English Summarized Notes

Exercise 5
Summary Writing

Pointers:
Do not exceed the word limit
Do not use numbers or figures unless specified in the
question, instead, use generalization (A majority of,
only a few, more than half, in the recent years, a few
years ago, recently, presently)
Do not include examples or explanation, or their
linking words (for instance, for example, such as)
Do not use contracted forms
Do not include questions or exclamations in your
summary.
Do not provide a title
Do not write more than one paragraph
Mark Distribution
Quality of Language: 5 marks
Relevant points: 6 marks

Summary Structures
One part questions:

Topic sentence. Firstly, <Point 1>, besides, <Point 2>.

Moreover, <Point 3>, as well as <Point 4>. In addition, they/
it not only does/do <Point 5> but also <Point 6>.
Furthermore, <Point 7> apart from <Point 8>; Lastly,
<Point 9> and <Point 10>
Two part questions:
Topic sentence 1. Firstly, <Point 1>, besides, <Point 2>.
Moreover, <Point 3>, as well as <Point 4>.
However/Contrarily/On the other hand, Topic sentence 2,
as they not only does/do <Point 5> but also <Point 6>.
Furthermore, <Point 7> apart from <Point 8>; Lastly,
<Point 9>

Exercise 6
Letter/email writing

Formal Letter
Pointers:
Do not use any contracted words
Use formal vocabulary
Use
Linking words
Support phrases
Generalization
Time-fixers
Opinion phrases
Suggestion phrases
Persuasive phrases according to the
keyword of the question and it's purpose.
Formal idioms

 Types
Views and opinion
Views and arguments
Suggestion
Persuasive
Complaint
Job application
Enquiry
Descriptive-Narrative

Views/Opinion Structures
Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am writing with reference to/I am writing to express my opinion on
____________________
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, ________________. <Support phrase>, _____________.
<Linking word>, _______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
<Opinion phrase> _____________________
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
Although this may have a certain degree of truth, I believe that
________________ <Support phrase> __________________
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________
Anticipating my views are taken into consideration
Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital
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Suggestion Letter Structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am writing with reference to/I am writing to express my opinion on
____________________
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, ________________. <Support phrase>, _____________.
<Linking word>, _______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
<Opinion phrase> _____________________
Third Paragraph
<Linking word>, ________________. <Support phrase>, _____________.
<Linking word>, _______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
<Opinion phrase> _____________________
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________
Anticipating my views are taken into consideration
Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital
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Persuasive Letter Structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am writing with reference to _____________________________________
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, <Generalization> ________________. <Support phrase>,
_____________. <Linking word>, _______________, <Support phrase>,
________________. <Opinion phrase> _____________________
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
Although this may have a certain degree of truth, I believe that
________________ <Support phrase> __________________
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________
Looking forward a positive response in this regard.
Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital
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Views/Arguments Letter Structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am writing with reference to/I am writing to express my opinion on
____________________
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, <Background Information> <Argument Phrase>
________________. <Support phrase>, _____________. <Linking word>,
_______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
<Support phrase>, _____________. <Linking word>, _______________,
<Support phrase>, ________________.
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________
Anticipating my views are taken into consideration
Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital
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Complaint Letter Structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with _______________
Second Paragraph
<Opposing phrase>, <Company claim 1> we were shocked when
________________. <Problem 1>, _____________. <Linking word>,
_______________, <Problem 2>, ________________.
Third Paragraph
Not only was there ______<Problem 3>______ but also the
_____<Problem 4> _______was not functioning properly ______<Linking
word> _______<Problem 5>
Fourth Paragraph
In views of the complaint, <Appropriate threat>, ; <Suggestion phrase>,
________________________________________________
Anticipating my views are taken into consideration and positive
improvements implemented
Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital
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Job Application Structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am very interested to read your_____ <Advertisement>_______ on the
_______<Location> <Time>_________
Second Paragraph
______<Personal Information>________<Study choice>_________.
<Reason for applying to the job> <Your advantage 1>
Third Paragraph
Furthermore ______<Prior experience 1>______. Additionally,
_____<Prior educational Qualification 1>_______
Fourth Paragraph
I should be grateful if you would send me an application form and any
other relevant details.
Looking toward hearing from you.
Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital

