Writing
Domain 4: Writing
This domain covers composition, transactional and functional writing, and control of register and style. You must shape content for a named audience and purpose, and follow the format demanded by the task.
Core rules
- Plan before writing: identify audience, purpose, format and register. A formal letter to a head teacher is not the same as a letter to a friend.
- Composition: use a clear structure - introduction, body paragraphs with one idea each, conclusion. Each paragraph needs a topic sentence, support and a link.
- Functional formats: learn the conventions of formal and informal letters, notices, speeches, reports and minutes. Addresses, date, salutation, heading, closing and signature must be in the right places.
- Register: formal writing avoids slang, contractions and code-mixing; informal writing may use direct address and shorter forms. Choose Rukwangali idioms that suit the register.
- Style: vary sentence length, use cohesive devices, and punctuate direct speech correctly.
Worked example
Task: write a letter to a village committee asking for a new water point. A weak opening says "I want water." A strong opening names the writer, states the purpose, and gives one reason: the distance to the river. The reasoning: the committee needs a clear request and a reason before details; the formal salutation and closing show respect and control of format.
Traps
Wrong format; mixing formal and informal register; no paragraphing; copying the question; overlong introduction with no request; forgetting the date or signature; using English punctuation inside Rukwangali direct speech.