This can be a confusing area, but the following illustrate the main areas of difficulty: Study the following group phrases.

Student Introduction There are many possible formats for different types of essays, as well as non-academic texts such as letters and CVs. If a selection of formal letters, for example, is studied, it will be seen that different styles of heading and layout are used by different organisations. However, the following models are provided so that students may use the outlines confident that they will be acceptable in almost all situations. Comparison and argument are common components of essay titles, and the models given here show one way of answering the questions. However, it must be remembered that argument may be only one part of the question, so that both comparison and discussion plus other elements could well be needed in the same essay as illustrated in 4.4 Comparison Essay . Faculties and departments may well give new students guidance about what is required in terms of style and layout. Above all, students need to examine a variety of styles of letters, CVs and essays, and to develop a suitable style of their own by synthesising the most appropriate features.

4. Writing Models

1. You have applied for a place on an MA course at a British university. This is the letter you have received in reply: a Arts Social Sciences Admissions Office Wye House Central Campus University of Borchester Borchester BR3 5HT United Kingdom b Ms P Tan 54 Sydney Road Rowborough RB1 6FD c Ref: MB373 d 3 May 2002 e Dear Ms Tan f Application for MA International Studies g Further to your recent application, I would like to invite you to the university for an informal interview on Tuesday 21st May at 11 am. You will be able to meet the course supervisor, Dr Schmidt, and look round the department. h A map of the campus and instructions for finding the university are enclosed. i Please let me know if you will be able to attend on the date given. j Yours sincerely k M. Bramble l Mick Bramble Administrative Assistant Arts Social Sciences Enc. Label the following features of formal letters with the letters a–l from the left margin above. d Date … Ending … Request for response … Greeting … Address of recipient … Address of sender … Further details … Reason for writing … Sender’s reference … Subject headline … Signature … Writer’s name and title

1. Formal Letters

3.1 Abbreviations 4.2 CVs

cross reference