English OverviewEnglish Overview

The Rules of Formal Writing

Common concernCommon concern

• I know what I want to say but I can’t write it down!

• If you can speak English,

you can write English

Formal rules of writingFormal 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

Written wordWritten 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)

Big wordsBig 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 necessaryInstead 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

Some tipsSome 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

Formal English mannersFormal 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

PresentationPresentation

• 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