Writing For Clarity And Usability
- These text types test whether you can write for function.
- They are not about long paragraphs but about structure, precision, and clear communication.
- Examiners will check if the format looks authentic and easy to follow.
Questionnaires
Definition
Questionnaire
A set of structured questions designed to gather information or opinions.
- Purpose, Audience & Register
- Purpose: Collect opinions or data on a specific topic.
- Audience: Targeted group (students, parents, public).
- Register: Neutral, concise, polite.
- Layout & Conventions
- Clear title: e.g., “Student Study Habits Questionnaire”.
- Numbered or bulleted questions so it’s easy to follow.
- Logical order: group questions by theme (study habits, wellbeing, extracurriculars).
- Space for answers (for open questions).
Key Features
- Tone: Neutral and polite.
- Vocabulary: Direct questions (“How often…?”, “To what extent…?”), options clearly labelled.
- It’s easy to underestimate how hard it is to design a questionnaire.
- Many students think it’s just “writing down some questions,” but examiners look for whether the questions are clear, purposeful, and exacting.
How to Write a Questionnaire
- Begin with purpose: add a one-line intro so respondents know why they’re answering.
- Example: “We are collecting information to improve study support at school.”
- Keep it short: aim for 5–8 questions, otherwise people lose focus.
- Balance question types:
- Closed questions (yes/no, multiple choice) → give measurable data.
- Open questions → allow opinions or detail.
- Make questions exact: avoid vague wording.
- Good questionnaires do X, not Y:
- Do focus on one topic clearly, not jump between unrelated ideas.
- Good: “How many hours per week do you spend on homework?”
- Bad: “Do you like homework and sports?”
- Do measure behaviour or opinion precisely, not vaguely.
- Good: “How often do you use public transport to get to school?”
- Bad: “Do you use public transport?”
- Do use scales for attitudes, not simple yes/no.
- Good: “To what extent do you agree: ‘Our school provides enough mental health support’?” (1–5 scale).
- Bad: “Does our school support mental health?”
- Do use neutral wording, not leading or biased.
- Good: “How would you rate the cafeteria food quality?”
- Bad: “Why is the cafeteria food so bad?”
- Do focus on one topic clearly, not jump between unrelated ideas.
Surveys
Definition
Survey
A text reporting results of questionnaires or research, often with recommendations.
- Purpose, Audience & Register
- Purpose: Collect, summarise, and present findings from a questionnaire or data collection.
- Audience: School community, organisations, decision-makers.
- Register: Formal, factual.
- Layout & Conventions
- Title that makes the topic clear.