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Example of Job Application Letter

Breakdown:
1) What the job is
2) Where she saw the ad
3) When she saw the ad
4) Age
5) Situation
6) Interest through contrast
7 and 8) Two examples of experience
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Descriptive Complaint Structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
I am writing to inform you that during my stay <Location> <Time> <Item
lost>
Second Paragraph
<Location details>, <Events leading to loss of item>
Third Paragraph
<Event leading up to loss 2> <Location and time of realization of item
loss>
Fourth Paragraph
<Why you want the item back> <Request to send to address>

I am looking toward hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,
Name in small letters
Name in capital
P.S. As this is not clear enough, please do refer to the example next page.

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Example of Descriptive Complaint

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Informal Letter
Pointers:
Indent the paragraphs
Do not write one sentence paragraphs
Use
Feeling words
Personalizing phrases
Feeling words
Humor
Contracted words
Informal register
Types:
Narrative
Descriptive-Narrative
Descriptive
Advice

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Narrative letter structure

Dear____________
First Paragraph
You'll never guess what happened to me at <Location> <Time>
Second Paragraph
It all started when <Set the scene> <Location> <Realization of problem>
Third Paragraph
<The action you took>, <it's consequence>
Fourth Paragraph
<Personalizing>. I got to dash to tell <friend> all about it!
Love,
First name in small letters

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Descriptive/Narrative
Dear____________
First Paragraph
I'm sorry I couldn't write to you earlier but with one thing and another, I
just couldn't get round to it!
Second Paragraph
<Set the scene> <Location> <Main Event>
Third Paragraph
<Cloth, food and Music>, <Minor Event>
Fourth Paragraph
<Personalizing>. Remember to drop me a line soon!
Love,
First name in small letters

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Advice
Dear____________
First Paragraph
I was sad to know that you were facing problems in <problem>. Don't
worry, when I was in your shoes, I found out that <general advice> was
the key to success!
Second Paragraph
A tip I would like to pass to you is <Advice 1>.
Third Paragraph
<The action you took>, <it's consequence>
Fourth Paragraph
<Personalizing>. I got to dash to tell <friend> all about it!
Love,
First name in small letters

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Descriptive
Dear____________
First Paragraph
I'm sorry I couldn't write to you earlier but with one thing and another, I
just couldn't get round to it!
Second Paragraph
<Set the scene> <Location> <Reason for going there>
Third Paragraph
<Description of the location>
Fourth Paragraph
All in all, I was charmed by this incredible country/city/mall and would
recommend it to anyone who wishes to have a truly remarkable tour. I
suggest we should plan a trip together again there shortly with our
group!
With warm wishes,
First name in small letters

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Exercise 7
Article

22

Newspaper article pointers

Use a formal register
Use a short, interesting title
Don't use personalization
Use:
Facts
Reliable statistics
Appeal to logic
Appeal to authority

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Views/Opinion Article
Dear____________
First Paragraph
<Rhetorical Question><Generalization><Opinion 1><Your Opinion>
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, ________________. <Support phrase>, _____________.
<Linking word>, _______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
<Opinion phrase> _____________________
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
Although this may have a certain degree of truth, I believe that
________________ <Support phrase> __________________
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________

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Views/Arguments Article
Dear____________
First Paragraph
<Rhetorical Question><Generalization><Opinion 1><Your Opinion>
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, <Background Information> <Argument Phrase>
________________. <Support phrase>, _____________. <Linking word>,
_______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
<Support phrase>, _____________. <Linking word>, _______________,
<Support phrase>, ________________.
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________

