Writing Guide
Writing Guide
Index
1. Contemporary Fiction
2. Science Fiction
3. Fantasy
4. Historical Fiction
5. Mystery/Thriller
6. Horror
7. Dystopian
8. Flash Fiction
9. Adventure
10. Humor
11. Detective Fiction
Fiction Text Types/Genres
1. Contemporary Fiction
General Features
Realistic characters and settings: Stories set in the present or recent past, reflecting
everyday life.
• everyday life
• realistic characters
• contemporary settings
• current issues
• character development
• emotional journeys
• interpersonal conflicts
• realistic scenarios
Themes: Often explores themes like identity, family, friendship, and personal growth.
• identity
• family
• friendship
• personal growth
Questions
1. Write a story about a teenager who moves to a new city and struggles to fit in at
their new school. Think about:
o the reasons for the move
o the challenges they face
o how they overcome these challenges
2. Imagine a day in the life of a young person who discovers a hidden talent. Write
their story. Think about:
o what the hidden talent is
o how they discover it
o how it changes their life
2. Science Fiction
General Features
Imaginative and futuristic concepts: Involves advanced science and technology, space
exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life.
• theoretical physics
• genetic modification
• nanotechnology
• singularity
• hyperspace
Setting: Frequently set in the future, in outer space, on other worlds, or in a different
dimension.
• distant galaxy
• terraforming Mars
• space colony
• parallel dimension
• cyberpunk metropolis
Themes: Often explores the impact of scientific innovations on individuals and society, and
ethical dilemmas.
• ethical implications of AI
• cloning ethics
• human-machine interface
• societal transformation
Questions
1. Write a story in which a team of scientists discovers a new planet that has the
potential to support human life. Think about:
o the characteristics of the new planet and its environment
o the challenges the team faces in exploring the planet
o how the discovery affects the team and their mission
General Features
Magical and supernatural elements: Involves magic, mythical creatures, and fantastical
worlds.
• magical powers
• mythical creatures
• enchanted objects
• supernatural phenomena
Inventive settings: Often set in imaginary worlds with unique rules and cultures.
• fantasy realms
• alternate dimensions
• magical landscapes
• mythical cities
Heroic quests and adventures: Central characters often embark on epic journeys and face
great challenges.
• heroic quests
• epic battles
• legendary adventures
• perilous journeys
Themes: Explores themes like good vs. evil, heroism, and destiny.
1. Write a story about a young wizard who must go on a quest to find a lost magical
artifact. Think about:
o the magical artifact and its significance
o the obstacles the wizard faces
o how the quest changes the wizard
2. Imagine a world where mythical creatures live among humans. Write a story
about a young person who befriends a dragon. Think about:
o how they meet the dragon
o the adventures they have together
o how their friendship changes both their lives
4. Historical Fiction
General Features
• historical events
• period settings
• authentic details
• historical context
Authentic details: Accurate representation of the time period, including customs, speech,
and lifestyle.
• period-accurate dialogue
• historical customs
• authentic lifestyles
• realistic settings
Fictional characters: Often includes fictional characters interacting with historical figures or
events.
• fictional characters
• historical figures
• fictionalized events
• personal stories
Themes: Explores themes like courage, survival, and the impact of historical events on
individuals.
• courage
• survival
• historical impact
• personal growth
Questions
1. Write a story about a young person living through a significant historical event.
Think about:
o the historical event and its impact
o the challenges the young person faces
o how they overcome these challenges
2. Imagine you are a time traveler who gets stuck in a historical period. Write a
story about your experience. Think about:
o the historical period you are stuck in
o how you adapt to life in that period
o how you try to return to your own time
5. Mystery/Thriller
General Features
• suspense
• intrigue
• plot twists
• red herrings
Clues and evidence: Characters gather clues and evidence to solve the mystery or prevent a
crime.
• clues
• evidence
• investigation
• deduction
High stakes: Often involves high stakes, such as preventing a crime or uncovering a
dangerous secret.
• high stakes
• danger
• tension
• urgency
Themes: Explores themes like justice, truth, and the human psyche.
• justice
• truth
• human psyche
• moral dilemmas
Questions
1. Write a story about a detective who must solve a mysterious crime in a small
town. Think about:
o the crime and its clues
o the suspects and their motives
o how the detective solves the crime
2. Imagine you are a spy on a mission to prevent a major catastrophe. Write your
story. Think about:
o the mission and its challenges
o the enemies you face
o how you prevent the catastrophe
6. Horror
General Features
Scary and unsettling elements: Designed to evoke fear, horror, and suspense.
• supernatural elements
• eerie settings
• psychological horror
• terrifying creatures
Dark and ominous settings: Often set in haunted houses, abandoned places, or other eerie
locations.
