated? Write the number.
3
FWhich sign-off matches "Dear Sir or Madam"? Choose one: Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely or Love.
4
FCopy the phrase that gives the deadline for a reply.
5
RExplain why the writer says "I hope this can be put right" rather than "Fix this now".
6
PSRewrite "This is a disgrace and you should be ashamed" in a calm, specific way.
7
FWhich sign-off is correct for a named reader called Mr Lee? Choose one: Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully or Yours faithfully, Mr Lee..
8
FName the feeling the writer states, and say when it is stated.
9
RExplain the effect of the phrase "in the rain with my two children".
10
PSWrite one sentence that moves a complaint from anger to a request.
11
PSWrite a closing sentence that gives a deadline for a reply.
12
RExplain why the request is more likely to succeed when it is specific.
13
FWhat is the name of the writer of the letter? Write the full name.
12.5

Reports: headings and recommendations

Year 9
Structure a formal report with headings, numbered sections, findings and recommendations (KS3 writing, W2, W3 and W5)
Video lesson: Reports: headings and recommendationsComing soon
Context. A report is organised for a reader who needs to find things quickly. It has a title, numbered sections with headings, findings based on evidence, and recommendations for action. The report extract below follows this pattern.

Text 3: A report extract (original, fictional)

1Report on Sunday opening at Eastfield Library

21. Introduction. This report reviews the proposal to close the library on Sundays.

32. Findings. Visits fell by 18 per cent on weekday evenings after the proposal was announced, and residents raised concerns at two public meetings.

43. Recommendations. The council should keep Sunday opening for one year, and review the visit figures in June.

Key ideas

  • A report has a title, numbered sections, and headings that name each part.
  • Findings report what the evidence shows; recommendations say what should be done.
  • Keep the findings separate from the recommendations.
Worked example 12.5.1
Which section gives the findings?

Method. Find the heading that names findings.

  1. Find the heading. 2. Findings.
    Findings
  2. Check the content. It reports a fall in visits.
    visits fell
  3. Name the section. Section 2 gives the findings.
    Section 2
  4. Write the answer.
    Section 2

Check. The section is named from its heading and content. ✓

Worked example 12.5.2
Which is a recommendation rather than a finding? Choose one: The council should keep Sunday opening for one year., Visits fell by 18 per cent. or Residents raised concerns..

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. It says what should be done, which is a recommendation.
    The council should keep Sunday opening for one year. fits
  3. Reject the other choices. Visits fell and residents raised concerns report what happened, which are findings.
    Visits fell by 18 per cent. and Residents raised concerns. do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    The council should keep Sunday opening for one year.

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.5.3
Why does the report include a date for a review?

Method. Look at the recommendation and the date.

  1. Find the date. review the visit figures in June
    June
  2. Think about the purpose. A date makes the recommendation actionable.
    actionable
  3. Name the purpose. So the council can check the figures and decide later.
    so the council can check the figures and decide later
  4. Write the answer.
    so the council can check the figures and decide later

Check. The purpose of the date is explained. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not put a recommendation in the findings section. Findings describe; recommendations say what to do.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Use a heading for each section, number them, and keep the findings and recommendations in separate sections.

Exercise 12E  Practice: reports

1
FCopy the title of the report.
2
FHow many numbered sections does the report have? Write the number.
3
FWhich heading names the section about what should happen next? Choose one: Recommendations, Introduction or Findings.
4
FCopy the figure for the fall in visits.
5
PSWrite a recommendation based on the finding that visits fell by 18 per cent.
6
PSWrite a finding based on the evidence that residents raised concerns.
7
RExplain why a report should separate findings from recommendations.
8
FWhat is the purpose of the introduction in a report? Choose one: to explain what the report is about, to give the final decision or to thank the reader.
9
PSWrite a heading for a section that gives the cost of keeping the library open.
10
FWhich part of the report gives the date for the review? Choose one: Recommendations, Introduction or the title.
11
RJudge whether the recommendation is supported by the findings. Give one reason.
12
RExplain why a report uses numbered headings rather than a continuous paragraph.
13
FWhich section number gives the recommendations? Write the number.
12.6

Layout, salutation and sign-off for each form

Year 9
Choose the layout, salutation, sign-off and punctuation that suit each form of writing (KS3 writing, W2 and W5)
Video lesson: Layout, salutation and sign-off for each formComing soon
Context. Each form has conventions. A letter opens with a salutation and closes with a sign-off that matches it. A report uses headings and numbers. A review uses a rating and a verdict. An article uses a headline, a standfirst and a byline. Choose the convention before you write.
FormOpeningClosing or structure
Letter to a named readerDear Mr Lee,Yours sincerely, then your name
Letter to an unnamed readerDear Sir or Madam,Yours faithfully, then your name
ReportA title and numbered headingsFindings, then recommendations
ArticleHeadline, standfirst, bylineBody, quotations, the reporter's voice
ReviewA rating out of fiveA verdict that says who should go

Key ideas

  • Match the salutation and the sign-off: Dear Sir or Madam with Yours faithfully; Dear name with Yours sincerely.
  • Use a comma after the salutation in UK letters.
  • Each form has a layout that the reader expects, so choose it before writing.
Worked example 12.6.1
Which sign-off fits "Dear Mr Lee,"?

Method. Match the salutation to the sign-off.

