UNIT 3formal Leiters

1!!1 1 a) Read the questions below, then listen to the beginnings and endings of
three letters and tick the correct box for each letter.

1 Why has the letter been written? Letter 1 letter 2 leiter 3

A to apply for a job . D D D
B to ask for information . D D D
C to make a complaint . D D D
b) Listen again and tick the correct boxes fo r each letter.

2 How does the letter begin? Le tter I Letter 2 Letter 3

A Dear Advertiser . D D D
B Dear Sir/Madam . D D D
C Dear Mr Will iams . D D D
3 Which of the followi ng expressions have been used
in the opening/closing remarks?
A With reference to your advertisement ... D D D
R I am writing to apply for the position .0 . D D D
C I amwriting to express my dissatisfaction ... D D D
D I look forward to hearing from you ... D D D
E I must insist on a full refund ... D D D
F Thank you in advance ... D D D
4 Howdoes the letter end?
A Yours faithfully . D D D
B Lots of love . D D D
C Yours sincerely . D D D Introduction
• ••••••••••••••••
Paragraph 1

Forrnal letters are normally sentto peoplein an official position or people you don't opening remarks!
know welt (e.g. Director of Studies, Personnel Manager, etc). They are written in a reosoorst for w riting
formal style with a polite, impersonal tone.
• You can write a formal letter to apply for a job/course, make a complaint, give/
Main Body
•••••••••••••••••
request official information, etc.
Paragraphs 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 •
• Aformalletter should consist of:
a) a format greeting (e.g. Dear Sir/Madam· when you do not know the person's development of subject(sJ
name; Dear Ms Green · when you know the person's name);
b) an introduction in which you write your opening remarks and mention your Conclusion
reason(s) for writing e.g. / amwriting to apply for the position of ...J;
•••••••••••••••••
c) a main body inwhich you write about the main subject(s) of the letter in detail, Final Paragraph
starting a new paragraph foreach topic;
closing remarks
d) a conclusion in which you writeyour closing remarks
e.g. / Iook forward to hearing from you assoon aspossible ... ; • The number of main body
e) a formal ending (Yours faithfully - when you do not know the person 's name; paragraphs may vary,
Yourssincerely · when you know the person 's name; + your full name). depending on the rubric.

26
 Unil 3 lormollellelS

r LEIIERSOFAPPlICA1lON
When you write a letter applying for a job or a course, you should include
the following information:
A ~ -' ~

Yours foitlifully,
A) in the opening remarks/reasonts) for writing steven Davies
• the name of the job/course, where and when you saw ~ advertised.
e.g. ... the posmon of manager advertised inyesterday's Herald.
B) in themain body paragraphs (paras 2-3-4) B Dear Headteacher, ..... _
• age, present job and/or studies (e.g. / am a nineteen-year-old university
student )
• qualifications (e.g.I have a SA in French.) Kind regards,
• experience (e.g. 1have been working asa waiter tor the fast two yeaIS.) Steve
• skills and personal qualities thai are suitable for thejob/course
e.g. I am a goodandcareful driver. I consider myself to be mature and
responsible.
C) in the closing remarks
• any otherimportant information (Le. when you are available forinterview,
Yours sincerely,
where and when you can be contacted, references you can send, a
remark that you hope your application will be considered, etc) steven Davies
e.g. I will be available for fnterview in September.
I enclose references from myfast two employers. 6 Which of thefollowing points should
I/ook Iorward to _ng from you. you include in your letter? Tick (I)
You usually use:
the present simpleto describeskills/personal qualities
A your favourite subjects at 0
e.g. f am a patient andreliabfe person. school
the past simpleto talk about past experiences B your qualifications 0
e.g. I left schoof in 1994. f worlced for General Motors forfour years. C your present and previous 0
the present perfect to talk about recentwork/studies jobs
e.g. I have been working 10, L1YlJ lor two yeaJS . D a description ofyour 0
I haverecently finished secondaIy school.
appearance
E your personal qualities 0
2 Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer the F your plans for the summer 0
questions.
7 What do you thinkthe successful
You saw this advertisement in a local newspaper and have decided candidate should be?
to apply for the job.._ --J:==r :::iii A patient D artistic
~. George's Primary School is looking for a B enthusiastic E hard-working
~ng energetic and experienced schoolteac.her C athletic F fair
'D join'usinSeptember. Must be agood orqaoser 8 What experience would someone
md keen on sports. . need fo r this kind of job?
:,easeapplyinwrtting toMrs ~unter, giving detaIls
A experience with children
c( qualifications, skills and prevIous expenence ~nd
saying why you think you are suitable for theJob. B experience in public relations
Closingdate 12th May. 9 What qualifications would someone
need to apply for this job?
Write your letter of application . Do not write any addresses. A a driving licence
B a BA in Education
1 Who isgoing to readyour letter? 4 Why arc you writing this letter? C a degree in Media Studies
, Do you know this person at all? 5 How should you begin and end D a certificate in gymnastics
3 What style should you use? the letter? Choose A to C. E a diploma in interior design
27
 Unil3 lormollellers