• haunted houses
• abandoned places
• dark forests
• creepy towns
• ghosts
• monsters
• demons
• psychotic characters
• fear
• survival
• the unknown
• psychological terror
Questions
1. Write a story about a group of friends who spend a night in a haunted house.
Think about:
o the history of the haunted house
o the supernatural events that occur
o how the friends react and survive
2. Imagine a world where nightmares come to life. Write a story about a young
person who must confront their worst nightmare. Think about:
o the nightmare and its manifestation
o how the young person faces it
o how they overcome their fear
7. Dystopian
General Features
Oppressive and controlled society: Set in a future where society is under strict control or
has fallen into chaos.
• totalitarian regime
• societal collapse
• oppressive rules
• surveillance
Protagonist's struggle: The main character often fights against the oppressive system.
• rebellion
• resistance
• survival
• defiance
• desolate landscapes
• futuristic cities
• decayed environments
• bleak atmosphere
Themes: Explores themes like freedom, control, and the consequences of societal choices.
1. Write a story about a young person living in a dystopian society who decides to
join a rebellion. Think about:
o the society and its rules
o the protagonist's motivations
o how they contribute to the rebellion
2. Imagine a future where technology controls every aspect of life. Write a story
about someone who tries to break free from this control. Think about:
o the technology and its influence
o the protagonist's struggle for freedom
o the challenges they face
8. Flash Fiction
General Features
• concise
• focused
• succinct
• brief
Plot: Contains a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end, despite its short length.
• concise plot
• quick resolution
• impactful events
• complete narrative
• brief descriptions
• essential traits
• implied details
• quick development
Themes: Can explore a wide range of themes, often with a twist or surprise ending.
• varied themes
• surprise endings
• impactful messages
• concise exploration
Questions
General Features
Exciting and action-packed plot: Involves physical danger, exploration, and thrilling
experiences.
• action
• danger
• exploration
• excitement
Exotic and challenging settings: Often set in remote, wild, or unknown locations.
• remote jungles
• wild mountains
• uncharted seas
• exotic locales
Brave and resourceful protagonist: Main characters are typically courageous and able to
overcome obstacles.
• bravery
• resourcefulness
• determination
• heroism
• courage
• survival
• discovery
• perseverance
Questions
1. Write a story about a group of adventurers who set out to find a lost treasure.
Think about:
o the adventurers and their skills
o the challenges they face
o how they find the treasure
2. Imagine you are an explorer who discovers a hidden civilization. Write your
story. Think about:
o the discovery and its significance
o the interactions with the hidden civilization
o the impact of the discovery
10. Humor
General Features
Funny and entertaining: Designed to make the reader laugh and feel amused.
• humor
• wit
• comedy
• entertainment
• amusing situations
• misunderstandings
• playful conflicts
• light-hearted events
• quirky characters
• funny traits
• humorous behaviors
• comical dialogue
• everyday humor
• satire
• playful themes
• comical observations
Questions
1. Write a funny story about a day when everything goes hilariously wrong for a
character. Think about:
o the character and their quirks
o the series of funny events
o how the character deals with them
2. Imagine you are a comedian who must perform at a school talent show. Write
your story. Think about:
o the preparation and the performance
o the jokes and humorous situations
o the audience's reaction
11. Detective Fiction
General Features
• mystery
• investigation
• crime-solving
• detection
• detective
• investigator
• sleuth
• private eye
Clues and evidence: Characters gather clues and evidence to solve the mystery.
• clues
• evidence
• investigation
• deduction
Suspenseful plot: Often involves suspense, red herrings, and plot twists.
• suspense
• red herrings
• plot twists
• intrigue
Questions
1. Write a story about a detective who must solve a mysterious crime in a small
town. Think about:
o the crime and its clues
o the suspects and their motives
o how the detective solves the crime
2. Imagine you are a detective who must uncover the truth behind a series of
strange events. Write your story. Think about:
o the strange events and their significance
o the investigation process
o the final revelation
Writing Guide for Lower Secondary Students
Index
1. Travel Writing
2. Personal Accounts
3. Argumentative Texts
4. Newspaper Articles
5. Online Articles
6. Persuasive Texts
7. Reviews
8. Blogs
9. Formal Letters
10. Informal Letters
11. Reports
Non-Fiction Text Types/Genres
1. Travel Writing
General Features
• breathtaking landscape
• vibrant street markets
• serene countryside
• bustling city center
• ancient ruins
Personal perspective: Often written in the first person, sharing the writer's personal
experiences and reflections.
Cultural insights: Provides information about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the
places visited.
Grammar Features
• Present and past tenses: To describe current impressions and past experiences.
• Adjectives and adverbs: Used extensively to create vivid and detailed descriptions.
