Basic Structure¶

Every piece of (business) writing must have basic structure. This goes for small texts, such as formal e-mails as well as for longer documents like reports.

• Introduction : Always start with an introduction, which offers information on the why/who/what/when/how of the document.
• Body : Then write a body which contains the details necessary for the purpose of writing.
• Conclusion: Finalise the piece with a conclusion. A conclusion can summarise or infer the information given in the body. The conclusion should not contain new information.

Paragraphs¶

The basic parts are divided into paragraphs. A paragraph is a series of sentences. The first sentence in a paragraph starts on a new line, sometimes slightly to the right.

Separating paragraphs¶

Paragraphs are separated by a blank line. It is best to start a new paragraph every time you mention a new topic or argument or a new advantage or disadvantage. As a rule of thumb, you discuss one topic per paragraph.

Building up a paragraph¶

Every paragraph has a topic sentence (Du: kernzin). You can write this sentence in several places of the paragraph supplemented by information and / or examples.

• topic sentence
• body (details)

or

• body (details)
• topic sentence

or

• body (details)
• topic sentence
• body (details)

How does this work?¶

In the article below, it is discussed how people can get a better job. The Body has been divided into three paragraphs.

Part	Text
Introduction	Finding a job is an important priority in many people’s lives in order to secure an income. As the field of of job application has changed considerably over the years, it is vital to know which actions are the most likely to lead to success today. This text will discuss three steps that people can take when they are looking or a job.
Body Paragraph 1	The first step that people can take to get a better job is to write a good curriculum vitae. (topic sentence). To most companies, a good curriculum vitae means high graduation grades, proof of independence (e.g. experience abroad), and some working experience in the field. (body)
Body Paragraph 2	Secondly, social and professional network sites, such as LinkedIn, provide the majority of vacancies, these days. Moreover, sixty percent of companies expect people to send out open application forms. (body) It is, therefore, absolutely vital that people become actively involved on network sites in order to secure a better job. (topic sentence)
Body Paragraph 3	Even though the trend of job interview training in the nineties led people to mostly rely on first impressions, companies require some proof of experience these days. (body) Therefore, the third and most important step in acquiring a job is to create a professional portfolio. (topic sentence) Such a portfolio should contain proof of professional, communicative, and language skills. Additionally, people can offer proof of their experience by including projects and other responsibilities. (body)
Conclusion	To summarise, changes in job application practices require people who are looking for a job to adopt new techniques of promoting their professional experience. Although CVs have always been vital in job application, today’s CV must show a more competitive candidate than before. In addition, online networking site, such as Linked are important tools in the job hunt. Finally, a portfolio offers proof of professional ability and will further any candidates chances on landing the desired job.