3 Read the Jetter and label the paragraphs with the headings below. 5 Fill in the correct form of the
Sa)' what qualifications, experience and personal qualities Steven verbs in the list.
has. no JOu think he will get thejob?
study, be a member, graduate,
• closing remarks . personal qualities • age/present joh/qualifications join, attend, award
• opening remarkslreason(s) for writing . experience
I graduated from Lancers University
in 1998 wi.th a first class degree in
Dear Mrs Hunter, Para 1 Physical Education.
With reference to your advertisement in Thursday's 2 At the moment, J .
edition of the DailyStar, I am interested in applying courses at Southfield College.
for the position of primary school teacher.
Para 2
3 After leaving high school, I .
I am 28 years old and currently teaching in Margate. I ........................ Art at the School of
have a BSc degree awarded by GlasgowUniversity in Fine Art in Paris.
1997. I completed my certificate in Education at
Preston Teacher Training College in 1998. 4 I am keen on sports. I .
Para 3 Barton football club three months
I have been working for Margate Education
ago.
Department since 1999. Owing this lime, I have
enjoyed teaching a variety of subjects , including 5 I of the local
English, Gene ral Scie nc e and Games. orchestra, where I play the violin.
I consider myself to be punctual, hard-working and Para 4 6 I was agrade A
fair. I enjoy working with child ren and have good in Maths.
organisational skills.
I e nclose a reference from my present employer. I
would be grateful if you would consider my Para 5 FORMAL STYLE
application. I am available for intervie w any weekday Formal style is characterised by the use
morning. I look forward to hearing from you. of:
Yours sincerely, • advanced vocabulary
5fe.,;" n [)JtI;,,~ e.g. f am writing to enquire whether
m (not: I WMt t6 aSH j~
Steven Davies • formal linking words/phrases
(consequently, however, therefore,
for this reason)
4 Read the letter again and find formal expressions to match the e.g. I have worlred 8S. prl/1l8lY
school teacher forten ~
informal ones in the table, as in the example.
andtherefore have experience
working with children.
Informal Style Formal Style
• passive voice
About your adve rt . With reference toyour advertisement ... e.g. I can be contacted '"
I want to apply for . (not: You em} eontaet me ...J
J got my teachingcertificate ... • polite forms without contractions
I've had a job in e.g. I would be grateful if ""
I would appreciate ft if you
I think I'm always on time ... could...
I like working with kids ... I would like to apply ...
There's a note from my boss ... .' . l"e!llre
'not· "~ ...~
I'd like it if you hired me ... Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs,
I'm free to talk to you ... idioms and short forms are not used in
formal style.
Drop me a line sometime ...
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 Unil 3fGrmnllellels

6 a) Read the letters belowand label the paragraphs with the headings.

• opening rematkslreasonts} for writing . experience, personal qualities

• closing remarks . age/qualificatiom • other ill/omlotioll

Dear Sir/Madam,
® Para 1 Dear Manager,
®
OpClllllg
I am writing to apply for the position of part-time Hi! I've decided to drop you a line
remarks!
shop assistant which was advertis ed in this week's reason(s) for about the job you advertised in the
edition of the Frankfurt English News. writing Frankfurt English News.
I ama I6-year-old student. In December I passed the I'm a Is-veer-old student, and my
examination for the First Certific ate in English with Para 2 English isn't bad. I got an A in the
grade A. It is my ambi tion to become a teacher of First Certificate exam! I want to be
English. Therefore , e mployme nt in an Enqlish- an English teacher, so it would be lots
language bookshop particularly appeals to me . of fun to sell English books.
Despite mylack offonnalworkexperience, I feel that I haven't worked before, but I'm sure
Para 3
I would be well-suited for the position. For the pa st I'd be good at the job. I've helped out
..
= twoyears I have been a volunteer helper in our school in our school library forages, and the
" library. In my school report I was described by the librarian says you can count on me
librarian as enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable. to work hard.
Since the school holidays include the monthsofJuly Para 4 I won't be doing anything in July and
and August, I will have no other conunitments and August.We've got ourschool holidays
would be available to work at any time, excluding then, so I can workany hours you like
Saturdays, for as manyhours as needed. (but not Saturdays).
I may be contacted at the above address, or by You can get in touch with me at the
Para 5
telephone on 435 1708. I look forward to receiving a above address, or give me a ring on
reply in due course. 435 1708. Let me know soon!
Yours faithfully, All the best,
Shffi I3ravn ShHi
Steffi Braun Steffi Braun

b) Compare the twe letters. Which one has an appropriate greeting 7 In which letter in Ex, 6 can you
and ending? Then, underline the phrases in Letter Awhich mean find each of these features?
the same as the phra ses in bold in Letter B. " lt ich style is more Label each point as A or B,
suitable in a formal letter applying for a job? "lty?
1 short forms
c) Read the advertisements below, \\bich job did Stem apply for? 2 passive voice
3 a friendly, personal tone
~ everyday vocabulary
.y Hard-working young assistant wanted fo r part-time work in a bookshop
during July/August. No sales experience needed, but a good 5 fo rmallinking words/phrases
understanding 01 English is essential. 6 phrasal verbs or idioms
Apply in writing to Bookworms. 7 longer, more complex
sentences
rlY Large department store seeking ambitious and experienced floor 8 advancedvocabulary
manager to work on a full time basis, Computer skills an asset.
9 colloquial expressions
For more information call J.T. Reeves at 217-3233. 10 a polite, impersonal tone
29
 Unil3 lormollellers

8 Read the rubric, und erlin e the 9 write Jour letter of application (1 20· 180 words). Do not write any
key words, a nd answer th e addresses. Use your answers from Ex. 8 to help you. You can use the
questions. letter in Ex. 3 as a model.

