Topic : Required skills and knowledge: specific text forms

Chapter 1 : Exposition essay

• Formal tone - avoid slang and colloquialisms and use formal language wherever possible.
• Third person - avoid `I`
• Opinion - this text form does not utilise your own opinion. Be careful not to include it
• Avoid bias by includincluding an equal number of points for both sides of the argument

Chapter 2 : Discussion

• You cannot be wrong in English, as long as you have evidence to support your opinion. How you support your opinion is more important than the opinion itself
• The audience knows the composition is an exposition essay so do not tell them that it is your opinion, because this is what they are expecting.
• Using quotes is a great way to demonstrate a really good knowledge of a text or subject. Be sure to know how your teacher expects you to cite other people`s work and do this accurately
• When you are planning, make sure that you have understood exactly what the question is asking you and what the marking guidelines mean
• Avoid approximations such as `probably`, `perhaps` and `maybe`.

Chapter 3 : Review

• The evaluation of the text must be clarified and explained
• The use of first person ('i') is often used
• Limited or brief summary of plot, merely to give context for discussion
• Usually addresses and evaluates the standard features of the text type

Chapter 4 : Business letter

• Strict format
• Stylised and conventional language
• Objective language

Chapter 5 : Letter to the editor

Chapter 6 : Feature article

Chapter 7 : News reports