MODULE 3 Ariel D. Tibor jr.

Humss 11 St-isidore
MODULE 3 | WRITING
FOR DIFFERENT CONTEXTS 
OBJECTIVES: 
∙ Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing texts that are useful
across  disciplines and professional correspondence; and, 
∙ Produce a type of academic writing and professional correspondence following
the  properties of well-written texts and process approach to writing. 
OVERVIEW 
You must learn the different types of professional and academic writing in order
for you to  deliver cohesive and comprehensive analysis of a given topic. Many of these
are common  requirements in a student’s academic life, going well into collegiate life.
Knowing the proper format  and approach to writing an academic paper makes the
research and presentation of the overall  information for this paper will also help you
with your continuing academic life when it comes to  research, analysis, and noting
sources. 
TYPES OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC WRITING 
It is necessary for a beginning writer to learn the different types of academic and 
professional writing. This includes book review or article critique, literature review,
research report,  project proposal, and position paper. 
1. Book Review or Article Critique. As the name suggests, it aims to cover the
reaction or  criticisms of a reader with his regards to a book or an article that he
read. This form of  academic paper aims to check your reading comprehension of
the book or the article itself.  It also seeks your point of view in the content and how
much of it you understood. 

The book review’s format or layout may vary. In many cases, the book review is
an essay  detailing the reader’s opinion of the piece. You must be able to show
your comprehension  of the piece in its entirety, as well as formally present your
opinion about it. 

2. Literature Review. Unlike a book critique, literature review is a published material

by  accredited scholars and researchers regarding a certain topic of interest. This
means you  have to review scholarly articles, books, journals, magazines, and other
sources (such as  conference proceedings, dissertations, and thesis papers, among
others) that are relevant  to your research or particular assignment.  

After identifying these sources, you are to provide a description, summary, and
critical  evaluation of each work in relation to its stance on your paper. This then
provides an  overview of pertinent published literature that correlates to your
topic. 
3. Research Report. A research report is a standard form of paper that is requested in
the  academe. It requires the student to come up with a single major topic, and to
research or  experiment on it while documenting every process and method used. A
comprehensive  analysis of the findings before finally coming up with a conclusion
needs to be done.
The purpose of a research paper is to display your ability to solve problems
through  research or experimentation. Your analytical skills are also tested in this
report as you must  go through numerous credited sources to find the data
pertinent to your research before  presenting this information along with the rest
of your documentation. 

The aim of the report is to answer a primary thesis question stated at the
beginning. It is  then followed by the body of the research paper, which includes
an abstract where several  pertinent points about the thesis question must be
answered. This mandates how far the  research must go and what questions it
must answer by the time it reaches its conclusion. 

4. Project Proposal. A project proposal is an academic paper that proposes a

particular  experiment, project, or research topic for methodology. Every experiment
or thesis begins  with a proposal that needs to be considered by the teacher or
professor before the student  can be allowed to proceed. Even in a student
environment, a project proposal is necessary  for clubs and student government
members to learn as all projects must be signed by the  principal for allocations or
authorization. 

In real-life applications, project proposals are often done in business. It happens

when  proposing new projects such as an infrastructure, new branches to
franchise, and other large scale endeavors that need the signature of a superior
for the allocation of a budget. 

It is imperative for students who will be entering the professional world after your
studies,  to learn how to make a project proposal as it allows you to present your
project ideas in  the most comprehensive and persuasive manner possible. 

5. Position Paper. A position paper is described as a formal paper which depicts a

student’s  viewpoint on a particular topic of discussion. This could be prepared in
anticipation of a  debate or a mock court procedure which teaches you how to
present a case and argue  about it. This is also an effective tool which allows you to
understand and solidify your stand  on real life scenarios and issues, such as
political positions and affiliations. 