You saw th is advertisement in

a local newspaper , and have
decided to apply for the job. LETTERS OF COMPLAINT

-- ---- --~
.'" Young helpE'ro:. (18 . 25) need ed in \
In a formal letter making a complaint, you may use a mild tone, for complaints
about minor problems, or a strong tone, for complaints about more serious
matters, especially when you are extremely upset or annoyed. However, the
our e;, ummf'f camp for 10 ~ 14 y~ar language you use should never berude or insulting.
olde. Ilutj es includE' helpinq wtth t • Intheopening remarks, you should stale your complaint, including
qames and ether acti\litie<;" ! details of what has happened and where/when the incident took place.
th.lper" must .:,peak Engl i":lh or \ e.g. (Mild) • f am writing in connection with .../to complain about ..• the
French and be able to work a~ any terrible behaviour/attitude/rudeness of .
time, including scme e " e m n g~ , f am writing to draw your attention to which ...
from 5th - 25th July. Apply m (Strong) • f wish to bring to your attention a problem which arose due
writing to Ben Carroll. to your staff/inefficiency " 'J
• 1am writing to express my strong dissatislaction at ...
• f wish to express my dissatisfaction/unhappiness wfth the
productJtreatmentI receNecf from ... on...
• In the main body paragraphs, you present each of the specific points you
are complaining about. You start a new paragraph foreach point and justify
these points bygiving examples/reasons.
e.g. • Although you adlertise "top quality", 1Ie" that the product1purchased
was well below the _ I expected.
• Inthe closing remarks, you should explain what you expect to happen
(e.g. to be given a refundjreplacementapoloqy/etc).
e.g. (Mild) I hope you will replace ...
1 What skills/qualifications and f feel/believe that f amentitled to a replacement/refund ...
personal qualities do you think I hope that /hIs matler can be resolved/dealt with promptly.
(Strong) f insist 00/1 demand a full refund/an immediate replacement/etc
would help you get the job?Circle.
or 1shall be forced to lake legal acfjon/the matter further.
A energetic and sociable
I hopethat I will not be forced to lake further action.
B can drive a car
C worked in a summer camp last year
D have worked as a waitress
E likeworking with children 10 Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer the
F good at outdoor activitiesand sport questions.
G good cook
H good organiser You recently bought a calculator, but you were given the wrong
I speak English and French model by mistake. When you complained, the shop assistant was
2 Which of the points above refer to rude to you. Write a letter to the company's complaints department,
skills, qualifications, experience or explaining the reasons for your dissatisfaction and saying what
personal qualities? action you expect the company to take.
3 Do you know the person you are I Who is going to read your letter?
writingto? 2 Do you know the personyou arc writing to?
-t What isyour reason for writing? 3 Why arc you writing this letter?
5 How shou ldyou begin and end the 4 Would you use a mild tone or a strong tone? Why?
letter? 5 What opening and closing remarkswould you write?
30
 Unil3 lorffioilellers

11 a) Read the letter opposite,and

fill in the gaps with words/ Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my stro ng dissatisfaction at the Para 1
phra ses from the list. c

~_i disgraceful treatment I received at the Walford

butalso, furthermore, not :::: bra nch of Stimpson's Electronics yesterday afternoo n.
only, however, in addition to,
(1) , the product I was given was not
firstly, to makematters worse
the model I had asked for. T he new X-40 I calculator Para 2
was demonstrated to me by the sales assistant, and I
b) Read the letter again and ag ree d to bu y it. (2) , on
label the paragraphs with unpacking my purchase, I saw that. I had bee n given
these headings. the smaller X-20 I mod el instead.
- closingremarks (3) , this calculator was
Para 3
• opening remarks/reason(s) ~ mu ch cheaper than the model I requested and paid
o
for writing ': for. It didn't have man y of the features I need ed
• 1st complaint & examples! ~ and was much more basic than the one I was shown
rea.wm to begin with.
• 2nd complaint & examples! (4) , I was deeply offend ed by
Para 4
reasons the behaviour of the sales assistant. when I went back
- 3Td complaint & examples! to the shop to comp lain. He was (5) ..
reasons impolite, (6) unh elpful. He refused
to contact th e manager when 1asked to speak to him
about the inciden t.
c) Now answer the questions.
A~ you can imagine, 1 am extremely up sct. I must
1 Why is Mrs Adams complaining? § insist on a full refund , (7) .. Para 5
.~

, What are her specific complaints? "0 a written apology from th e local manager, or else I
3 Docs she justify her complaints? If .3 shall be forced to take further action. I expect to
so, how does she justify them? hear fro m yOll as soo n as possible.
~ What is Mrs Adams expecting? Yours faithfully,
Tick (I ) (,,,,,,4< 114""
· A repl acement D Caroline Ad ams
• A full refund 0
-- - _I
· The calculator to be repaired D
· An apology 0 12 Read the followingextracts and saywhich of them are beginnings (8)
- What will Mrs Adams do if she is and which are endings (E). What tone has the writer used in each?
nol satisfied?
Has Mrs Adams used a mild or a o:I!J I am writing to complain about the quality of an appliance I recently
strong tone? Underline the words!
phrases that justifyyour answer.
purchasedfrom your company.
-- - --
..
mild tone

I [ill I demand an immediate replacement or a full refund. or I shall he

I forced to take the matter further. . .

