Writing Forms: The Advice Sheet

Methods in this video

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1. 1

   What an advice sheet looks like: title, talking to the reader, sections and points

   ▶ 0:51

   When to use it: The task says Write an advice sheet (one sheet for a group of people facing something new, who scan it for the tip they need); when you plan and start writing.

   • An advice sheet is made for scanning: a title at the top shows at a glance what it's about and who it's for.
   • The first sentence talks straight to the reader. No To or Subject, and no name signed at the end.
   • Split the body into sections, one thing in each, with a sub-heading on top. Choose the sections by following what the task asks for.
   • Inside each section, write points, one thing to do in each, starting with an action verb (an imperative).
2. 2

   Writing a good advice sheet: opening, sub-headings, ending

   ▶ 3:42

   When to use it: Your advice sheet already has the right shape and you want to go higher; or the report says the opening, ending or paragraphing could be better.

   • Start by saying hello, then welcome and congratulate them, so the reader knows straight away: this sheet is for me.
   • Sub-headings say what each section is about, not Firstly or Secondly.
   • Don't split it into too many sections: with too many, each one stays too short to develop.
   • The ending comes back to the opening, to round off the whole piece. Don't just stop after the last tip.
   • Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that says what it is about. Our advice: use sub-headings; if you write warm paragraphs like the full-marks sample, start each one with a topic sentence.
   • Keep one theme coming back: it returns again and again through the piece.
   • End so the reader is less worried and more excited.