This unit focuses on developing students’ ability to write accurately and effectively. Writing in English involves micro skills (mechanics like punctuation and spelling) and macro skills (organization, coherence, and genre awareness). Success in GTLE depends on mastering both.

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MODULE 3.1: MICRO WRITING SKILLS (MECHANICS)

Topics & Explanations:

1. Punctuation Marks and Usage

   • Full stop (.): Ends declarative sentences.

     • Example: The teacher explained the lesson clearly.

   • Comma (,): Separates items in a list, clauses, or phrases.

     • Example: I bought pens, pencils, and notebooks.

   • Question mark (?): Ends interrogative sentences.

     • Example: What time does the school start?

   • Exclamation mark (!): Shows strong emotion or command.

     • Example: Watch out!

   • Colon (:): Introduces lists or explanations.

     • Example: The items needed are: pen, notebook, and ruler.

   • Semicolon (;): Joins closely related independent clauses.

     • Example: I love reading; my sister prefers writing.

   • Quotation marks (“ ”): Used for direct speech or quotations.

     • Example: The teacher said, “Submit your assignments on time.”

2. Capitalization Rules

   • Capitalize the first word in a sentence.

   • Capitalize proper nouns: names, places, organizations.

     • Example: Accra, Ghana, United Nations

   • Capitalize titles when used before a name.

     • Example: President Akufo-Addo

   • Capitalize days, months, and holidays.

     • Example: Monday, January, Christmas

3. Spelling

   • Common spelling rules:

     • i before e except after c: believe, receive

     • Pluralization rules: city → cities, knife → knives

     • Doubling consonants in short vowels: run → running

   • Strategies: sound out words, learn common exceptions, memorize frequently misspelled words.

4. Homonyms and Commonly Confused Words

   • Homonyms: Words that sound alike but have different meanings.

     • Example: write (to compose) vs right (correct)

   • Commonly confused words:

     • affect vs effect, their vs there, your vs you’re

   • Strategy: Use context to choose the correct word.

Learning Outcomes:

• Use punctuation correctly in sentences and paragraphs

• Apply capitalization rules accurately

• Distinguish between homonyms and correctly confused words

GTLE Exam Focus:

• Error identification questions (spot incorrect punctuation, capitalization, spelling)

• Grammar and mechanics multiple-choice questions

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MODULE 3.2: MACRO WRITING SKILLS (ORGANIZATION)

Topics & Explanations:

1. Structure of a Paragraph

   • Topic sentence: Introduces main idea

   • Supporting sentences: Provide details/examples

   • Concluding sentence: Summarizes or restates idea

   Example:
   Topic: Benefits of Reading

   • Topic sentence: Reading improves knowledge and vocabulary.

   • Supporting: It helps students learn new words and understand different perspectives.

   • Concluding: Thus, reading is essential for personal and academic growth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

   • Coherence: Logical flow of ideas

     • Ensure ideas are clear and connected

   • Cohesion: Linking sentences using connectors

     • Examples: however, therefore, in addition, moreover

     • Example: I love studying languages. Moreover, it improves communication skills.

3. Unity and Completeness

   • Unity: Every sentence supports the main idea

   • Completeness: Paragraph fully develops the idea

4. Logical Order of Sentences

   • Arrange sentences to make sense:

     • Chronological: First, I woke up. Then I had breakfast.

     • Cause-effect: It rained. Consequently, the match was postponed.

5. Use of Transitions

   • Words and phrases that guide the reader

   • Examples: firstly, next, however, therefore, finally

Learning Outcomes:

• Organize ideas logically in a paragraph or essay

• Develop paragraphs with appropriate support

• Maintain coherence and cohesion in writing

GTLE Exam Focus:

• Sentence ordering questions

• Paragraph analysis

• Coherence and cohesion exercises

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MODULE 3.3: WRITING GENRES AND DISCOURSE TYPES

Topics & Explanations:

1. Argumentative Essay

   • Presents a claim, supports with evidence, and counters opposing views

   • Structure: Introduction → Body → Conclusion

   • Example topic: Should schools ban mobile phones?

2. Descriptive Essay

   • Describes a person, place, or object in detail

   • Uses sensory details: sight, smell, sound, taste, touch

   • Example: Describe your favorite teacher

3. Formal and Informal Letters

   • Formal: business, complaint, application

     • Example: Application for Teaching Position

   • Informal: friends or family

     • Example: Letter to a friend about vacation

4. Minutes Writing

   • Records proceedings of meetings

   • Includes date, time, attendees, discussion, decisions

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Personal information, education, work experience, skills

6. Speeches

   • Purpose: inform, persuade, motivate

   • Must have opening, main points, and closing

7. Reports

   • Factual, structured documents

   • Sections: Introduction, Method, Findings, Conclusion

Learning Outcomes:

• Compose different types of texts

• Analyze the features and conventions of each type

• Use appropriate tone and style (register)

GTLE Exam Focus:

• Essay writing

• Identifying genre and discourse type

• Applying correct register and style

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MODULE 3.4: LANGUAGE USE AND REGISTER

Topics & Explanations:

1. Formal vs Informal Language

   • Formal: polite, professional, avoids slang

   • Informal: conversational, may include idioms/slang

2. Audience and Purpose

   • Adjust language based on readers or listeners

   • Example: CV → formal, text to friend → informal

3. Appropriate Language Selection

   • Choose words, tone, and sentence structure to match context

Learning Outcomes:

• Determine correct language use for context

• Apply suitable register in writing

GTLE Exam Focus:

• Context-based language use questions

• Identify inappropriate language in texts

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Practical GTLE Tips for Writing Section:

1. Always plan before you write: outline topic, main points, and conclusion.

2. For essays: 1 paragraph = 5–7 sentences, 3–5 paragraphs per essay.

3. Use connectors to ensure cohesion.

4. Revise for punctuation, spelling, and capitalization errors.

5. Practice all genres: argumentative, descriptive, letters, minutes, CVs, speeches, and reports.

6. Pay attention to audience and purpose in GTLE prompts.

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