This type of paper will organize and outline the issue, as seen from your
viewpoint. In formal  writing, it informs others within the group or the committee of
your position on the topic, and  can be a starting platform to resolve larger and
more complicated topics. 
 The emphasis here is placed on delivering unique solutions to an issue or a
problem, not  without bias as this is meant to persuade. The discussion
presented within the paper must  present borderlines on the issue, which sides
are where, and what they intend to do. Then  the writer can clarify why this
particular solution above the others may be the most beneficial  to all. 

The paper must also establish the credibility of the person writing it, and the
position he has  chosen. It must demonstrate a complete awareness and
situational knowledge of the issue,  along with evidence of how strongly one feels
about it.
A position paper will also keep the writer’s position clear and help the students
maintain this  position throughout the discussion and debate. 

COMPOSING PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE 

After high school graduation, where will you go? For some, this would mean the
end of fun  for them because they might opt to enter the world of employment at an
early age. Employment  demands mental ability and exceptional communication skills.
Some high school graduates would  even take shorter vocational training courses as a
stepping stone before engaging in white collar  jobs. Whatever the case may be, writing
correspondence is part of any kind of profession and you  must be well versed on its
components to guide you through. 
STANDARD PARTS OF A LETTER 
1. Heading. It should contain the return address, usually written on two or three lines,
followed  with the date on the last line. This part may be optional in case a
letterhead is available.  Avoid writing abbreviation. Spell out the words like street,
avenue, or boulevard. After the  return address, an optional line for the phone
number, cell phone number, fax number, and  email address may be included. A
space is required before the date line. Always include a  line for the date, but if a
letterhead is used, the date alone will suffice. Example of the date  format: June 1,
2011. 

2. Recipient’s address. The next part of the cover letter is where you want to send
your letter  to. This includes the name of the recipient. Leave enough space for the
recipient’s address  before salutation. 

3. Salutation. This is a greeting that usually begins with the word Dear, followed by the
name  and title of the addressee. Use the last name of the person after the word
Dear, such as in  Dear Mr. Cruz or Dear Ms. Aquino. If you are on quite familiar
terms with your recipient, you  may address him by his first name, such as in Dear
Angela. If the gender of the person is  unknown or unclear to you, you may address
him by his title or position in the company, such  as Dear Hiring Manager or Dear
Sir/Madam. Leave space before the body of the letter. 
4. Body. The body of the letter contains the main text or message written. You may
begin your  letter with a short introduction, then you may follow it up with the full
message. After this,  you may provide other details in your letter. Finally, thank the
recipient and ask for some  kind of action to be taken. Put a space before the closing
line. The parts of a letter remain  the same, but its body differs depending on its
purpose. 

5. Complimentary close. Leave a space before writing the words Sincerely, Regards,
and  Yours, among others, then end it with a comma. 

6. Signature line. Skip two to four spaces before typing in your full name, including
your  middle initial, and follow it with a title. For example, Jane de la Cruz, MA, Ed.
The title is  optional though. Affix your signature in blue or black ink directly above
the signature line.  This line is always aligned with the heading.
7. Enclosures. This part may be optional. But if there will be any document included, it
should  be indicated under this title and written as Enclosures. Should there be more
than one of it,  indicate the name of each document to be included. 

APPLICATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION 

The following are some tips you can take into consideration if you want to have
greater  chances in getting admitted into college: 
∙ Make a list of your prospective colleges and universities. By now, you should already
have  your choices of specific colleges or universities you would like to go to. If not,
you may search  on the internet for listings. 
∙ Read thoroughly the syllabus and brochures provided by your chosen colleges or
universities  in order to know the variety of courses they offer. You should have at
least three courses  you intend to take if you qualify. List them in the order of
priority. 
∙ Reach or exceed the GPA or grade point average required by the school you are
aiming  to enroll in in college and the particular course you want to take. 
∙ Prepare a letter of recommendation from your adviser or principal in the high school
where  you graduated from, which may be asked of you during college application. It
may also  come in the form of a certification for Good Morals and Right Conduct. 
∙ You must complete and submit all application forms needed for your application.
Download  these forms or you may get it directly from the school. However, most
forms are for a fee  as it already includes payment for the entrance exam as well. 
∙ You must pass the entrance exam or admission test required by the school or
university first  in order to be accepted. 
∙ Be ready for essay type tests, which are sometimes given as part of the admission 
requirements. Your vocabulary and grammar skills will be challenged. Even your
reasoning  skills can become the basis for your acceptance in college. 
∙ Expect and prepare for interviews, which may also be a part of the admission
requirements.  Upon interview, the data you have given on your application form,
 including the consistencies  or inconsistencies on your given records, will be
checked. 
∙ There is a possibility that you will be asked to submit a written application letter for the 
school to check on your communication skills so be prepared. 
∙ A curriculum vitae (CV) is required in some courses or colleges. Incoming students
are  required by graduate schools to submit a CV show their educational history,
training, and  practice. 
∙ Write a letter of intent which narrates some background pertinent to your application.
It  usually comes with your CV.
LETTER OF INTENT 
Just like in any formal letter, the letter of intent needs to be written following the
formal  rules of writing. Unlike writing a personal letter, the letter of intent should be
written with tact and  courtesy. In formal writing, it is necessary that you follow a given
format. The main difference of  this letter with other forms of letter is its message. When
writing a letter of intent, your main goal  is to express your intention for dealing with a
particular organization or institution. This kind of letter  is usually used when writing a
letter for college application. 
Here are some important points that you may include in your letter of intent. 
∙ Note the goals and directions that you would like to take. 
∙ Indicate why you belong in your prospective school according to their mission and
vision. ∙ Include strong evidences or proof of your diligence and hard work in school.
Mention your  academic achievements. 
∙ Mention your interests and advocacies, as well as your extracurricular and community 
activities to show your participation in good causes. 
To know how to make a letter of intent for college admission further, see the
following  sample. 

Barangay Capinahan 
Bais City, Negros Oriental 6206 
09091818222 

January 7, 2016 

(Name of Dean) 
Conservatory of Music 
University of Sto. Thomas 
Sampaloc, Manila 1015 

Dear Sir/Madam: 
 After doing research on a degree in Music, I am writing to inform you of my
interest to join  your university’s Conservatory of Music. I am submitting my application
with the necessary documents  required. 
As a working student, I had four hours every day of manning the library so as to
have  additional resources and access to all the musical files in the library. I also lead a
group of choir  members from other colleges when they joined the Music Fest where we
won first place in the Grand  Finals. In our community, I serve at the church as a
member of the choir. 
Pursuing graduate studies in Music is my lifelong dream. Someday, I would like
to be able  to teach Music in college but for the meantime, I would like to pursue
graduate studies in your  university. Attached in this letter is my application form, as well
as my transcript of records, essay,  video of my work, and letter of recommendation
from my school. I appreciate your time and hope  to hear a positive response from you
soon.
Sincerely, 

Teresa Magbanua 
Teresa Magbanua 
0909-1818222 
tmagbanua@gmail.com 

Enclosures (5): 
1. Application form 
2. Transcript of record 
3. Essay 
4. Video 
5. Letter of recommendation 

STANDARD FORMATS FOR WRITING A LETTER 

There are six standard formats for writing a letter – the block style, modified block
style,  semi-block style, modified semi-block, open, and standard style. Among the six
styles, only the first  two formats are commonly used. 
BLOCK STYLE 
In block style, all the sections of the letter begin on the left margin or are left
justified, and  has a single space, except in between parts and paragraphs. This is the
most common of all the  styles. 
The following is a sample letter of intent in block style. 