@:D I would appreciate it if the faulty appliance could either be replaced or

repaired assoon as possible. . .

~ I am writing to inform you that I was absolutely horrified by the

rudenessof your shop assistants. .. .

31
 Unit3 formoi lellers

13 Read the situations. and answer Opening remarks ... Closing remarks ...
the questions that folluw, as in
the examples. A Iwish to express my r feel completely cheated and
dissatisfaction with your mail- therefore demand a full refun d
J A month ago you ordered some order service. of the money paid to you.
skiing equipment from a sportsshop B I am writing to express my 1 I insist that the product be
and paid by credit card. Although disgust at the facilities and replaced or else I will be forced
you asked for it to besent by courier, service offered byyour travel to take further action.
you have received nothing. You agency. 3 Unless I receive the equipment
urgently need this equipment. C I feci r must complain about the by the end of this week, I will
misleading advertisement on have no choice but to cancel my
II You recently bought an air TV promoting your product. order.
conditioner which had been
advertised on television. On
receiving it, you discovered that it 14 Read the situation below and say:
was nothing like the product shown a) who you would address the letter of complaint tOj
in the advertisement. b) what complaints you would include in the letter; and
c) what opening and closing remarks you would write.
111 You have just come back from a
package holidaywhere you were very
disappointed by the lack of facilities You live near a secondary school. Latelyyou have been disturbed by
and poor services. noisy children who gather outside your house, playing loud music
and throwing litter into your garden.
1 Which of the following complaints
would you include in each letter?
Write full sentences. 15 Join the following complaints to their examples/reasons, using
A have already paid - equipment linking words/phrases from the list below, as in the example.
still not delivered - urgently el'en though, however, inspite of the fact, nevertheless, although, but
need it Letter I
1 The new game took fifteen minutes to load onto my computer.
The salesman said it would load instantly.
The new game took fifteen minutes to load onto my computet; even though
B contrary to advertisement - no the salesman said it would load instantly.
swimming pool rooms 2 I paid fora set of five compact discs. There were only threecompact discs
extremely small - no maid in the box.
servIce " ..
3 The advertisement said the tent waswaterproof. Rain continually dripped
into the tent.
C model not oneadvertised - huge
- ugly - old-fashioned model
~ The bicycle was brand new. The chain came off my bicycle the first time I
rode it.

5 The battery went flat after only two hours. The instructions said it lasted
2 Match the opening and closing for sixteen hours.
remarks, then say which letter of
complaint you would use them for.
32
 Unil31orffiol lellers

16 Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer the 17 These paragraphs are written in
questions. the wrong style, Correct them by
using thewords in the list. Then,
You recently went for a meal at Benny's fast food restaurant, which
say which is an opening remark
is part of an international chain. Unfortunately, the service was very
slow and the food was badly cooked, so you complained to the and which is a dosingremark.
supervisor. However, he was very rude to you and insisted on your
paying for the meal. You have decided to write a letter of complaint A - asyou can imagine - afull refund
to the company's head office. Write your letter. explaining the - a written apology - J am extremely
reasons for your complaint and saying whatyou expect the company upset - l feel ]am entitled to - I
to do. look fOlWard to receiving your
prompt rep~'
1 What isyour reason for should you write'! What should
writing? the topic of each one be'! ~t,_t'
, Do you know the person you are 6 Read the advertisement and the 1) I'm sure you can guess 2) I'm
writing to? complaints in the speechbubbles. really cross. 3) I think I sho~!~ get
4) all my money back, in addttlOn. to
J Would you usc mild or strong Then, use the complaints and
5) a great big "sorry" fromthe local
language? Why? suitable linking words/phrases to
manager. 6) Write 500n.
explain the reasons why you are
of How would you begin and end
complaining.
the letter?
.. HO\v many mainbody paragraphs B - complained - I am wnnng to
express . ] was served - my anger
J had to wait - my complete dissatisfaction - the
15 minutes to give my' behaviour of the supervisor
order. It took a further
20 minutes for the \ \
food to be
served. 1) Hi - r want to tell you 2) how
shocked and disgusted I was with
the meal 3) , had last night at the
local branch oj Benny's, and 4) how
reatly furious I was at 5) what the
The chips were supervisor did when I 6) said the
raw, the meat was food was horrible.
frozen in the middle
and the tomatoes
were rotten.
18 Read the rubric in Ex. 16 again.
Write Jour letter (120-180
I complained to the word s), using Jour answers
supervisor, who insisted on my from Exs. 16and 17 to helpJOu.
paying for the meal. When J refused,
You can use the Icttcr in Ex. II
he rudely told me to leave.
as a model.
e.g. ] Despite the restallrallt's claim offast Sell 'ice, ] had to wait

7 What would you expect the company to do'? (e.g. refund, dismiss the
supervisor, improve service, check on quality of food, etc) In which
paragraph would you write your demands?

