Text types (English)
Article
The article is a simple type of text that requires creative writing, as there are very few guidelines.
Characteristics
- Address the reader directly
- lively style
- content-related paragraphs
- Conclusion should stimulate thoughts
Layout
Creative headline
Give your article a creative and catchy headline, as this must motivate the reader to read it.
Introduction
Write a creative introduction that poses direct questions to the reader.
Main part
The main body of the article should describe the objective advantages and disadvantages of the topic. This should be divided into content-related sections in order to guarantee a logical structure. Give examples to illustrate the arguments.
Conclusion
The conclusion can either summarize the information in general or express a personal opinion. It is important to write in a thought-provoking style so that the topic remains in the reader’s mind for as long as possible.
Phrase
| Involving the reader |
|---|
| Have you ever …? |
| What would you do / think if …? |
| Can you imagine …? |
| You might think that …, but … |
| Are you one of those people who …? |
| Giving opinions |
|---|
| In my opinion … |
| As I see it, … |
| In my view, … |
| I _think / believe that … |
| To my mind, … |
| Personally, I think … |
| As far as I am concerned, … |
| It seems to me that … |
| I am (strongly) in favour of … |
| I am (firmly) opposed to the idea that … |
| I am totally against the idea that … |
| It is a shame / disgusting / terrible that … |
Blog
A blog is a regularly updated website typically run by an individual or a small group. The latest entry, called a blog post, is usually displayed at the top of the main page. A blog is a dynamic and interactive medium; it can be updated and it allows the visitor to communicate with the author by leaving a blog comment attached to each individual post.
The goal of many bloggers is to provide their readers with information, to open discussions or share opinions, emotions and experiences. Man institutions and businesses also use blogs to promote their activities and products.
Blog post
Characteristics
- formal or informal (depending on the readership and purpose)
- use the first-person
Iandyou - use direct questions to engage the readers and invite them to leave a comment
- devide the post in paragraphs (without headlines)
Layout
Overall information
A blog post starts with the name of the author and date of publication. Do not forget to add the current time in the same line as the date because some commenters share their opinion immediately and you want to be able to recreate the order of publications.
Angela Wilson
2 June, 3:32 pm
Headline
A blog post requires a captivating title because for most readers the decision as to whether to read the rest of your post rests upon these few first words.
Paper books - a thing of the past?
Introduction
Fill the introduction with the main topic of the blog post and information which are necessary to know in order to understand the topic properly.
It’s really amazing how many people have started reading e-books recently. Even my dad - who doesn’t think I need a smartphone - has decided to get one. Now he’s considering getting rid of his book collection because it takes up too much space. In its place, my parents say they could put a modern wall-mounted television.
| Phrases |
|---|
| Did you know that … ? |
| I regularly find myself thinking / wondering … ? |
| I came across … recently and couldn’t believe … |
| In this post I’ll share ten ways to … |
Main part
Write two to three paragraphs about the actual topic and try to convince your reader of your opinion. Involve the reader with direct questions whenever you like because it engages them to leave a comment under your post.
| Phrases |
|---|
| On the one hand …, one the other hand … |
| As you can imagine … |
| I wholeheartedly support / agree with / disagree with your view on … because … |
| As far as … is concerned, I feel that … |
| If you ask me, I think that … |
| Something you might want to consider is … |
Conclusion
Sum up the information in one short paragraph or ask the reader to share their opinion in the comments.
Aren’t you worried about this too?
| Phrasen |
|---|
| What would you do / suggest? |
| What’s it like in your country / at your school / in your family? |
| Do you have any experience with …? |
| I think that the topic of this post is really interesting and I hope you will share your thoughts in the comments. |
| Share in the comments! |
Blog comment
Characteristics
- use the same style as in the blog post
- write directly to the author and audience
- do not use headings for your paragraphs
- thank everybody for reading your comment and showing interest in this topic
Layout
Overall information
A blog post starts with the name of the author and date of publication. Do not forget to add the current time in the same line as the date because some commenters share their opinion immediately and you want to be able to recreate the order of publications.
Brad Cruise
2 June, 3:54 pm
Introduction
Reference the blog post and explain why you decided to write a blog comment.
| Phrasen Einleitung |
|---|
| I have read your blog post and would like to share my opinion with you. |
| I stumbled across your blog only recently and … |
| Having read your recent post, I was wondering … |
Main part
Write two to three paragraphs about the actual topic and try to convince your reader of your opinion. Involve the reader with direct questions whenever you like because it engages them to leave a comment under your post.
| Phrases |
|---|
| On the one hand …, one the other hand … |
| As you can imagine … |
| I wholeheartedly support / agree with / disagree with your view on … because … |
| As far as … is concerned, I feel that … |
| If you ask me, I think that … |
| Something you might want to consider is … |
Conclusion
Sum up the information in one short paragraph or ask the reader to share their opinion in the comments.
| Phrasen |
|---|
| Thanks for getting everyone to think about this important topic. |
| Keep on writing … |
There are many different types of emails. You can distinguish them roughly into two types: formal and informal, with many more subtypes of formal emails, such as a job application email or a complaint email. Whether an email is formal or informal is always determined by the situation and people you write to.