123 Sampaguita Street 

Mango Subdivision 
Calamba City 4207 
Telephone/Cell phone: 
Fax: 
Email: 
February 5, 2004 

Mr. Arnold Tan 

Dean 
College of Medicine 
San Carlos University 
Lower Hills, Los Baños 4030 

Dear Mr. Tan: 

(BODY)
Sincerely, 

Arlene Saints 
Arlene Saints 
arlene.st@yahoo.com 
09876543210 

MODIFIED BLOCK STYLE 

This style is as popular as the block style, but the difference is it has the author’s
address,  date of writing, and closing, in the center point of the page line. 
The following is a sample letter of intent in modified block style. 

123 Sampaguita Street 

Mango Subdivision 
Calamba City 4207 

February 5, 2004 

Mr. Arnold Tan 

Dean 
College of Medicine 
San Carlos University 
Lower Hills, Los Baños 4030 

Dear Mr. Tan: 

(BODY paragraph 1) 

 Sincerely, 

Arlene Saints 
Arlene Saints, M.A. Language 
arlene.st@yahoo.com 
09876543210
DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO SUBMIT DURING JOB APPLICATION 
RÉSUMÉ 
The word résumé is of French origin meaning “summary.” A résumé is a brief
summary of  your skills, and your academic and work background. It is usually a one-
page paper that is given  to a prospective employer. The résumé is a tool that
employers require to help them choose who  they should hire for a vacancy in their
company. There are certain skills and abilities required for  a particular applicant to be
accepted. You need to find that balance of what an employer wants  and what position
you want for yourself. 
The following is a sample résumé. 

Jane I. de la Cruz 
700 Kalye del Sur, Zamboanga City 7000 
09091212333 • jdlacruz@yahoo.com 

Objective 
To be able to work at the most prestigious financial institution 

Education 
B.S. Math March 2014 Major in Actuary 
Diliman University 

Work Experience 
Land Bank of the Philippines – Dumaguete Branch 1st Semester 2013 – 2014
Apprentice 

Math Tutor for High School 2010 – 2014 

Parts of a Résumé 
In order for you to make a proper résumé, it is important that you familiarize
yourself first  with its parts. The parts of a résumé are the following: 
1. Heading. This includes the name, address zip code, mobile phone, telephone
number, and  email address. 
2. Objective. This is where you will mention what you are trying to accomplish in your
career  life. If you are aiming for a particular position in the company, you may add
your formal  objective statement particularly referring to the job opening. 
3. Work history. This section should include your work experiences for which you were
paid.  Include both full time and part time jobs, internships, and even projects for
which you have 
been a part of. It has to be structured carefully, with your most recent work
experience on  the top of the list. 
4. Educational background. This section of the résumé tells an employer if you meet
the  educational requirements for a certain position. Include here your school or
university name,  location, awards, achievements, prominent positions held while
earning a degree, and  certifications. List them in chronological order. 
5. Skills, talents, and abilities. This part shows one’s abilities or special knowledge
about  something that would be essential for the job you are applying for. 
6. Interests, hobbies, and advocacies. This section is where the applicant states what
he does  during his spare time, what hobbies he engages in, what his affiliations are,
and his  participations in social and community activities. 
7. Other relevant data. This indicates if one had any professional training in other
areas of  specialty. 

CURRICULUM VITAE 
Curriculum vitae is of Latin origin, meaning “course of (one’s) life.” In comparison
to a résumé,  it is a more comprehensive document detailing one’s educational
background, work history,  researches done, honors and awards received, and any
personal data pertinent to previous work.  This may also be used for job applications,
internship and training programs, apprenticeships, and  academic program applications.
The CV, as it is sometimes called nowadays, should have a photo  and some personal
information too. It is longer than a résumé but it should not be longer than two  pages. 
The résumé and the curriculum vitae are usually created using Microsoft Word,
where you  can edit and format the document according to your desired presentation.
The same software can  be used in making the accompanying documents such as
cover letter. All documents pertinent to your  job application can be sent out to a
prospective employer via email. 