33
 UNIl4 Semi-lormollellers
111 1 Read the questions. then listen to the cassette and choose the correctanswers.

I Who is Jackie writ ing to? 3 Which of the following does Jackie's
A a couple of complete strangers mother say she should include? Tick (I)
8 people she doesn't knowvery well A Thanks a lot for 0
C close friends of hers
B r am extremely grateful 0
2 What style ofwriting docs Jackie's C Thank you vel)' much D
mother say she should usc?
A friendly and informal o YOUT> faithfully, J M Ebdon 0
B formal and official E Best wishes, Jackie Ebdon D
C polite and respectful F Lots of love, Jackie 0 =1=========1=-
Introduction
•••••••••••••••••
Paragraph 1
Semi-formal letters are sent to people you do not know very well or when you wantto opening rernorks/reosonsl
be more polite and respectful (e. g. a pen friend's parents, a person you do not know for writing
very well, a schoolteacher, etc). For this reason, they are written in a more polite tone
than informal letters. Some formal language can be used. Compare thefollowing: Main Body
INFORMAL Thanks a lotfor the invitation. I'd love to come to your party. • ••••••••••••••••
FORMAL I would bedelighted to attend your birthday celebration. Paragraphs 2 - 3 - 4 ..
SEMI·FORMAL Thank you for your kind invitation. I would love to join you on your development of subjectlsl
birthday.
• A semi-formal letter should consist of: Conclusion
a) a formal greeting e.g. Dear Mrand Mrs Baker; •••••••••••••••••
b) an Introduction in which you write your opening remarks and clearly state the Final Paragraph
reason(s) for writing , e.g. Thankyou vet}' much Indeed foryour kind offer ... ;
closing remorklsl
c) a main body in which you write the main subject(s) ofthe letter indetail, starting
a new paragraph for each topic; * The number of main body
d) a conclusion in which you write your closing remarks, e.g . f am looking torwatd paragraphs may vary,
to seeing you next month ... ; depending on the rubric.
e) a semi-formal ending lfIegards/Best wishes, ete & your full name}.

Who is going to read your

2 Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer questions 1 to 7. letter?
You are going to attend lessons at a languageschool in Britain. The school has 2 Why are you writing the
arranged for you to stay with a local couple called Mr and Mrs Jackson. The letter?
Jacksons have written a letter to ask for some information . Read the extracts 3 How many main body
from their letter, then write a letter in reply, giving them the information they paragraphs should you
have asked for and including any questions or requests of your own. include in your letter?
4 Which of the following
... If you could send us details of your travel plans, we would be happy to meet
you on arrival. We could easily come up to london ...
I should you mention about
your travel plans?Tick (I).
a) date and time of

Do you have any special requirements or requests regarding food? For instance,
perhaps there are certain things you are notallowed to eat, or something which ...
I arrival
b) flight number
0
0
c) number of suitcases 0
d) howyou will travel
If there is any information you need or anything you would like us to do for
you, please don't hesitate to ask. Naturatly, we want ...
I from the airport
e) cost of flight
0
0
34
 Unil4 Semi-lormollellers

5 What could you tell them about food? Complete the following sentences:
a) Asfar as food is concerned, . SEMI·FORMAL SlYLE
b) The only thing(s) I don't eat is/are . Semi-formal style is characterised by:
c) My favou rite food is . • the use of less colloquial language
d) I am looking forward to trying . e.g. Thank you very much toryour
6 What questions could you ask? Think about clothes, the weather, the letter. (instead of: Thanks a
town/room where you will be staying. Then, complete the following: million toryour letter.)
a) I was wondering if . • less frequent use of short forms,
phrasal verbs or idioms
b) Perhaps you could tell me .
e.g. I am writing to request
c) I would like to know .
information about ... (instead of:
d) What is like? Is it '! I thought I'd drop you a line to
e) Do you think I need to bring ? askabout ...)
I What opening and closing remarks could you write? • a polite, respectful tone
e.g. f was wondering if you had...
3 Read the letter and underline the words/phrases in bold which are (instead 01: Do you have ...)
more polite and respectful. Then, label the paragraphs with the
headings below. 4 The beginning and endingbelow
• closing remarks . travelplans . opening remarks/reason(s) for writing are written in the wrong style.
• food requirements . furtherquestions Read the extracts and replace
the informal words/phrases in
Dear Mr and Mrs Jackson, bold with more suitable semi-
Para 1 formal ones from each list.
(1 ) Thanks a million/Thank you very much for
your letter. (2) I am writingll thought I'd drop you a I apologise for, received,
line to give you the information you asked for. Thank you for the invitation,
Firstly, (3 ) I'd better/I need to tell you about my I will be unable to visit,
travel arrangements. I am arriving at Gatwick Airport on Para 2 Mrs Ames. reply
14th July. My flight number is BA 451 and it lands at
four thirty in the afternoon. (4) It is very kind/It's really Dear (1) Alison,
great of you to offer to pick me up from London, but I (2) Thanks for asking me to
have already arranged to take the train to Cardiff. your school's annual festival. I
Perhaps you could meet me at the station. I could (3) got your letter a few weeks ago
phone you when I arrive.
Para 3 and (4) I'm really sorry about
(5) As far as food is concerned/Now, about food, taking so long to (5 ) write back
please don't go to any trouble. The only thing I don't to you. Unfort unately, (6) I can't
eat is mushrooms. (6 ) Anyway/Besides, I am looking come to Hallsford on that date.
forward to trying British food.
Finally, there are one or two things J would li ke to
Para 4 Best wishes, telephoneme, anyhelp,
ask you. What is the weather like in Wales in August?
How cold is it? Do you think I need to bring warm a great success, the preparations,
clothes? Also, (7 ) I was wondering if you had/do you don 't hesitate
have a computer that I could use while I am staying
with you, or should I bring my laptop? Please (7) feel free to (8) give
me a ring if you need (9) a hand
Thank you once again for your letter. I am looking Para 5
forward to meeting you in July.
with (10) getting things ready
for the special day. I'm sure that
(8) Best wishes / Love and kisses, the festival will be (1 1 ) brilliant.
J ulia !3uiton; (12) All my love,
Julia Buitoni Karen Smith