Informal email
A informal email is mostly written to friends, colleagues or other people outside the work life.
Characteristics
- informal (personal)
- use
Iandyou - write about private matters (if you write to a friend)
- use words from the language of the conversation (“Nice!”, “xD”, “OMG”, …)
- not necessarily about something factual or objective; more subjective topics
Layout
Overall information
Always start with the metadata, like your own email, the recipient’s email, the date and a subject line.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Date: 20th January, 2024
Subject: What’s up?
Salutation
Depending on the recipient, you must write a salutation in two different ways. If the recipient is known, you can address them directly, like so:
Dear Mr Cruise!
If the recipient is unknown, you address them indirectly, like so:
Dear Sir or Madam!
There are also two options if it comes to punctuation after the salutation:
- Exclamation mark:
Dear Sir or Madam! - Comma:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Introduction
Write a nice introduction where you explain why you are writing the email (kinda like a longer version of the subject line).
| Phrases |
|---|
| Haven’t heart from you for a while. What’s up? |
| I’m sorry to hear that something terrible happened. Can you tell me more about it? |
Depending on the topic or reason of the email, you should also add a personalized introduction.
Main part
Write the main part of the email. This can include a recent story of yours or maybe even some pictures from your recent holidays. Whatever you like, as long as it is appropriate for the topic.
Conclusion
Close your email with an appropriate conclusion. This means that you may sum up the main information once more or maybe ask a thought-provoking question.
I hope that we will hear from each other again soon.
Close
The last element of the email is the closing.
Best regards,
Felix
| Phrases |
|---|
| Regards, |
| Best wishes, |
| Thanks in advance, |
| Let me know how things go, |
| Kind regards, |
| As ever, |
| Cheers, |
Formal email
A formal email is mostly written to people inside the company. The topic is mostly business-related and the main purpose is to get a response from the company or a colleague.
Characteristics
- formal, polite
- use
Iandyou - no colloquial expressions ()
- no short forms (“I’m”, “wasn’t”, “You’ve”, …)
Layout
Overall information
Always start with the metadata, like your own email, the recipient’s email, the date and a subject line.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Date: 20th January, 2024
Subject: Increase in salary
Salutation
Depending on the recipient, you must write a salutation in two different ways. If the recipient is known, you can address them directly, like so:
Dear Mr Hauleitner!
If the recipient is unknown, you address them indirectly, like so:
Dear Sir or Madam!
There are also two options if it comes to punctuation after the salutation:
- Exclamation mark:
Dear Sir or Madam! - Comma:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Introduction
Write a nice introduction where you explain why you are writing the email (kinda like a longer version of the subject line).
I am writing to
Depending on the topic or reason of the email, you should explain this shortly in the introduction.
Main part
Write the main part of the email. This can include a question, a request or the email is the answer to a previous email. Remember not to write informally and do not use colloquial expressions.
Conclusion
Close your email with an appropriate conclusion. This means that you may sum up the main information once more or maybe ask for some action.
Please keep me informed regarding any further developments.
Close
The last element of the email is the closing. Depending on the recipient you either write Yours sincerely, (recipient known) or Yours faithfully, (recipient unknown) and your name in the next line.
Yours sincerely,
Felix Schneider
Email of application
Content
Say how you heard about the job in the introduction. In the main part you need to cover the following information:
- Summarize your experience, skills and qualifications.
- Show that you have the skills asked for in the job advertisement.
- Say what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you.
- Outline what makes you different from other candidates.
Finish the body of your email by offering the reader more information and ask for an interview.
Phrases
| Introduction |
|---|
| I am writing to apply for the job / the position of …, as advertised in … |
| I am very interested in … because … |
| I am writing in response to your advertisement for the position of … |
| Main part |
|---|
| I am currently studying at … |
| I have worked as … for … years. |
| As a student at a technical college specialising in information technology, I believe I am a strong candidate for … |
| You specify that your are looking for someone who … |
| In particular, I can offer … |
| I am familiar with … |
| Conclusion |
|---|
| I have attached my CV and look forward to the opportunity of meeting you in an interview. |
| If you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact me. |
| I would very much like the opportunity to meet you personally to discuss my application further. |
| I look forward to hearing from you. |
Email of complaint
Content
State the reason for your complaint in the introduction. In the first paragraph of the main part explain clearly what went wrong. Then, say how this has affected you. Finish the body of your email by asking for some action. First, ask for or suggest a solution. Second, if appropriate, issue a warning.