COVER LETTER 
What accompanies a résumé? The cover letter is another document that can
highlight one’s  strengths and abilities further. It provides added emphasis and seals
good points about you as an  applicant. To an employer, a cover letter is a device to
shortlist candidates for the position. 
 A cover letter is just a one-page attachment to either résumé or curriculum vitae.
It addresses  the employer’s requirements and explains how fit you are for the job you
are applying for. The  cover letter must always be tailor fit for the company you are
applying for. 
Before composing the cover letter, ask these two prerequisite questions so you
can prepare  your cover letter accordingly: 
∙ What is the purpose of the writer of the letter? 
∙ Who is/are the intended audience or reader of the letter?
Like in other types of letters such as the letter of intent, the cover letter also has
six parts.  But again, the difference lies in the body or the message of each. For a cover
letter, here are  suggestions on what to include in the body: 
∙ Its first paragraph should contain the introduction. It should say where or how you
found out  about the job opening. Mention any referrals. This should grab the
attention of your  employer. You may give details about the company that sparked
your interest. As an added  note, you may present your core competencies that
encourage you to apply for that certain  position you are aiming for. 
∙ The second paragraph should contain the detailed support evidence why you are
qualified  to apply for that certain job in the company. This is the part where you
need to hook your  reader. This serves as your brief pitch so you may include
proposals or project you have  been involved in. You may cite improvements,
achievements, and events that transpired in  your life recently. Make your cover
letter strong and assertive.  
∙ The third paragraph of the cover letter should show your knowledge about the
company  you are applying to. At the last part of your cover letter, a short summary
of your skills and  abilities, and explanation of how you can be an asset to the
company should also be  present. In place of the Objective part of the résumé, you
may provide an impressive  summary of your background instead, for the employer’s
perusal. Indicate in your letter the  possible ways on how and where they can reach
you. 
In addition, observe proper etiquette when sending emails by using formal and
tactful  language. 
The following is a sample cover letter. 

 Belle Padilla 
 Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City, 1111 

Mr. Corpuz 
Bonifacio Global City 
Taguig 1630 

Dear Mr. Corpuz, 

 My name is Belle Padilla and I have recently graduated from Philippine Normal
University.  Through your job posting, I came to know that you have a vacancy in your
company. I am writing  to you to express my desire to apply for the managerial position.
I believe I would be a great fit  for your company as I have the necessary skills you are
looking for. 
Attached with this email are my CV and my transcript of records for your perusal.
Looking  forward to your positive response. 
Thank you very much and have a good day. 

Regards,
Belle Padilla 
Belle Padilla 
237-06-82 
belle_padilla@yahoo.com 

BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE 
Business correspondence is the exchange of information within an organization
or within  different organizations. A correspondent may use any medium in sending a
business letter such as  through postal mail, email, fax, or even by personal delivery.
What is important is that the content,  message, or information that the writer wishes to
convey comes across to its recipient. 
There are various types of business correspondence and they differ from one
another,  depending on the content and the writer’s purpose. The major types of
business correspondence  are business letters, emails, fax messages, and office
memorandums. 

∙ Business letters. They usually take the written form. As they are of formal
correspondence,  writing business letters requires good form and etiquette. The
language and the tone used  must complement with the company or organization’s
needs. Usually, this letter is sent through  the post. One can also correspond
through the use of the fax machine. This machine with a  built-in telephone is used
to send and receive a copy of a letter. 

Business letters also take the form of email. A business letter in email form is still
considered  formal correspondence, but a bit lesser in formality. Just like in
formal writing, the email has  its set format as well. Courteous expressions and
proper use of language should be  observed when writing emails. 

∙ Memorandum. A memorandum, or memo for short, is one of the most useful and
common  interoffice correspondence between employees or related offices. It is
written to make  announcements and to inform people about ideas, decisions,
requests, and certain actions.  These memos can be coming from the higher officials
 of a company or it can be a lateral  communication between co-workers. Memos are
usually printed and placed on bulletin  boards for everyone to see and take note of. 
The following is a sample of a memo. 

