Prime Time 5/6, Writing, Arbeitsheft

49 •• Brainstorm the topic before you start. –– What is the focus of the issue? –– Who are the people at the centre of attention? –– What are the details concerning this issue? –– Are there any problems related to it? –– Why is this often a problem? –– Which facts must be reported? –– Which facts can be summarised? –– Do the data prove your point? –– Do they contradict your line of argument? •• Create an outline. –– Sort your ideas in a logical way. –– Plan the introduction and the ending together before you start writing. –– Structure your report so that the reader gets a clear idea of the topic. –– Use subheadings to separate the various parts. •• Formal requirements –– Include a title, a subject line and section headings. •• How to start –– Start with a general description of the task, but do not discuss it in detail. •• Aspects to consider –– Use a paragraph for each idea. –– Write topic sentences and supporting sentences in each paragraph. –– Focus on a few points only and discuss them in detail. –– Give reasons for your views. –– Provide evidence where possible. •• While writing –– When you’re writing about graphs or statistics, choose aspects that are typical, striking, surprising, etc. to make your text more interesting. –– Use factual language. –– Use passive constructions if you do not want to mention the agent (= the person who does something). –– Spell out the issues clearly and precisely. –– Distinguish between facts and opinions. –– Check if the paragraphs are in line with their headings. If not, either adapt the headings or the paragraphs. –– Use reported speech when writing about what people said. •• How to end a report –– Write a conclusion at the end and take up the ideas from the beginning (see sample report on page 50). –– Make sure that the conclusion sums up the text you have written. –– Include a personal evaluation/recommendation if necessary. Sample prompt: Report You regularly work for an animal rights organisation as a volunteer. Since animals are a popular Christmas gift, but often end up in an animal shelter after Christmas, your organisation wants to start an information campaign on the issue. To plan the campaign, your team leader, Matthew McKenzie, asks you to write a report. In your report you should: • describe why pets make such popular Christmas gifts • explain why this is often a problem • suggest how to organise the information campaign Divide your report into sections and give them headings . Write around 200 words . A pet is for life – not just for Christmas Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv