Formats in English

1. Formats in English Formal Reports News Reports Letter Interview Editorials/blogs/opinion pieces Radio/Tv scripts

2. Formal Report Clear heading Sub- headings Outline main content Who is the best person to replace Alex Ferguson? Introduction Since Alex Ferguson announced his retirement on May 8th, speculation about his successor has taken over the national press. This report seeks out outline the potential replacement candidates before making a final recommendation based on the evidence available. The Candidates • David Moyles • Jose Mourhinio David Moyles Moyles has proven himself to be a sturdy and forth-wright manager of Everton over the years. However, he has failed to build the club up to any valuable position and the fact remains that a movement from a Liverpool club to a Manchester club never bodes well with fans of either city. Joes Mourhinio Mourhinio’s personality makes him the fans’ favourite. However, critics of the successful manager point out that his success is a result of only working with rich clubs. He has never built up a club from the ground or worked in tough monetary conditions. Final recommendations Based on the evidence presented in this report, it is recommended that Mourhinio replaces Alex Ferguson. Consequently, he would be able to develop his reputation as a top manager and prevent riots across Manchester and Liverpool. Use of bold, underlining and bullet points to structure Each section addresses a different area. Conclusions and recommendations are a must. A formal, impersonal tone is a must.

3. News Report Short paragraphs Formal, impersonal tone. No personal pronouns (we/us/I) – 3rd person. All the important information at the top: basic aspects –5Ws. Quotations from people on the scene/experts (if there’s no-one in the text, make one up). Leave any development of details until after you’ve given the facts. Emotive language- shocking/disgraceful etc. Disguise opinions as facts. You can use a headline, short summarising paragraph, columns and a large first letter if you want - to present it accurately.

4. Interview Interviewer: so how do you feel about the elections? Person 1: I think…well, I know (laughs) that they were a disgrace. Person 2: I don’t see why you would think that. Firstly…. • Most of the content has to be said by the interviewees. • The interviewer should only prompt/ask questions. • You can use informal phrasing but avoid slang and incorrect grammar. • Remember the people are talking so will use more informal connectives: now, next, then instead of however etc. Try to use a range. • Utilise questions to sustain the interview. • Make sure your paragraphs are organised. • Develop their points (based on the text). • Remember your colons after the speaker’s name. • New speaker = new paragraph.

5. Editorials/Blogs/Opinion Pieces Use a heading to outline your opinion. Make sure you include both sides of the argument. Keep it persuasive throughout. Consider your audience’s interests and needs throughout. Use developed paragraphs. Use complex sentences.

6. Radio and TV Scripts Same as an interview but you must include more stage directions. (A FIGURE pushes through the men. Puts himself in front of DeLancey. The figure is CAPTAIN JOHN MILLER. Early thirties. By far the oldest man on the craft. Relaxed, battle-hardened, powerful, ignoring the hell around them. He smiles, puts a cigar in his mouth, strikes a match on the front of DeLancey'shelmet and lights the cigar. DeLanceytries to look away but Miller grips him by the jaw and forces him to lock eyes. Miller smiles. DeLanceyis terrified.) Delancey: Captain, are we all gonna die? Miller: Hell no, two-thirds, tops. Delancey: Oh, Jesus... (puts his head in his hands) It’s unlikely you’ll get this but just in case…