  1. Find the salutation. Dear Mr Lee names the reader.
    Dear Mr Lee
  2. Match the convention. A named reader takes Yours sincerely.
    Yours sincerely
  3. Name the sign-off. The sign-off is Yours sincerely.
    Yours sincerely
  4. Write the answer.
    Yours sincerely

Check. The sign-off matches the named reader. ✓

Worked example 12.6.2
Which layout is correct for a report? Choose one: a title and numbered headings, a headline and a standfirst or a rating out of five.

Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.

  1. Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
  2. Test the choice. A report uses a title and numbered headings for its sections.
    a title and numbered headings fits
  3. Reject the other choices. A headline and standfirst are for articles, and a rating is for reviews.
    a headline and a standfirst and a rating out of five do not fit
  4. Write the answer.
    a title and numbered headings

Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓

Worked example 12.6.3
Which punctuation follows "Dear Sir or Madam" in a UK letter?

Method. Think about the usual UK letter convention.

  1. Find the salutation. Dear Sir or Madam
    Dear Sir or Madam
  2. Recall the convention. UK letters use a comma after the salutation.
    comma
  3. Name the mark. The mark is a comma.
    a comma
  4. Write the answer.
    a comma

Check. The comma follows the salutation. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not mix a formal salutation with an informal sign-off, such as Dear Sir or Madam with Love.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Before writing, name the form and check its layout: opening, body structure and closing.

Exercise 12F  Practice: layout and conventions

1
FWhich sign-off matches "Dear Sir or Madam,"? Choose one: Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully or Love.
2
FWhich sign-off matches "Dear Ms Okoro,"? Choose one: Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully or Love.
3
FWhich element is in a headline of an article? Choose one: a short attention-grabbing title, a numbered section or a rating out of five.
4
FWhich form uses numbered sections and recommendations? Choose one: a report, a review or a standfirst.
5
RChoose the form for a message that asks a council to fix a broken street light, and explain why.
6
FWrite the opening line of a letter to a named head teacher, Mrs Patel.
7
FWrite the closing line of the letter to Mrs Patel.
8
FWhich is the correct order for an article? Choose one: headline, standfirst, byline, body, body, headline, byline or byline, body, headline.
9
RExplain why a review gives a rating before the detail of the evidence.
10
RExplain why the letter in Text 2 uses Yours faithfully rather than Yours sincerely.
11
PSWrite one sentence that tells the reader what the form of a report is for.
12
FWhich opening is the correct salutation for a letter to an unnamed official? Choose one: Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Sir or Madam, or Dear Sir Madam:.
13
RExplain one layout feature of a newspaper article that a letter does not have.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Purpose and audienceName the form, the purpose and the reader, then choose tone and layout to fit
ArticleHeadline (attention), standfirst (summary), byline (writer), then the body
ReviewA rating out of five, evidence for each judgement, and a verdict for a named reader
LetterSalutation and sign-off that match; facts, feeling, then a specific request and deadline
ReportTitle, numbered headings, findings, then recommendations kept separate
LayoutDear Sir or Madam with Yours faithfully; Dear name with Yours sincerely

Can you…?

  • I can name the purpose and audience of a form of writing
  • I can write a headline, standfirst and byline
  • I can give a review a clear rating and verdict
  • I can write a complaint letter that moves from feeling to a specific request
  • I can structure a report with headings and recommendations
  • I can match the salutation and sign-off for a letter

Key terms

headline
a short title that attracts attention to a news article
standfirst
a one-sentence summary under the headline of an article
byline
the line that names the writer of an article
verdict
the final judgement at the end of a review
salutation
the greeting at the start of a letter
sign-off
the closing phrase of a letter, such as Yours faithfully
recommendation
a statement of what should be done, in a report
finding
a statement of what the evidence shows, in a report

Exercise 12Z  Check-up

1
Which text is a review? Choose one: Text 1, Text 2 or Text 3.
2
Copy the phrase in the letter that says the writer wants an explanation.
3
Which section of the report gives recommendations? Choose one: 3, 1 or 2.
4
What is the headline of the article? Write it in full.
5
What is the rating of The Cedar Cafe? Choose one: two stars out of five, five stars or three stars.
6
Which sign-off matches "Dear Mr Lee,"? Choose one: Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully or Love.
7
Explain the purpose of the standfirst in an article.
8
Write a recommendation for a report on a school canteen queue.
9
Explain why a letter of complaint should state a deadline.
10
Write a verdict for a review of a bus service, with one reason.

Total 21 marks. Allow about 21 minutes.

Exercise 12X  Practice test questions

1
FCopy the rating of The Cedar Cafe, exactly as written.[1 mark]
2
FWrite the sign-off that matches "Dear Sir or Madam," in a UK letter.[1 mark]
3
FName the form of Text 3 and the number of its recommendations section.[2 marks]
4
PSWrite a headline for an article about a council closing a park on Sundays.[2 marks]
5
RExplain the purpose of the standfirst. One sentence.[2 marks]
6
RExplain how the tone of the letter changes from anger to a request. One sentence.[3 marks]
7
PSGive one finding and one recommendation from Text 3. Write one sentence each.[3 marks]
8
PSWrite a verdict for a review of a café, with a rating out of five and one reason.[3 marks]
9
FChoose the correct layout for a formal report, and name two parts of it.[2 marks]
10
RExplain why a letter of complaint should use a calm tone. One sentence.[2 marks]
← Chapter 11: Writing to argue and evaluate: rebuttal and qualified claimsChapter 13: Spoken language: extended speech, debate and Standard English →

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