Phrases
| Introduction |
|---|
| I am writing in order to express my deepest dissatisfaction with … |
| I am writing to complain about … |
| I have to say that I was not at all satisfied with … |
| I am sorry to say that I was extremely disappointed with … |
| Main part |
|---|
| Although you advertise “top quality”, I felt that the product I received was well below the standard I expected … |
| The goods were in poor condition / damaged / faulty. |
| To make matters worse, your staff were very unhelpful when I called. Above all, no-one took responsibility to sort out the problem - I was simply passed from person to person. |
| There seems to be an error in the invoice / a misunderstanding. |
| Request for action |
|---|
| Could you please arrange for me to receive a new product or refund my money in full? |
| Please keep me informed regarding any further developments. |
| I must insist on an immediate replacement / a full refund. |
| Unless I receive the goods by the end of this week, I will have no choice but to cancel my order. |
| I am afraid that if these conditions are not met, we may be forced to take legal action. |
| I would like you to investigate this matter and let me know your decision. |
| Conclusion |
|---|
| I look forward to receiving your explanation of these matters. |
| I hope that this matter can be resolved … |
| I hope that you will deal with this matter promptly as it is causing me considerable inconvenience. |
Leaflet
Report
A report sums up the main information from a presentation, a survey, a meeting or perhaps some kind of incident such as an accident. It is usually written for somebody in authority (your boss, the head of a school, …).
Characteristics
- formal
- no
Iand noyou(Do not address the reader!) - no short forms (e.g. “I’m”, “You’ll”, “He’d”, …)
- no colloquial expressions (e.g. “Catch you later”, “Hang in there”, “Bite the bullet”, …)
- use passive constructions (e.g.
“I can say”“It can be said”) - all paragraphs have subheadings
Layout
The report is divided into sections, each with a clear subheading that explains what the paragraph is about, with the first section being the introduction.
General information
First write the name of the sender, the name of the recipient and the date of sending in the top left-hand corner.
To: Stevie Wonder
From: Simon O’Neill
Date: 15 November, 2023
Then give the report a meaningful subject that briefly and succinctly summarises the topic of the report.
Subject: Working abroad
Introduction
After the basic information, a short introduction is written, in which the metadata of the survey, presentation or accident are mentioned. This includes, for example, the source of the survey, when and with which participants it was carried out, and also the location of the survey if it was only carried out in one country. It is also important to mention the reason for writing the report in the first place.
The purpose of this report is to provide an overall picture of working abroad. It is based among a survey among around 3000 students at the ages of 18 to 29 years from Germany and was conducted in 2020.
| Phrases |
|---|
| This report aims to give the reader an idea of … |
| The report is based on a survey among … |
| The source of this report is … |
| The survey was conducted / carried out by … |
| The period under review is from … to … |
| Phrases | Content Overview |
|---|---|
| The purpose of this report is to | present the findings of … |
| The aim of this report is to | answer the question if … |
| As requested, this report is to | provide an overall picture of … |
| point out that … | |
| analyse … | |
| recommend … | |
| discuss … |
Findings
The next step is to incorporate the most important numerical data from the study into a continuous text. Always start with the extreme values, as these are particularly interesting.
| Phrases |
|---|
| The statistics on … suggest / say that … |
| The most significant fact is that … |
| The data show / suggest that … |
| The key findings were / are … |
| A survey conducted by … found that the vast majority (98%) agree that … |
| The number of … is rather high / low. |
| In the year … there was a peak / a rise / a decrease of … percent. |
| In … the number of … declined / rose / remained stable. |
| There are considerable differences / similarities between … |
| Looking at … it can be observed that … |
| Comparing … and … it can be said that … |
| In comparison, more than / less than … |
| Perspective | Survey Group | Opinion Statement |
|---|---|---|
| The majority | of the people questioned | thinks that … |
| The minority | of the people asked | believes that … |
| of the people surveyed | says that … | |
| of the respondents | is of the opinion that … | |
| of the interviewees |
| Percentage | Opinion Statement |
|---|---|
| 25 percent | feel that … |
| More than 80 percent | agree that … |
| Less than 10 percent | claim that … |
Possible subheadings
Depending on the content required by the bullet points, there are now a maximum of two further paragraphs with subheadings. For example, it is often necessary to make a recommendation to facilitate the implementation of the solution to the problems identified. Sometimes, however, it is simply necessary to give further reasons as to why these problems arose in the first place. The report therefore ends with either a recommendation or a conclusion.
Recommendations
Identify ways in which the current situation could be improved and suggest next steps for making such a change.
| Phrases |
|---|
| In spite of the disadvantages, it is recommended … |
| It would be advisable / advantageous to … |
| It seems reasonable to … |
| Another good piece of advice would be … |
| It can be recommended that … |
Conclusion
Summarise all the information mentioned above.
| Phrases |
|---|
| In spite of the disadvantages, it can be said … |
| Finally, it can be said that … |
| Summing up, it can be said that … |