Unit II

Activities on Writing Skills: Vocabulary for Competitive Examinations – Planning for Writing –
Improving Writing Skills-Structure and presentation of different types of writing–Free Writing
and Structured Writing- Letter Writing –Writing a Letter of Application –Resume vs.
Curriculum Vitae–Writing a Résumé–Styles of Résumé-e- Correspondence–Emails–Blog
Writing- (N)etiquette– Report Writing – Importance of Reports – Types and Formats of Reports–
Technical Report Writing– Exercises for Practice.

Vocabulary for Competitive Examinations

In competitive examinations, a rich vocabulary is crucial for scoring well, in sections like
reading comprehension, writing, and verbal reasoning. Building a strong vocabulary involves
consistent practice, reading widely, and using new words in context. The ability to understand
and apply sophisticated vocabulary can help understand complex texts and express ideas more
clearly. Regularly learning synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and collocations can
improve performance in exams. Effective vocabulary practice can also help in understanding
word meanings from context, which is often a key skill tested in competitive exams.

Vocabulary Exercise

Planning for Writing

Planning is the first and crucial step in effective writing. Before starting, it's important to clearly
understand the topic, audience, and purpose of the writing. Outlining key points, structuring the
content logically, and deciding on the style and tone of writing can help in organizing ideas
coherently. A well-thought-out plan reduces the chances of straying off-topic and ensures all
necessary information is covered. Planning also allows the writer to think about transitions
between paragraphs, the introduction, and the conclusion, leading to a more seamless flow of
ideas. For academic or competitive writing, planning might involve research, noting important
facts or arguments, and determining the best approach to present them.

Improving Writing Skills

Improving writing skills requires consistent practice and a focused approach It includes:

 Structuring content logically.

 Identifying the purpose and audience.
 Outlining main points.

Outlining Techniques

 Mind Mapping: Visualize connections between ideas.

 Bullet Points: List key points and supporting details.
  Drafting: Prepare a rough draft based on the outline.

Key Areas for Improvement

 Grammar and Syntax: Enhance sentence structure and grammatical accuracy.

 Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure clear and direct communication.
 Style and Tone: Adjust based on the purpose and audience.

Structure and Presentation of Different Types of Writing

Different types of writing have distinct structures and presentation styles, and understanding
these variations is essential for effective communication. Academic essays follow an
introduction-body-conclusion format, while business reports require a more formal, segmented
structure with headings and subheadings. Creative writing allows for more flexibility in
structure. In all cases, clarity, logical flow, and organization are important. In professional
writing, formatting is important to enhance readability—using appropriate fonts, margins, and
spacing, along with adhering to specific formatting guidelines, is critical.

Free Writing and Structured Writing

Free writing involves spontaneous, unedited writing, where the goal is to get ideas out without
worrying about grammar, structure, or spelling. This type of writing is often used for
brainstorming or expressing raw thoughts. It encourages creativity and helps overcome writer’s
block.

Structured writing follows a specific format and requires organization, clarity, and attention to
detail. This form of writing is typically used in academic, business, or formal contexts, where
adhering to a particular structure—such as an introduction, body, and conclusion—is crucial.

Both forms of writing serve different purposes, with free writing promoting creativity and
structured writing enhancing communication and clarity.

Writing a Letter of Application

A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, accompanies a résumé when applying for
jobs. Its purpose is to introduce the candidate to the employer and highlight their qualifications.
The structure of an application letter generally follows a formal format, beginning with the
sender's contact details, followed by the employer's details, a subject line, salutation, body,
complimentary close and signature block. The letter should clearly express the applicant’s
interest in the position, outline their relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate why they are
a good fit for the role. A strong application letter complements a résumé and can significantly
increase the chances of securing an interview.

Write a Cover Letter applying for a job.

