Overview
This lecture explains the formats and key tips for all five types of directed writing commonly asked in exams: report, article, speech, statement of purpose, and book review.
General Tips for Directed Writing
- Focus on amplifying all the prompts or leads provided in the question.
- Marks are distributed mainly as 12 for content and 3 for expression.
- Teachers are not highly rigid about minor format differences.
- Underline or clearly highlight the elements asked in the prompts.
Report Writing Format
- Write a catchy heading in the center.
- Below the heading, on the right, write "by staff reporter," "by staff correspondence," or your name.
- Leave a line, then write place, day, and date.
- Leave a line, then amplify each point from the question, leaving a line between each.
Article Writing Format
- Write the article's topic in the center.
- Without a line, write your name.
- Leave a line, then write the date and year.
- Leave a line and start the article, amplifying each prompt.
Speech Writing Format
- Write the topic in the center.
- Leave a line, then begin with "Good morning to one and all present here."
- Amplify each point in new paragraphs, leaving a line between each.
- Finish with "Thank you" at the end.
Statement of Purpose Format
- Write "TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN" in the center (all caps optional).
- Tone should be formal and polite.
- Amplify each prompt in a separate paragraph.
- Optionally end with your name.
Book Review Format
- Write the book's name in the center.
- Leave a line, then list author, publisher, pages, and price on the extreme left.
- Alternatively, use any format your school prefers.
- Leave a line, then amplify each given prompt (e.g., genre, style), in separate paragraphs.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Directed Writing — A type of writing task with specific formats (report, article, speech, SOP, book review) and prompts to address.
- Prompt/Lead — A point or clue given in the exam question to be elaborated on in your answer.
- Amplification — Explaining or developing the points provided in the prompts.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) — A formal personal statement highlighting your character and suitability, often required for applications.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice writing each type of directed writing using the formats outlined above.
- Amplify every prompt provided in exam questions.
- Optional: Drop a comment if you want a sample SOP to be shared in a future video.