35
 Uni1 4 Semi·!ormollellers

5 Read the semi-formal sentences below and match them to the b) Read the beginnings and
informa l ones in the box that follows, as in the examp le. endings of the three letters
(A-C) below and match them
A It was very good of you to let me stay at your house. to the people (1 -3) in part a).
B Could you tell me where I can get my watch repaired'!
C r look forward to seeing you at the barbecue. [AI] DearMr Crowley,
D I hope you find this information about bird-watching useful. I am writing to infonn you of the
E Please accept my apology. arrangements concerning ...
F I am sorry that I will be unable to attend.

INFORMAL SEMI·FORMAL I persondunngmyVISIt.

. . I look forward to meennq you In

Accepting an See you at the C flaokforwa rd to I Yours Sincerely

invitation barbecue! seeing you at the
barbecue.
I ~~ '
2 Refusing an It's a pity that I can't - SuzanneLeger

invitation come. Dear Bill, '\ -

H" Just a quicK note to let you
1
KnoW what t've
planned a bout m
:J
trip ...
3 Thanking Thanks again fo r letting
me stay at your house.
... See yo u in a mont h or so.
®=!
until t he n, take c a re .

4 Apologising Please say you'll forgive All the best,

me. Suzanne

5 Asking for Do you knowwhere I can

information get my watch repaired?

6 Giving Hope this was what you ... I'.. l<>e/ci~ forward ;" mufi~
~ M1ife- f am ;"~ .
information wanted to know about
bird-watching. 6~twi~,
Svz.a""e-~
.J
6 a) You are going to London next month and must write a letter ~
explainingJour plans, so the people JOUare writing to can J
arrange to meet you. What sort of letter (informal, semiformal
or formal) would you write to each of these people?

I A businessman you have never met: .

2 1\ friend you have known for several years: .
3 A family frie ndwho your fathe r wants you to visit .

36
 Unil 4 Semi·IOImollellers

7 a) Read the rubric and underl ine the key words, then answer the I CAlthank you both verY much
questions. B say thanks a lot
You have just returned from Britain, where you attended lessons at C express my gratitude to you
a language school. The school had arranged for you to stay with a
2 A all the stuffyou did
local couple you had not met before your visit. Write a letter to this
couple , thanking them for their kindness to you during your stay. B being so kind to me
C the kindness you displayed
Who is going to read your letter? How well do you know these people?
3 A Myvisit was enjoyable at times,
, What style should you use? Give examples.
3 Why are you writing the leiter? but
~ Ilowwould you begin and end the letter? Choose.
B It was a wonderful experience
I which
A Dear Sir/Madam, c tDear ,Mr and ~rs JQC~ C I really had a great time, so
4 A am sure I will always remember.
Yours faithfully, Best wishes, B won't forget in a hurry!
ull name) (full name) C shall always have unpleasant
R IDear Ben and Andr~ .-
" . - D \?ea~~riends B~nd ~r~
memories of the experience.

d) Which of the phrases/

lots of love, \ Yours, sentences below would be
(first name) (full name) suitable as closing remarks?
Tick (I) .
b) Read the prompts and expand them into full sentences. Then,
match them to the topic sentences of the main body paragraphs
o A Thankyou again for allyour
kindness.
that follow.
o B Well, that's all my news.
my room / be / verycomfort able, / every meal / be / delicious o C My parents send their regards
and ask me to tell you that ...
what / help/ memost/ be / chance / practise English/ you / every day
o D Mum and Dad say "Hi".
you / make me / fee/li ke / I / be part / of / family o E By the way, why don't you come
and stay with us here?
1/ never / think / I / be able / speak / English / sowell O F ... you will always be welcome
guestsifyouwouldlike tovisit my
country.
Topic Sentences
Para 2 - I really appreciate all your efforts that made
" o G I would love to hear from you
wheneveryou have time to
my stay inyour home a happy one. write.
Para 3 - My trip to Britain has certainly improved my
English, too.
o II Drop me a line sometime, won't
I you?

c) Choose the most suitable phrase to complete the paragraph 8 Read the rubric in Ex, 7 again.
below. Which paragraph of the letter is this? Write your letter (1 20·180
words), using your answers
I am writing to tell you that I have arrived home safely, and (0 from Ex. 7 to helpyou. You can
(I) ..d .. for (2) duringmy stay with you. (3) (4) i . use the letter in Ex. 3 as a
model.