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae

A resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are both documents used to apply for jobs, but they differ
in length, content, and purpose. A résumé is a concise document, typically one to two pages,
highlighting key skills, work experience, education, and relevant accomplishments.
A CV is longer and provides a comprehensive account of an individual’s academic background,
work experience, publications, research, and other professional activities.

There are three main styles of résumés: chronological, functional, and combination.

The chronological résumé is the most common and organizes work experience in reverse
chronological order, emphasizing the applicant’s employment history.

The functional résumé focuses on the applicant’s skills and qualifications rather than job
history. This style is ideal for those with gaps in employment or those making a career change, as
it emphasizes transferable skills and abilities over past positions.

The combination résumé merges both the chronological and functional styles. It showcases key
skills and accomplishments while also providing a timeline of the applicant’s work history.

Write your Resume

E-Correspondence
Emails
Emails are a prevalent form of professional and personal communication. An effective email
includes a clear subject line, a polite greeting, a well-structured body with a clear message, and a
courteous closing. When writing emails for professional purposes, tone and etiquette are crucial.
Avoiding slang, using proper grammar, and being concise are important aspects. Emails should
be organized, with important points at the beginning, and formatted for easy reading. For
business communication, email signatures that include contact details add a professional touch.

Write an Email

Blog Writing
Blog writing involves creating content for an online blog, often focusing on specific topics of
interest. Blogs are usually conversational, with the writer expressing personal opinions or sharing
expertise. Blog posts are often informal, but they still require organization and clarity. A
successful blog post usually includes an attention-grabbing headline, an engaging introduction,
clear subheadings, and a conclusion. Bloggers often use a friendly, approachable tone, making
their content relatable and accessible to a wide audience. Blog writing is an excellent way to
build an online presence, share ideas, and engage with readers through comments and social
media.

Example: The Importance of Drinking Water

Drinking enough water is essential for staying healthy. It helps keep your skin clear, boosts
energy, and aids digestion. Aim for 8 cups a day to stay hydrated and feel your best. Next time
you’re feeling sluggish, try a glass of water – it could be the quick fix you need!
(N)etiquette
Netiquette refers to the accepted set of rules and guidelines for proper behavior and
communication in online environments. It involves respecting others in digital spaces, such as
email, social media, and forums. Key principles of netiquette include being polite, avoiding
offensive language, and ensuring that communication is clear and concise. Netiquette also entails
understanding the tone of online conversations, being mindful of privacy, and acknowledging the
importance of responding promptly to online messages. Practicing netiquette fosters positive
interactions and helps build respectful relationships in digital communities.

Report Writing
Report writing is the process of documenting information, findings, or analysis for a specific
purpose or audience. Reports are structured documents that typically include an introduction,
methodology, findings, analysis, and conclusions or recommendations. Reports can vary in type,
including business, academic, technical, or research reports, but all must be clear, concise, and
objective. The language should be formal, and the presentation should include headings,
subheadings, bullet points, and visuals where necessary for clarity. Effective report writing helps
convey complex information in an easily understandable way, enabling decision-makers to take
informed action.

Types and Formats of Reports

Reports come in various types, each serving a specific purpose. Common types include
analytical reports, which analyze data and provide recommendations; informational reports,
which present facts and data without analysis; and research reports, which detail findings from
studies or experiments. The format of a report depends on its type and audience but typically
includes an introduction, methodology, body sections with data analysis, conclusions, and
recommendations. Each section is clearly marked with headings for easy navigation. Reports
may also include charts, graphs, and appendices to support the content. Knowing the appropriate
format for each type ensures clarity and effectiveness.

Technical Report Writing

Technical report writing involves documenting detailed information about a technical subject,
often related to research, engineering, or scientific fields. These reports aim to communicate
complex technical data in a clear and organized manner. A technical report includes sections
such as an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions. Diagrams,
graphs, and tables are often used to support the text and present data visually. The tone of
technical reports is formal and objective, and accuracy is paramount. Writers must avoid
unnecessary jargon and ensure their report is accessible to the intended audience.

Write your Report on..