English Writing - Getting the Style Right

Subject: English Language
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11-14 and 14-16
Order Number: 5295

This material has grown out of a number of years' teaching English. It has a particular slant upon the issue of “style”, and is suitable for pupils at all stages of their Secondary career, as well as adults pursuing Language courses. It is, of course, important to spell and punctuate correctly, and to adhere to all the mechanics of Writing, but it is no less important and challenging for teachers of English to encourage an elevation and qualitative improvement in the way that their pupils and students express themselves when putting pen to paper.

The nebulous nature of what “style” is makes it difficult to define the term precisely: what constitutes good style is largely a matter of opinion, difficult to objectively pin down. What this material does is to take some aspects of style in an alphabetical list, with a view to recognising and explaining these, and then encouraging an appraisal of their worth as Writing techniques. Pupils and students, with growing self confidence, are encouraged to consider using appropriate techniques in their own work to improve its style.

The issues listed in the resource, in alphabetical order, may be addressed individually or in combination. They may also be used as part of a conventional lesson plan or as a remedial response to work which has already been carried out. It is also worth noting that these Writing techniques and skills can also be referred to in courses when appreciating and/or analysing the written work of others.