2.6 - Writing Letters, Speeches, Articles & Reviews
Key conventions of non-fiction forms
Non-fiction writing takes many forms, each with its own rules and features designed to communicate clearly and effectively. Letters, speeches, articles, and reviews are common types that students often encounter or produce in KS3 English. Understanding their conventions helps in creating writing that suits the purpose and engages the reader. These forms vary in structure, but all aim to inform, persuade, or entertain while maintaining clarity.
Overview of the forms
- Letters - Written communications between individuals or organisations, often personal or formal, used to inform, complain, or request something
- Speeches - Spoken presentations delivered to an audience, typically to persuade, inform, or inspire, with a focus on oral delivery
- Articles - Pieces of writing for newspapers, magazines, or websites, aimed at informing or entertaining a broad readership
- Reviews - Evaluations of books, films, products, or events, offering opinions to guide others' decisions
Conventions table
This table summarises the main conventions for each form, including typical layout, language features, and formality levels. These can vary based on purpose and audience, which are explored in later sections.
| Form | Layout features | Language choices | Typical formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letters | Sender's address and date at the top, recipient's address, greeting (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam), paragraphs for main content, closing (e.g., Yours sincerely), signature | Clear and direct, with personal pronouns (e.g., I think); persuasive or polite language depending on type | Formal for business or complaints; informal for personal letters to friends |
| Speeches | Introduction to grab attention, body with clear points, conclusion to reinforce message; may include notes for pauses or emphasis | Rhetorical devices like repetition, questions, or alliteration; emotive words to engage listeners | Often formal, but can be semi-formal if inspirational or casual |
| Articles | Headline, subheadings, paragraphs with topic sentences; sometimes images or bullet points | Engaging and factual, with quotes, statistics, or anecdotes; varied sentence lengths for interest | Semi-formal to informal, depending on publication (e.g., newspaper vs. blog) |
| Reviews | Introduction with summary, body analysing strengths and weaknesses, conclusion with recommendation; star ratings or scores optional | Opinion-based with adjectives (e.g., thrilling, disappointing); evidence from the item reviewed | Informal to semi-formal, to connect with readers personally |
How purpose shapes layout, language, and structure
The purpose of a piece of writing (whether to inform, persuade, entertain, or complain) directly influences its layout, language choices, and overall structure. Writers adapt these elements to achieve their goal effectively. For example, a persuasive purpose might lead to emotive language and a structured argument, while an informative one focuses on facts and clear organisation.
Purpose-driven adaptations
- Informative purpose - Focuses on sharing facts or details. Layout uses headings and bullet points for clarity, language is straightforward and objective (e.g., avoiding strong opinions), and structure builds logically from introduction to conclusion. In an article about climate change, short paragraphs with data help readers absorb information quickly.
- Persuasive purpose - Aims to convince or influence. Layout includes bold subheadings or calls to action, language employs rhetorical questions and emotive words (e.g., shocking, essential), and structure presents arguments with evidence. A speech urging action on recycling might repeat phrases like We must act now for emphasis.
- Entertaining purpose - Seeks to amuse or engage. Layout might feature anecdotes or dialogue, language uses humour, vivid descriptions, or irony, and structure flows narratively. A review of a comedy film could include funny quotes like The character's mishaps had me in stitches to draw readers in.
- Complaining or requesting purpose - Intended to express dissatisfaction or seek change. Layout follows a formal structure with clear points, language is polite yet firm (e.g., I was disappointed to find), and structure states the issue, provides evidence, and suggests solutions. A letter to a company about a faulty product would use numbered points for complaints.
Example of purpose in action
Consider a letter complaining about poor service at a restaurant. The purpose (to request a refund) shapes a formal layout with dated sections, polite language like I would appreciate it if, and a structure that starts with facts, explains the problem, and ends with a clear request.
The influence of audience on formality and tone
Audience (the intended readers or listeners) plays a key role in determining the level of formality and tone in non-fiction writing. Writers consider the audience's age, interests, and relationship to the topic to make the text relatable and appropriate. A young audience might require simpler language, while a professional one demands formality.
Audience considerations
- Age and knowledge level - For younger audiences, use short sentences and everyday words; for experts, include technical terms. A speech to schoolchildren about healthy eating would be informal and encouraging, avoiding complex jargon.
- Relationship to writer - Close friends allow informal tone (e.g., contractions like don't), while strangers or authorities require formality (e.g., full sentences without slang).
- Interests and expectations - Tailor tone to engage; a film review for movie fans might use enthusiastic, informal language to build excitement.
Levels of formality
- Formal tone - Used for professional or official audiences, with polite, impersonal language (e.g., It is recommended that) and structured layout. Suitable for business letters or speeches to authorities.
- Semi-formal tone - Balances friendliness and respect, common in articles or reviews for general readers. Includes some contractions and personal opinions but avoids slang.
- Informal tone - Relaxed and conversational, for familiar audiences like friends in personal letters. Features slang, exclamations (e.g., Wow!), and a free-flowing structure.
Example of audience influence
In an article about video games for teenagers, the audience (young gamers) leads to semi-formal tone with engaging language like You'll love the epic battles, subheadings for easy reading, and informal elements to match their interests.
Examples demonstrating effective use in each form
To see these conventions, purpose, and audience in practice, here are worked examples for each form. These illustrate how to apply the features effectively.
Letter example
Imagine writing a formal letter to a headteacher requesting more school clubs. Purpose: persuade. Audience: authority figure.
Your address
Date
Headteacher's address
Dear Mr Smith,
I am writing to suggest adding more after-school clubs...
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
The formal layout and polite language suit the audience and purpose.
Speech example
A persuasive speech to classmates about reducing plastic use. Purpose: inspire action. Audience: peers.
Good morning, everyone! Imagine a world without oceans choked by plastic... Let's start today – who's with me?
Rhetorical questions and emotive language engage the young audience.
Article example
An informative article on healthy eating for a school magazine. Purpose: educate. Audience: students.
Headline: Fuel Your Day the Right Way
Subheading: Why Breakfast Matters
Eating a balanced breakfast boosts energy...
Subheadings and facts make it accessible and structured.
Review example
A review of a new book for a teen website. Purpose: entertain and guide. Audience: young readers.
The latest fantasy novel is a rollercoaster of adventure: thrilling twists kept me hooked, though the ending felt rushed. 4/5 stars!
Opinion adjectives and informal tone connect with the audience.