TIME PLAN IN DETAIL

Time Plan in detail

Stage 1

Read and analyse the task to understand what is expected in your answer (about 1 minute)

Understand:

• the topic or situation described in the instructions 
• the function of the letter (complaint/request/enquire etc.)
• the details (what/ where/ when/ how)
• the instructions in each bullet point

Stage 2

Plan what you are going to write (about 2 minutes)

Plan:

• the appropriate opening salutation (Dear...)  and closing salutation (Yours...)
• the appropriate tone (who are you writing to?)
• how many paragraphs to cover all the bullet points

Stage 3

Write your answer (about 15 minutes)

Make sure:

• the purpose of your letter is clear
• you have covered all three bullet points in enough detail
• your layout is correct, with clearly marked paragraphs
• your handwriting is clear and legible

Stage 4

Check your writing (about 3 minutes)

Check that:

• you have included an appropriate opening salutation and matching closing salutation
• you have included your name after the closing salutation (full name for formal letters, first name for informal)
• your spelling is accurate
• your grammar is accurate
• your letter is easy to read and there is an overall progression
• you have used a range of grammar structures
• you have used a range of vocabulary