Writing to Inform: Form, Tone, Register

Writing to Inform

Form

Form refers to the physical structure of the piece of writing. It could be a letter, article, speech, or report, among others.
Ensure that the form aligns with the task’s requirements, considering factors that characterise the given form including structure, format and language features.
Strive for clarity and conciseness — unnecessary complexities could divert the informative purpose.
Use paragraphs effectively to differentiate and highlight important points.

Tone

Tone represents the writer’s attitude towards their subject and audience. For informative pieces, it is usually formal, authoritative and knowledgeable.
The tone should align with the topic and target audience. If writing on a serious topic, use a serious, respectful tone. Mild, light-hearted or humorous topics can have a more informal tone.
Remain consistent in tone throughout your writing.
Remember always to remain respectful and unbiased, even when discussing polarising issues. This aids in establishing the credibility of your information.

Register

Register covers the level of formality in your writing. Select the appropriate register based on your audience and the context of your piece.
For formal register, adopt official or professional language. Avoid colloquial expressions, contractions or informal phrasing.
For an informal register, more conversational or relaxed language can be used. This might involve using contractions, idioms, or colloquialisms.
Irrespective of register, always ensure grammatical correctness and accurate spelling. Erroneous writing can undermine the informative aim and the writer’s credibility.
Like tone, maintain consistency in your register throughout the piece.

Consider these points while preparing for the transactional writing component. Keep practising and reviewing your work to improve your writing to inform skills.