• Varied sentence structures: To keep the narrative engaging and dynamic.
Structural Features
• Welcome to...
• Nestled in the heart of...
• This enchanting place offers...
• From the moment you arrive...
• Located on the coast of...
Body paragraphs: Each focuses on different aspects of the trip (e.g., places visited, people
met, experiences had).
• In conclusion...
• Overall, my experience was...
• I left with a newfound appreciation for...
• This journey taught me...
• I highly recommend visiting...
Questions
1. Write a travel article about a place you visited during your last vacation. You
should consider:
o the main attractions and highlights of the place
o the cultural experiences you had
o your personal impressions and feelings about the visit
o any challenges or surprises you encountered
2. Imagine you are writing a travel blog about your hometown for an international
audience. Describe what makes your hometown unique and worth visiting. You
should consider:
o the key landmarks and attractions
o the local culture and traditions
o your favorite places and activities in the hometown
o tips for visitors on how to make the most of their visit
2. Personal Accounts
General Features
First-person perspective: Narratives told from the personal viewpoint of the writer.
• personal viewpoint
• first-person narration
• subjective perspective
• individual experiences
• vivid descriptions
• personal reflections
• emotional insights
• introspective
Chronological structure: Events are often recounted in the order they occurred.
• chronological order
• timeline of events
• sequential narration
• past experiences
Themes: Can cover a wide range of themes, often focusing on personal growth or significant
life events.
• personal growth
• life-changing events
• memorable experiences
• significant moments
Grammar Features
Body paragraphs: Each focuses on different aspects or events in the personal account.
Conclusion: Reflects on the overall experience and its impact on the writer.
• In conclusion...
• Reflecting on this experience...
• This event changed my perspective...
• I learned that...
Questions
2. Imagine you are writing a diary entry about your first day at a new school.
Describe your experience. You should consider:
o your initial feelings and expectations
o the events that took place
o how you felt at the end of the day
o your reflections on the experience
3. Argumentative Texts
General Features
• clear position
• definite stance
• strong opinion
• assertive viewpoint
Evidence and reasoning: Supports the argument with facts, evidence, and logical reasoning.
• factual evidence
• logical reasoning
• supporting details
• credible sources
• opposing views
• counterarguments
• rebuttals
• opposing perspectives
• persuasive techniques
• convincing language
• rhetorical questions
• emotive language
Grammar Features
Body paragraphs: Each presents a different point supporting the argument, with evidence
and reasoning.
• In conclusion...
• To sum up...
• Therefore...
• Ultimately...
Questions
General Features
Informative and factual: Provides accurate and objective information about events or issues.
• accurate information
• objective reporting
• factual details
• informative content
Inverted pyramid structure: Presents the most important information first, followed by
supporting details.
Clear and concise: Uses clear and concise language to convey information effectively.
• clear language
• concise sentences
• straightforward expression
• no unnecessary details
Quotations and sources: Includes quotes from relevant sources to add credibility.
• relevant quotes
• credible sources
• expert opinions
• eyewitness accounts
Grammar Features
• background information
• supporting facts
• detailed description
• relevant quotes
Conclusion: Wraps up the article, often with additional context or future implications.
2. Imagine you are a journalist covering a major local news story. Write your
article. You should consider:
o the main event and its importance
o detailed information and background context
o quotes from relevant sources
o the impact of the event on the community
5. Online Articles
General Features
Engaging and interactive: Designed to engage readers and often includes multimedia
elements.
• engaging content
• multimedia elements
• interactive features
• visual appeal
• keywords
• search engine optimization
• meta descriptions
• tags and categories
• useful information
• accessible language
• easy to understand
• practical tips
• hyperlinks
• references
• related articles
• additional resources
Grammar Features
Headline: Captures the reader's attention and summarizes the main point.
• attention-grabbing
• concise summary
• keywords included
• engaging language
• engaging opening
• brief overview
• main point introduction
• relevance to the reader
• clear subheadings
• detailed information
• practical tips
• relevant examples
Conclusion: Summarizes the main points and encourages further action or reading.
1. Write an online article about the benefits of learning a new language. You should
consider:
o the main benefits
o practical tips for language learners
o personal experiences or examples
o links to useful resources
2. Imagine you are writing a blog post about your favorite hobby. Write your post.
You should consider:
o why you enjoy this hobby
o tips and advice for others interested in the hobby
o any personal anecdotes or stories
o links to related articles or resources
6. Persuasive Texts
General Features
• strong stance
• clear position
• definite opinion
• assertive viewpoint
Persuasive techniques: Uses techniques like emotional appeal, logical reasoning, and
credibility.
• emotional appeal
• logical reasoning
• credibility
• persuasive language
Evidence and examples: Supports arguments with evidence, facts, and examples.
