Contents

INFORMAL LETTERS OR EMAILS

WRITING A REPORT
WRITING A REVIEW
WRITING AN ARTICLE
FORMAL LETTERS OR EMAILS

INFORMAL LETTERS OR EMAILS

Informal letters or emails

An informal letter or email will be written to someone you know (friends or relatives). It is
usually written to tell the reader something interesting, share an experience, or explain
feelings or personal opinions.
When writing an informal letter or email our language is more relaxed and we are able to use
abbreviations which is rare in other forms of English writing, except perhaps when using direct
speech
You should:
Write Dear/Hello/Hi (invent a name)
Divide your letter into separate paragraphs
Use informal language
Mention a letter you have received from the person you are writing to, or refer to a shared
experience
Say what you have been doing recently
Mention the next time you will see the person you are writing to
Use a closing expression, e.g. write back soon
Finish with an appropriate informal expression, e.g. love, all the best
Sign with your first name
Useful phrases
greetings
Dear/Hello/Hi + first name,
beginning the letter
. Many thanks for your letter (-it was really nice to
hear from you again)
. I thought Id better write (and give you some
more details about)
. Its been such a long time since we wrote to each
other
. Sorry I haven't written for ages
. Sorry it's taken me so long to write
asking about them
. Hi! How are things?
. How are you?
. How's it going?
. How was your holiday?
referring to their news
. Great news about your...
. Glad/Im very glad/Im very happy to hear
that/about ...
. Sorry/Im (very)extremely sorry to hear about ...
. Its sad to hear about your..
. I cant tell you how sad I am that
Introducing points
. By the way
. Did you hear about
. Did you see/Have you seen..
. Tell me about
. Oh, another thing

giving news
. You remember I told you in my last letter (that I
was going to)
. Listen, did I tell you about ...
. You'll never believe what ...
. Oh, and another thing
making suggestions
. Why don't you ...?
. Maybe you could ...
. How about ...?
closing expressions
. Well, time/its time/got to go now
. Well, time to close
. Ive got to leave off now
. Once again, thanks much for all your help
. Give my love/regards to ...
. Say hello to ...
. See you soon!
. Write soon
. Make sure you write soon
. Please write/drop me a line soon
. I look forward to hearing from you soon/meeting
up again soon
. Look after yourself/Take care of yourself
signing of
. Love
. Lots of love/All my love
. Yours
. All the best
. Best wishes
name
your first name

WRITING An informal letter

2015: FIRST 140-190 words,

CAE 220-260 words

1. You have received a letter from your penfriend who is planning to visit you in July. Write a
letter to him/her describing the activities you have planned for his/her visit. Give them advice
on what to bring and ask about any special requests.
Write your letter. Do not write any postal address.
2. Your Scottish friend, Maggie, has sent you an email asking you to help her organise a special surprise
birthday party for her brother Rupert. Read Maggies email and the notes you have made. Then write an
email to Maggie using all your notes..
We must make sure that Rupert doesn't know we are planning this surprise. I'm not sure how many
people to invite but our house is definitely too small. Do you think we should book the Royal hotel for the
evening and have the party there? You know that Rupert is very keen on music so we could hire a live
band.
I've also been wondering what we could all buy as a present. What do you think?
Could you come the day before the party to help with preparations. There's a lot to plan so I'd really like
your help.
Can you suggest something else that will really make the party special?
All for now.
best wishes,
Anne
Your notes:
_Paragraph
_Paragraph
_Paragraph
_Paragraph

1
2
3
3

Royal Hotel sounds OK but very expensive

Rupert really enjoys fishing
Sorry, busy that day.
Something else - Yes, how about .

Write your email words in an appropriate style. You must use grammatically correct sentences with
accurate spelling and punctuation in a style appropriate for the situation.
3. You are studying in Britain and you've recently received a letter from a friend, Susan, who is interested
in in arranging a day trip for a group of students. Read Susan's letter, the advertisement and the notes
you have made. Then write a letter to Susan, using all your notes.
.. and the students in my class are really interested in going on a day trip. I know you went on a boat
trip with your class recently. Could you tell me what it was like and whether you'd recommend it?
Susan
Castle and Lake Boat Trips
_Departures 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. daily
_Lunch at restaurant
_Afternoon at lake with choice of water sports
_Reasonable prices with reductions for groups
Your notes:
_Earlier boat less crowded
_Take a packed lunch because ..
_You must try ..(watersport)
_Group minimum is 15
Write your letter in an appropriate style.. You must use grammatically correct sentences with accurate
spelling and punctuation in a style appropriate for the situation.
4. Your friend, Jim, has written you an email, part of which says:
My parents have given me some money for passing my exams. I dont know whether to spend it on going
to watch United in Madrid, or whether I should save up a bit more and buy some clothes. What do you
think?
Write an email in reply

WRITING A LETTER OF APPLICATION

Dear
Dear
Dear
Dear
Dear

Sir
Madam
Sir/Madam
Mr Brown
Ms Jones etc.

Reason for writing

I am writing in response to the job advertisement which I saw in..

 I am writing with regard to the job offer which I saw in..

Describing character
I am generally considered hardworking. For example I..
I am generally considered outgoing. For example I..
I consider myself a good team member. For example I..
I consider myself a sociable person. For example I..
I would say I was an industrious person. For example..
In my present post I have often needed to show initiative. For example..