37
 UNIl5 Tronsoclionollellers
1m 1 Look at the advertisement on the right, and the notes below. Listen 10 the
cassette and tick the points in the notes (A-K) which have been included in the
letter.
Lynwood
Outdoor
[KIJ advert in Wessex Times, April
[![] not m ilch info rmation in advert
CHARGES, BOOKI ~GS ,

@I] total cost - how m ilch ?

etc Centre
ACTIVITI ES ffiD charge per day, or pe r activity?
@[] bikes - hire, or bring my own ? [IIJ accom m odation ava ilable?
@I] canoeing . qu alified instru ctor? QI] necessary to book ?
[]I] h iking - where ? with a guide? REPLY
[IIJ any other act ivities offered? [R[] write, or phone me - 0181·3 13-9480

Transactional letters are letters which respond 10 written information. This information
may be in the form of advertisements, letters , invitations, notes, etc, as well as visual
prompts such as maps, drawings, etc. c<,ooeinq
• Transaetional letters can be of any type e.g. letters of complaint, letters of apology,
letters applying for a job, letters giving/asking forinformation, etc. mountain biking
• The style of writing can beformal. semi-forma! or informal, depending on who you hikin~
are writing to.
• It is important to include all the factual information given in the rubric. You must give
Formore Information contact:
this information in full sentences, using your own words as much as possible.
e.g. early registration needed? Lynwood Outdoor centre,
a) Is early registration necessary?
b) Would you recommend that
I reg~ter early?
cj Do I need to register early?
d) Is" necess8IY to register early?

• You may need to summarise some information, or explain the results/importance

............. -
Lynwood House, Applegate
...........
I Who are you writing to?
of some facts, but you should not change the facts you are given.
2 Are you going to use
colloquial language?
2 Read the rubricand underline the key words, then answer questions 1-7. idioms? short forms? If
yes, why?
You and two of your friends have decided to rent the cottage in the following
advertisement. Read the advertisement and the notes you made afterspeaking 3 Why are you writing the
to the owner. Then write a letter to a third friend, asking him/her to join you and letter?
giving him/her the information about the cottage and what you can do there.
4 Howwould youbegin and
"" "-" \.. \..~ \'. "\.. \..- \. ,,- '\. end your letter? Choose.
Bedrooms - big, 2 beds in each
Things - sports centre 3 km
In beautiful country- to do away, horse-riding nearb~ Al DearMs!!.::lds, ...- -
side. Two double bed-
P.1a.'es to - marke~ local museum, .:You" faithfully,
rooms, large garden. VISit
Plenty of activities &
places of interest in Price
Wildlifepark
- £200 per week CLeo £50 each)
I
, + your full name
Dear + your friend's firs~ I
area. Some dales still Transport- use of4 bikes
B name --:-
available. Dates 15th - 21 st August
Tel. 0362·211 -4D47 aVaii4ble Love,
for information + your first name

38
 Unil5 llOnsucliunullellers

3 a) Read the letter and co mplete the paragraph plan using the
headings below. Has Sue's letter covered all the points in the
rubric, advertisement and notes? Underline the words/phrases
which refer to these points.
• persuade friend to joinyou . information about cottage
.. Wh ichof the points belowmust you • what the area offers
include inyour letter? Tick (.I)_
t- A information about sleeping Dear Helen,
space s [ Hil How are you? I'm sorry r haven't written for ages, but I've
t= B cooking facilities ~ been really busy. Anyway, I'm writing naw to let you know that
~ Claire, Jan and J have decided to rent a cottage in Dorset from
E== C activities/sports in the area .e 15th to 21st August and we'd love it if you could join us.
t=: D description of the town I asked the owner all about the cottage and it sounds great.
E details of Ihe sights/tourist The cottage has only got two bedrooms, so we'l! have to share,
anrscrions in thearea but the rooms are big with two beds in each. There's a/50 a
f the best way to get there large garden. Irs only £200 a week - that's £50 each, if you
join us. In other words, it's a rea! bargain!
t= G howmuch the holiday will cost
t- H an invitation for your friend to
join you
-:- There are lots of things to do in the area. We can go horse-
.i: riding, and there's a sports centre not far away. There is also
~ a market a local museum and a wildlife park. The owner says

f- the telephone number of the ::::: thereare fou r bikes at the cottage which we can use, too, which
owner means we can get around easily.
f-
~ J the dates you intend to go there I really hope you dec ide to join us. It would be such fun to
go on holiday together, and the weather will probably be good
, Complete the sentences, as in the at that time of the year, so I'm sure we'll all have a great time.
example. ;~ [ ~elf, tha~s all for ncMI. Pleas~ write and let me know as soon as
There are only two bedrooms so ( ~ youve deCided what you're gOing to do. Take care. -
we'll
•
' U
n ' •
I. lots of love,
A put two beds in each ) Sue
® have to share
2 lfyoujoin us, it's £50each. which
ISa ... .
A bargain Para 1: Opening remarks/reason(s) forwriting
B fortune Para 2:
3 There are four bikes at the cOllage
whichmeans that we can _._.
A visit the sports centre
-
>
0
m
c
-a
Para 3:

B get around easily '" Para 4:

-I We can refit the cottage from 15th
to 21stAugust. So there's no need
Final Para: Closing remarks
to W011)' about ...
A theweather
B the tourists
; What opening and closing remarks b) Replace the topic sentences in the main body paragraphs with
would you write? other appropriate ones.

