English Overview

1. English Overview The Rules of Formal Writing

2. Common concern • I know what I want to say but I can’t write it down! • If you can speak English, you can write English

3. Formal rules of writing • Correct font: • Arial is a preferred font for writing (size 12)_ • Calibri is acceptable (size 11 or 12) • Times New Roman should only be used for letters • Correct spacing: • 1.5 is preferred spacing • Set paragraphs at ‘0’ before and after • Correct grammar and spelling • Good attention to detail

5. Written word • There are some differences between the formal written word and the spoken word: • No contractions (don’t, won’t, couldn’t) • No abbreviations (etc, eg.) • No first person (I, we, me, you) • No slang (yous) • No swearing (unless in court documentation) • No text message language (2 u, WTF)

6. Big words • Big words are not the key to good writing. Consider the following: • State what is necessary • Use good sentence structure • Use simple plain English • Write what you want to say – and then adjust the structure if necessary Instead of : For a moment it appeared that the precipitation would render the need for a whole new wardrobe. Try: This much rain will ruin their clothes

7. Some tips • Numbers between one and ten should be written as words • Numbers over ten should be written as numerals – 11, 12, 13 • Etc is a word and should be written as etcetera • Eg. Should be written as For example

8. Formal English manners • Always assume that the reader knows nothing about your discussion • Do not use upper case for emphasis – this is shouting at the reader • Do not use italics for emphasis • Do not use bold font except for headings

9. Presentation • Formal writing does not require pictures or coloured text • No need to indent paragraphs • All text should be aligned on the left • A single enter space between paragraphs • Make your document something worthy of presentation to the Commissioner of Police