5 A1 Words for Situational Writing
Did You Know?
Many words you use in Situational Writing are repeated words?
Whether you are writing a proposal or formal letter, there are some words you are likely to use over and over again.
Well, what would a smart student do about this?
The smart thing to do is to find better alternatives to these words and use them the next time you write!
Part of expanding your vocabulary bank is to acquire synonyms (words with similar meanings) to express yourself.
Using more precise words helps to enhance your writing.
1. Favourable Reply
Original
• I look forward to your positive reply.
Improved
• I look forward to your favourable reply.
• I hope you will look upon this proposal favourably.
2. Deliberate
You may be asked to choose one of out many options presented to you in Situational Writing.
How do you tell your reader that you have seriously thought about all the options before making a decision?
Original
• After thinking carefully, we have decided to hold the graduation night in the school hall.
Improved
• After careful deliberation, our committee has decided to hold the graduation night in the school hall.
• After deliberating where to hold the graduation night, our committee has decided that the ideal venue would be the school hall.
Deliberate: to think about or discuss something very carefully, especially before you make an important decision.
Source: Macmillan Dictionary
3. Disseminate
Often, you are required to give suggestions to improve a situation. A common way is to educate the masses, telling them a piece of new and useful information.
That means some form of message will need to be spread. What’s a better word for spread?
Original
• Putting up posters in the school canteen will help us spread the message of mutual respect.
Improved
• Putting up posters in the school canteen will help to disseminate the message of mutual respect.
• The message disseminated is clear: mutual respect is to be practised in our school.
Disseminate: to make something such as information or knowledge available to a lot of people.
Source: Macmillan Dictionary
4. Advocate
A second way to suggest a solution is to show what actions or ideas you support.
“Advocate” is a great word to use in this case.
Original
• Our environment club has always supported recycling, reducing and reusing.
Improved
• Our environment club has always advocated recycling, reducing and reusing.
• Our environment club advocates recycling, reducing and reusing.
Advocate: to publicly support a particular policy or way of doing things
Source: Macmillan Dictionary
5. Gratitude
And finally, which good student wouldn’t end the proposal or letter by expressing appreciation and thanks?
Instead of using “thank you”, here\’s what you can do instead.
Original
• I would like to thank you for the opportunity to suggest the best method to foster stronger bonds between students in each class.
Improved
• I would like to extend my gratitude for the opportunity to suggest the best method to foster stronger bonds between students in each class.
