I. What do writing skills involve?

Proof-read and
Ensure your Edit your writing Consider the
Handwriting Purpose of your
Is legible writing

Use correct Consider your

spelling Audience
Writing Skills

Punctuate for
meaning Use the
Appropriate tone

Consider Plan and arrange

the content ideas in a logical order

What do you have to consider when you write?

Purpose

Before you start a piece of writing, ask yourself two questions'.

- Why am I writing?
- What do I want my writing to achieve?
Consider these questions before you think about the other aspects of writing.

You may be writing in reply to a letter, preparing a report at work, drafting an essay - the
reasons for writing are endless but the purpose must be clear in your own mind before you
start.

By thinking first about your purpose, you will find it easier to decide what you want your
writing to achieve. For example, if you were writing to complain about a product, would you
want the product repaired, exchanged or the price refunded? Determine your preference and
then make sure you convey your wishes clearly.
Audience

Your aim in any piece of writing is that your reader, or audience, should understand and
respond to your message. Your message must be expressed in the most effective way for that
audience.

- Who is your audience?

- Do you know them?
- What will they expect from you?
- What might they be influenced by?

Most of us adopt a different style and language for different situations. When we talk to
friends, we use the language and tone of voice appropriate to our relationship. In a formal
situation we use more formal language, exact vocabulary and perhaps a more polite manner:
we should consider our audience and respond accordingly. Our writing must also reflect this
consideration.

Tone

Having considered purpose and audience, you will find the tone you need to adopt in your
writing becomes clear. For example, a letter of complaint will have a formal, precise tone -
firm but polite; a letter to a friend will be expressed in less formal language - a warmer and
more relaxed tone will be evident.
The tone of a piece of writing is conveyed by the vocabulary, style, sentence structure,
and format of the writing. In later chapters you will be shown how you can create the correct
tone by using the appropriate language and structures.

Planning

In any formal writing task it is essential to plan carefully before writing the first draft.
The plan allows you to:
- consider the content,
- arrange your ideas in the most logical and acceptable order,
- careful planning will increase your chances of conveying your message effectively.

Content
Considerations about content will vary according to the writing task.
There are, however, some points regarding the content of a piece of writing that should
always be considered.
-Is the content relevant to the task?
-Does your writing contain sufficient information or evidence for you to achieve your
desired outcome.
-Is it sufficient, interesting to engage your reader's attention?
Remember, if the content is not suitable or adequate, your writing won't achieve its
purpose.
What to do next?

When you have completed the First draft, follow these steps.
 Read it through
 Ask yourself:
 does it fit the purpose?
 is it effective?
 are all the necessary points included"
 is the tone appropriate for the situation?
 Rewrite any parts you are unhappy about.
 Reread check for spelling and punctuation
 Make necessary changes.
 Write your fair copy.

Proof-reading and editing may seem tedious but they are good practices to adopt and as
you become more skillful and confident, you will find your first drafts need less improvement