To: All Concerned 

From: Mr. Ariel Cornejo 
Subject: Assignment of Articles 
Date: April 13, 2016 

ARTICLES FOR THE HILLSIDE MURMUR ARE DUE NOVEMBER 30.

PLEASE SEE FREDERIC  FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
ACTIVITY  
A. True or False. Write True if the statement is correct and False if otherwise.
TRUE 1. Heading is the part of a letter that should contain return address, with the
option  of including the date, contact numbers, and email address. 

TRUE 2. It is fine for high school students to not think of their future career yet because
they  are still young. 

TRUE 3. The body of the letter contains the main text or message written. 

FALSE 4. The word résumé is a French word which means “to continue.” 

TRUE 5. Business correspondence or within different organizations. 

B. Fill in the Blanks. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer. 
1. A RESUME is a brief summary of your skills, and your academic and work
background.
2. A COMMA is used after every salutation. 
3. The PREFIX is affixed on top of the full name. 

4. BLOCK FORMAT style has all the parts left justified. 

5. The message of the letter is expounded in the LETTER  

6. The block style has all the text beginning on the LEFT MARGIN OR IN THE LEFT
LEFT- JUSTIFIED.
 7. The colon is placed in the FOLLOWING THE NAME OF THE RECIPIENT IN THE
SALUTATION of the letter. 

8. We use the software WORD PROCESSING to create a correspondence. 

9. In writing conventions, the formal closing is followed by a ENDING

10. MEMO is written to make announcements, and to inform people about certain
actions. 

C. Writing Activity. Apply what you have learned in this module.

Prepare the following   professional correspondence. Make sure that
you proofread first before submitting it. 

1. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae 

2. Cover Letter 
3. Business letter to a supplier of office tools. Ask for the available
supplies and the price list  of each. Inquire about the details of their delivery
services to a particular destination. Ask  about their mode of payment.

RESUME
⮚ It details your skills and training, work experience, and education, and,
most importantly, the accomplishments you have made with past
employers. 

⮚ Your CV is the first chance you get to make a good impression on a

potential employer. A top-quality CV will considerably boost your
chance of getting a face-to-face interview, so it is worth spending time
and effort on the content and presentation. It will make all the difference
in obtaining the position you want.

⮚ The "skills" section of a resume is the most important, according to

many employers. A candidate that lacks experience should still have the
necessary skills, showing a potential for growth. A variety of skills is
also important to indicate that a candidate has a number of interests.

COVER LETTER

⮚ The cover letter gives you the opportunity to elaborate on your story

before getting the chance to interview with the hiring manager. While
you get the chance to exhibit your qualifications for the job and explain
 what makes you a good fit, an employer gets to know more about your
current situation.

⮚ A cover letter is an important way to showcase how your unique

combination of skills and experience meet the key requirements of the
job description. It is your chance to show a clear link between your
knowledge, experience and abilities and the needs of the employer.
Business letter to a supplier of office tools. Ask for the available
supplies and the price list  of each. Inquire about the details of their
delivery services to a particular destination. Ask  about their mode of
payment.

Montalban , Rizal
Rodriguez Rizal 1860

09100722373

5/1/21

Dear Mr. Montefalco

I am writing to ask you to consider an addition to your marketing

team. Your organization has been in the news as a leader in the industry. I
am an innovator of new ideas, an excellent communicator with buyers, and
have a demonstrated history of marketing success. I believe I would be a
good fit in your organization.

Currently, I market computer products for a major supplier using

television, radio and news advertising. I have a reputation for seeing
every project through to success.

Enclosed is my resume for your review and consideration. EFTG Industries

has a reputation for excellence. I would like to use my talents to market
your quality line of technical products. I will call you to further discuss your
needs and how I could benefit your company. If you prefer, you may reach
me in the evenings at (555) 555-5555.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely, Ariel D. Tibor Jr.

(Your Signature in blue or black ink)
Ariel D. Tibor Jr. ,Enclosure