• supporting evidence
• factual examples
• logical arguments
• credible sources
• call to action
• encouraging change
• motivating action
• persuading the reader
Grammar Features
• clear introduction
• presenting the issue
• stating the position
• engaging the reader
Body paragraphs: Each presents a different argument, supported by evidence and examples.
• clear arguments
• supporting evidence
• relevant examples
• logical reasoning
• addressing counterarguments
• refuting opposing views
• presenting counterpoints
• strengthening the argument
General Features
Opinion and evaluation: Provides the writer's opinion and evaluation of a product, service,
or experience.
• personal opinion
• critical evaluation
• subjective assessment
• overall rating
Detailed description: Describes the features, aspects, and details of the subject being
reviewed.
• detailed description
• key features
• specific aspects
• in-depth analysis
• overall recommendation
• final verdict
• concluding opinion
• personal recommendation
Grammar Features
• detailed descriptions
• specific evaluations
• pros and cons
• supporting examples
1. Write a review of a book or movie you recently enjoyed. You should consider:
o a brief summary of the plot or content
o the aspects you liked and disliked
o your overall evaluation and rating
o your recommendation for others
2. Imagine you are writing a review of a new restaurant in your area. Write your
review. You should consider:
o the atmosphere and setting
o the food and service quality
o the pros and cons of the experience
o your overall recommendation
8. Blogs
General Features
• personal tone
• informal language
• conversational style
• subjective perspective
• engaging content
• interactive elements
• reader comments
• multimedia features
Variety of topics: Can cover a wide range of topics based on the writer's interests.
• diverse topics
• personal interests
• varied content
• niche subjects
• regular updates
• new posts
• ongoing content
• consistent blogging
Grammar Features
• engaging opening
• introducing the topic
• personal anecdotes
• setting the context
• detailed information
• personal reflections
• engaging stories
• practical tips
1. Write a blog post about a hobby or interest you are passionate about. You should
consider:
o why you enjoy this hobby
o tips and advice for others interested in the hobby
o any personal anecdotes or stories
o inviting reader comments or interaction
2. Imagine you are writing a blog about a recent trip you took. Write your post.
You should consider:
o the places you visited and your experiences
o what you learned or discovered
o your personal reflections
o inviting reader engagement and interaction
9. Formal Letters
General Features
Formal tone and language: Uses a polite, respectful, and professional tone.
• formal tone
• respectful language
• professional style
• courteous expression
Clear and concise: Clearly states the purpose and main points in a concise manner.
• clear purpose
• concise points
• direct expression
• no unnecessary details
• standard format
• specific sections
• organized structure
• formal layout
• polite closing
• respectful farewell
• formal sign-off
• courteous ending
Grammar Features
Header: Includes the sender's and recipient's addresses, date, and salutation.
• sender's address
• recipient's address
• date
• formal salutation
• clear purpose
• brief introduction
• stating the reason
• setting the context
• detailed information
• clear explanations
• specific requests
• supporting details
General Features
Casual and friendly tone: Uses a casual, friendly, and conversational tone.
• casual tone
• friendly language
• conversational style
• personal expression
Personal and subjective: Often shares personal experiences, news, and thoughts.
• personal experiences
• sharing news
• subjective perspective
• individual thoughts
• flexible format
• varied structure
• informal layout
• personal style
• engaging content
• interactive elements
• reader response
• personal engagement
Grammar Features
• casual greeting
• friendly salutation
• personal hello
• warm introduction
Introduction: Introduces the purpose of the letter and sets the tone.
• personal experiences
• sharing news
• detailed thoughts
• engaging stories
1. Write an informal letter to a friend describing your recent vacation. You should
consider:
o the places you visited and your experiences
o the fun activities you did
o any interesting or funny incidents
o inviting your friend's response
2. Imagine you are writing a letter to a family member about your first day at a
new school. Write your letter. You should consider:
o your initial feelings and expectations
o the events that took place
o how you felt at the end of the day
o any questions or thoughts you want to share
11. Reports
General Features
Informative and factual: Provides accurate and objective information about a specific topic.
• accurate information
• objective reporting
• factual details
• informative content
Clear and structured: Uses a clear and organized structure to present information.
• clear structure
• organized layout
• logical flow
• systematic presentation
• impersonal tone
• formal language
• objective style
• neutral expression
• detailed analysis
• thorough explanations
• in-depth information
• comprehensive coverage
Grammar Features
• clear title
• concise topic
• informative heading
• specific subject
Introduction: Introduces the topic and outlines the purpose and structure of the report.
• research methods
• data collection
• analytical techniques
• procedural steps
• presenting findings
• reporting results
• key information
• significant outcomes
• analyzing findings
• interpreting results
• discussing implications
• evaluating significance