Composition and Letter Writing: Planned Hmar Writing
Composition and Letter Writing tests extended writing in Hmar: essays, reports, applications, and personal letters. The examiners look for a clear plan, paragraph unity, appropriate tone, and correct Hmar sentence patterns. A short, well-organised answer scores better than a long, repetitive one.
Planning
- Spend a few minutes making three or four points. Each paragraph should develop one point.
- Write a direct opening sentence that defines the subject. Do not begin with a dictionary definition unless it adds something.
- Use concrete local examples: a village meeting, a market day, a school event. Specific detail is more convincing than general praise.
Essay shape
- Opening: state the subject and your angle.
- Body: one idea per paragraph, with an example or reason.
- Closing: return to the opening idea without introducing a new argument.
- Use linking words you have met in the textbook to show addition, contrast, cause, and result.
Letter format
- Formal letter: sender’s address, date, receiver’s designation, subject line, salutation, body, closing, signature.
- Informal letter: address and date may be lighter; greeting is personal; tone is direct but still organised.
- The subject line should name the purpose in a few words, not tell the whole story.
Worked example
Write to the village chairman about a broken water pipe. Paragraph 1 states the purpose: to report the pipe and request repair. Paragraph 2 gives the location and effect: the pipe near the school has been leaking since Monday, and children cannot wash before class. Paragraph 3 makes the request and thanks him. The reasoning is that a formal letter needs a clear subject, ordered facts, and a polite request; a personal anecdote about your own morning would distract from the purpose.
Traps
- Writing a friendly letter when the question asks for a formal application.
- Omitting the subject line or signature.
- Mixing several topics in one paragraph.
- Making claims without examples.
- Using slang or scolding language in a formal letter.
Key points
- Plan three or four points before writing.
- One paragraph should carry one main idea.
- Formal letters need address, date, receiver, subject, body, closing, and signature.
- Informal letters still need order and clear purpose.
- Concrete examples strengthen an essay.
- Keep the tone appropriate to the reader.