39
Unil51runsoclionollellers

;r REQUESTINGINFORMATION
To request informationyou can use direct or Indirect questions.
Direct questions are quite common in informal letters and often begin
5 Look at the extracts and the
notes (l -IO) made about them.
Then, match the notes to the
sentences (a-j ) opposite, as in
with a question word such as what, who, when, how, etc.
e.q. What time will the partyfinish? How far is the hotel from the beach? the example.
• Most indirect questions are formed with modals such as could, would, etc
andare normally used in semi-formal or formal letters.
B1'DAL£' CJIMP - I
- e.g. I would be gratelul ffyou could tell mewha1 ,me fIJe party willfinish.
fun fo~ ~ aces! /1) exact c~t?
Could you please letme knowhowtarthe hotet isfrom the beach?
• compentrve ~ I 2 h
• You use if/whether inan indirect question when there is noquestionword • English lessons daily/"" ) haw ~y
in the direct question. ~ 001"5
e.g. Direct question: Do we need to bring our own food?
Indirect queslion: I would like to know If/whether we need tobring our
own food. 3) when exactly?

ATNEX COLLEGE
\ Reserve a place onone ofour
4 Read the questions below and say whether summer courses in photography
they are direct (0) or indirect (1). Then • FREE MATERIALS
rewr ite them, as in the examples. 4) what do I bringl

1 I am interested in finding out if there 5) marine biology books?

will be a ski instructor =I
Wdl there be a ski instrucwr? matter what you want to read, I
0

2 Do I need to pay a deposit? =D

FULLSTOP BOOKSHOP I
will find it for you!
[ would like to know if [ need to pay a \
• ALL SCHOOL BOOKS IN STOCK
,deposit.
• HUGE SELECTION OF
FOREIGN LANGUAGE BOOKS ,
I

,- /- /
\lessons ~ery day?
3 Could you perhaps tell me how many tickets arc available?
~ MIDm~N UrnGUAGE C~
• Intensive courses:
4 I would like to know whether there are any facilities fo r young children. LearnItalian in three months
• 20 hours per week
5 What time does the play finish? • Small grOUPS or private lessons

8) how many
6 Do you cater for vegetarians? students?

7 I would appreciate it if you could send me further information.

G YMNASTICS COMPETmON
• [oolie Sports Centre
8 Where exactlyis the restaurant?
• 29thApril
~Tickets still :-av~aiI_'ab
c.ccle,-_ _~~
~
9 Could you please let me know where the nearest train station is?
9) momint3 or IO)h(IN muc hi
aftemoon?
Is the costof equipment included in the price?
 Unil ~ lrunsoclionnllellers

a I 1 I would appreciate it if you could let me know exactly how much the 7 a) Read the rubric below, then
camp costs. answer the questions.
Is there anything I need to bring with me? You are organising an end-of-
Could you let me knowthe exact dates OfYOUf courses? term party at your school and
have already made some
Could you please tell me how manyhoursper daywe will have lessons? arrangements. Read the notes
I'd like to know if there are classes every day. you have made for a letter to
your head teacher, Mrs White.
Do you have marine biology books? Then write your letter, using all
~I I would like to know if the competition takes place in the morning or the information given.
afte rnoon.
Let ter t o Mrs \!./hite
hi I would be grateful if you could tell me how much the tickets cost.
end-of-term party -
iI I am interested in fi nding out whetheryou have any Portuguese books.
school hall, Sat. 1stJuly, 8-11pm.
I would appreciate it if you could let me know exactly how many tell her about:
students there arc in eachgroup.
place. date, t ime (see above)
- who's coming (4t h& 5th forms)
6 a) Look at the following advertisement and write short questions - music (,,;ohn Smith'sDisco)
about the underlined words/phrases, as in the example. - food & drink
(Mary & Eva responsible)

I ask her about:

- cost of t ickets
Do you ... - posters - where?
• enjoy working with children? e.g. / Which
• want to work abroad? - - - countries?
Should your letter:
Nannies Around t he World 2 a give information?
is an international agency establ7
'Shed b ask for info rmation?
in 1980. We are ..................... ? c give and ask fo r information?
looking for young people 2 Who is going to read your letter?
who enjoy working with children. 3 3 How well do you know the person?
Regular working hours. / 4 How should you begin and end the
Two evenings a week free.
..................... ? letter?
5 What opening and closing remarks
should you write?
..................... ? b) Write sentences using the
notes given.
• Please writeto
Mrs Maddoxat 14A. Tissier Rd. Toronto, Ontario, Canada or e.g. place/date/time: The party will be held
telephone 0770·37660 for further information. ..................... ? ill the school hall on Saturday 1st July
from Spm to 1lpm.

b) Use your short questions to write suitable sentences requesting 8 Read the rubric in Ex. 7 again.
Write vcur letter (120-180
information.
words), usingyour answers from
q . 1 1 would like toknow which countries 1might be expected to work in. Ex. 7 to help you. You can use
or Could you please tell me which countries YOl/ operate ill? the letter in Ex. 3 as a model.
41