QUICK REVISION GUIDE
Core Rules & Practical Examples for Exams
1. Essay Writing Rules
• Structure: Always follow the 3-part formula: Introduction (with a strong thesis statement), Body Paragraphs
(focused arguments with evidence), and Conclusion (summary of main points, no new info).
• Paragraph Unity: Start each body paragraph with a clear Topic Sentence. All details within that paragraph
must support that single idea.
• Transitions: Use linking words (e.g., Furthermore, However, Consequently, On the other hand) to maintain
logical flow between thoughts.
• Tone: Keep it formal, objective, and analytical. Avoid informal slang or contractions (use do not instead of
don't).
EXAMPLE: NARRATIVE/REFLECTIVE ESSAY SNIPPET
Topic: The Impact of Technology on Human Connection
The digital age has fundamentally transformed the landscape of human interaction. While
modern communication technology allows individuals to connect instantly across massive
geographic distances, it simultaneously introduces a critical paradox: as virtual networks expand,
deep emotional intimacy often diminishes.
One of the primary consequences of this shift is the superficial nature of online relationships.
Social media platforms encourage quantity over quality, prioritizing curated status updates and
metric-driven validation over authentic conversation. For instance, an individual might
accumulate thousands of virtual "friends" yet lack a single confidant during a genuine personal
crisis. Thus, reliance on screen-to-screen communication risks replacing meaningful emotional
depth with empty digital transactions.
In conclusion, technology serves as a powerful instrument for accessibility, but it should not
become a substitute for real-world intimacy. To preserve true human connection, society must
1
, learn to strike a deliberate balance, actively stepping away from the screen to nurture authentic,
face-to-face bonds.
2. Formal & Informal Letter Rules
• Formal Layout (Block Format):
• Sender's Address & Date at the top left.
• Receiver's Name/Designation and Official Address.
• Precise Subject Line summarizing the intent.
• Formal Salutation (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr. Smith).
• Professional closing (Yours faithfully if name unknown; Yours sincerely if name known).
• Informal Layout: Only Sender's Address and Date are required. Use a casual salutation (e.g., Dearest Maya,
Hi John) and warm sign-off (e.g., With love, Warmly).
EXAMPLE: FORMAL LETTER (TO THE EDITOR)
12, Park View Apartments,
Oak Avenue, Sector 4
May 31, 2026
The Editor,
The Daily Chronicle,
Metro Business District
Subject: Urgent need to address erratic public transit schedules.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your esteemed attention the severe difficulties faced by everyday
commuters due to the increasingly unpredictable schedules of our city's public bus service. Over
the past three weeks, routes 4B and 7C have consistently run over thirty minutes late, leaving
hundreds of working professionals and students stranded during peak morning hours.
This logistical breakdown not only causes widespread delays at workplaces and educational
institutions but also forces commuters to rely on expensive alternative transit, creating an unfair
2
Core Rules & Practical Examples for Exams
1. Essay Writing Rules
• Structure: Always follow the 3-part formula: Introduction (with a strong thesis statement), Body Paragraphs
(focused arguments with evidence), and Conclusion (summary of main points, no new info).
• Paragraph Unity: Start each body paragraph with a clear Topic Sentence. All details within that paragraph
must support that single idea.
• Transitions: Use linking words (e.g., Furthermore, However, Consequently, On the other hand) to maintain
logical flow between thoughts.
• Tone: Keep it formal, objective, and analytical. Avoid informal slang or contractions (use do not instead of
don't).
EXAMPLE: NARRATIVE/REFLECTIVE ESSAY SNIPPET
Topic: The Impact of Technology on Human Connection
The digital age has fundamentally transformed the landscape of human interaction. While
modern communication technology allows individuals to connect instantly across massive
geographic distances, it simultaneously introduces a critical paradox: as virtual networks expand,
deep emotional intimacy often diminishes.
One of the primary consequences of this shift is the superficial nature of online relationships.
Social media platforms encourage quantity over quality, prioritizing curated status updates and
metric-driven validation over authentic conversation. For instance, an individual might
accumulate thousands of virtual "friends" yet lack a single confidant during a genuine personal
crisis. Thus, reliance on screen-to-screen communication risks replacing meaningful emotional
depth with empty digital transactions.
In conclusion, technology serves as a powerful instrument for accessibility, but it should not
become a substitute for real-world intimacy. To preserve true human connection, society must
1
, learn to strike a deliberate balance, actively stepping away from the screen to nurture authentic,
face-to-face bonds.
2. Formal & Informal Letter Rules
• Formal Layout (Block Format):
• Sender's Address & Date at the top left.
• Receiver's Name/Designation and Official Address.
• Precise Subject Line summarizing the intent.
• Formal Salutation (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr. Smith).
• Professional closing (Yours faithfully if name unknown; Yours sincerely if name known).
• Informal Layout: Only Sender's Address and Date are required. Use a casual salutation (e.g., Dearest Maya,
Hi John) and warm sign-off (e.g., With love, Warmly).
EXAMPLE: FORMAL LETTER (TO THE EDITOR)
12, Park View Apartments,
Oak Avenue, Sector 4
May 31, 2026
The Editor,
The Daily Chronicle,
Metro Business District
Subject: Urgent need to address erratic public transit schedules.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your esteemed attention the severe difficulties faced by everyday
commuters due to the increasingly unpredictable schedules of our city's public bus service. Over
the past three weeks, routes 4B and 7C have consistently run over thirty minutes late, leaving
hundreds of working professionals and students stranded during peak morning hours.
This logistical breakdown not only causes widespread delays at workplaces and educational
institutions but also forces commuters to rely on expensive alternative transit, creating an unfair
2