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Magazine article pointers

Use a semi formal register
Use personalization
Write a short interesting title
Use:
Idioms
Reliable statistics
Appeal to logic
Appeal to emotions
Generalizations
Capitals for Emphasis

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Views/Opinion Article
Dear____________
First Paragraph
<Rhetorical Question><Generalization><Opinion 1><Your Opinion>
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, ________________. <Support phrase>, _____________.
<Linking word>, _______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
<Opinion phrase> _____________________
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
Although this may have a certain degree of truth, I believe that
________________ <Support phrase> __________________
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________

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Views/Arguments Article
Dear____________
First Paragraph
<Rhetorical Question><Generalization><Opinion 1><Your Opinion>
Second Paragraph
<Linking word>, <Background Information> <Argument Phrase>
________________. <Support phrase>, _____________. <Linking word>,
_______________, <Support phrase>, ________________.
Third Paragraph
On the other hand, some people have argued that _____________.
<Support phrase>, _____________. <Linking word>, _______________,
<Support phrase>, ________________.
Fourth Paragraph
To conclude, <Opinion phrase>, ______________________________________;
<Suggestion phrase>, ________________________________________________

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Language Reference
Note: These have been curated from the internet and modified accordingly.

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Idioms
A penny for your thoughts/Two cents
A way of asking what someone is thinking
Actions speak louder than words
People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what
they say.
Add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable
situation.
An arm and a leg
Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
At the drop of a hat
Without any hesitation; instantly.
Back to the drawing board/Start from scratch
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step
Barking up the wrong tree
Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person
Be glad to see the back of
Be happy when a person leaves.
Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

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Best of both worlds

All the advantages.
Best thing since sliced bread
A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
Bite off more than you can chew
To take on a task that is way to big.
Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric
lighting.
Don't judge a book by its cover
Cannot judge something primarily on appearance.
Caught between two stools
When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
Cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before.
Cry over spilt milk
When you complain about a loss from the past.
Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.
Cut corners
When something is done badly to save money.

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Cut the mustard [possibly derived from "cut the muster"]

To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete
or participate
Devil's Advocate
To present a counter argument
Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
Don't make plans for something that might not happen
Don't give up the day job
You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it
professionally.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
Drastic times call for drastic measures
When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
Elvis has left the building
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Far cry from
Very different from.
Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.
Give the benefit of the doubt
Believe someone's statement, without proof.
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Hear it on the grapevine

This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.
Hit the nail on the head
Do or say something exactly right
Hit the sack / sheets / hay
To go to bed.
In the heat of the moment
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
It takes two to tango
Actions or communications need more than one person
Jump on the bandwagon
Join a popular trend or activity.
Keep something at bay
Keep something away.
Kill two birds with one stone
This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same
time.
Last straw
The final problem in a series of problems.
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in
trouble or complications.
Let the cat out of the bag
To share information that was previously concealed
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Make a long story short

Come to the point - leave out details
Method to my madness
An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there
actually is structure to it.
Miss the boat
This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance
Not a spark of decency
No manners
Not playing with a full deck
Someone who lacks intelligence.
Off one's rocker
Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state
of mind, senile.
On the ball
When someone understands the situation well.
Once in a blue moon
Happens very rarely.
Picture paints a thousand words
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
Piece of cake
A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple.
Put wool over other people's eyes
This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.
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See eye to eye

This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on
something.
Sit on the fence
This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a
decision.
Speak of the devil!
This expression is used when the person you have just been talking
about arrives.
Steal someone's thunder
To take the credit for something someone else did.
Take with a grain of salt
This means not to take what someone says too seriously.
Taste of your own medicine
Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you
have done to someone else
To hear something straight from the horse's mouth
To hear something from the authoritative source.
Whole nine yards
Everything. All of it.
Wouldn't be caught dead
Would never like to do something
Your guess is as good as mine
To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question
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