Presenting qualifications
I obtained a degree in ............ from ........... University achieving a ....... grade
I have .... A levels in ......., ......., ........., and .........
I also have a ....... qualification
I hold a full driving licence
Language ability
I am a native ......... speaker and also fluent in ............
I have an Intermediate level in ......
I have an advanced level in ......
Describing experience
I have experience of this type of work because..
My job at .............. has given me experience of this type of work
Although I have no direct experience, I have..
Ofering further information
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me
I will gladly supply any further information
Availability for interview
I am available for interview at your convenience
Ending the letter
I look forward to receiving your reply
I look forward to your reply
Yours sincerely (if addressed to a named person)

Yours faithfully (to unnamed person)

WRITING A REPORT
Reports are often written to summarise the results of a survey or to present sides of an
argument and recommendations.
A report could be written for a superior (a teacher or a boss) or a peer group (other students or
colleagues).
It will certainly contain some facts, possibly as the result of an informal survey.
When you write a report here are the top things you need to think about:
You need to write 4 or 5 paragraphs, (140-190 words) including an introduction and
recommendation.
Every paragraph should have a heading which explains what the paragraph is about.
Your first paragraph heading will be INTRODUCTION and your last, CONCLUSION (or
RECOMMENDATIONS)
The first paragraph should state the aim of the report+ where you got the
information
Use can use points under each heading with bullet points or numbers.
State facts. Avoid your personal opinion and I , my , We etc. Use the passive voice.
Express your opinion and/or recommendations impersonally only in the final
paragraph.
Use formal language (no contractions)

Report: useful phrases

Introduction
.
.
.
.
.

As requested, ...
The aim of this report is to compare different ideas to / This report is intended to
This involved visiting/ speaking to ... /Having visited / spoken to
A large number of students were interviewed to find out different opinions
The findings are outlined/presented below.

Presenting findings / opinion

. Most people seem to feel that /Several people said/ suggested/thought that /Some of the students suggested
...
. The majority of students mentioned that/ Many of those interviewed stated that.
. Others pointed out that. /Another option mentioned was that../ whereas others expressed a preference for
. giving the following reasons:../ They gave the following reasons:
. A few of them gave reasons why they preferred these activities:./ They made the following points: 12

Recommending
.
.
.
.
.
.

Both/All the ideas seemed interesting but./Having considered the options, ... / On balance then, I feel that.
Taking all the points into consideration. /Without a doubt the first option was
Some of the ideas have benefits, however, suggestions to .should be immediately discarded.
On the other hand, it is felt the majority of students would so these suggestions are recommendable.
I would like to suggest / recommend ... /I would therefore recommend that/+ing /You may wish to consider
It would seem that .+ing is the best idea.

Example Question 1:
Write a report suggesting improvements to classes at Today School.
Look at a students answer to the question. Appropriate language is highlighted in red, while
passive forms are underlined
Introduction
The aim of this report is to compare different ideas to make classes in Today School more
enjoyable for students while learning at the same time. A large number of students were
interviewed to find out differing opinions.
Classroom Activities
Some of the students suggested using more videos and songs during the classes and some
even mentioned that parties with alcohol would be a good idea. A few of them gave reasons
why they preferred these activities:
Pop music and films are interesting and topical
Alcohol makes people relax and talk more.
Outside Class
The majority of students mentioned that homework should be reduced drastically whereas
others expressed a preference for doing excursions in English, giving the following reasons:
Too much homework makes students stressed.
Excursions are a fun way of putting into practice what is learnt.
Recommendations
Some of the ideas have benefits, however, suggestions to allow alcohol and reduce homework
should be immediately discarded. On the other hand, it is felt the majority of students would
take advantage of more pop videos and excursions and so these suggestions are
recommendable.
Example Question 2:
The school where Jane studies English has decided to spend some money on either
buying more computers or improving the library. She has been asked to write a
report for the school director describing the benefits to the school of both these
things, and saying which one she thinks should be chosen and why (140-190 words)
Use of money for school improvements
Introduction
The aim of this report is to compare the advantages of additional computers and of improving the
library, and to suggest which of these would be the best. I interviewed a number of students to find out
their views.
Buying more computers
Some of the students thought that this was a good idea, saying computers were useful for:

. practising writing
. using the internet
. playing games.
However, other students said that they preferred to use their own computers at home.
Improving the library
Most of the students preferred this suggestion, giving the following reasons:
1 Many students do not have a quiet place to study at home. The library would be a good place
for private study, but at
present there are not enough tables and chairs there.
2 They feel that up-to-date dictionaries and reference books are needed.
3 They want to be able to read modern books written for young people.
Recommendations
Both ideas have benefits, but the majority of students felt that improving the library would be
more useful. I would
therefore recommend this. (179 words)

Example Question 3:
The school where you learn English has decided to buy some DVDs in English. You
have been asked to write a report for the Principal suggesting what kinds of DVDs
the school should buy. In your report you should also explain why students at the
school will enjoy these DVDs.
OK, so if this was a real situation, you would probably ask all the students what sort of DVDs they would like. You would
maybe do this with a questionnaire. Also, if the situation was real, you would probably have a budget. How much do
DVDs cost? What is the situation at the moment? Are there already a few DVDs or none at all? You have to use your
imagination.So, Im going to answer the question using the Present Simple in the Introduction. Im going to use the
Simple Past (and Passive) in the second part, and Im going to use some modal verbs in the conclusion. (I want to show
the examiner that I can use a lot of different tenses.)Remember this is a REPORT to the Principal, NOT a letter!

Example Answer:
REPORT ON SCHOOL DVDs English Connection School of English intends to buy a selection of
DVDs for the school library. This report examines what sort of DVDs are appropriate.
Current Situation: At the moment there are more than 100 videos in the school library.
However, not many students still possess a video recorder therefore no-one borrows them.
Students choice:All students were given a questionnaire which asked what sort of DVDs the
students would like to see. The results are as follows: More than 75% of students wanted to see
British films. Although they prefer American films for their action, almost everyone agreed that
British films are easier to understand. Suggested films include Harry Potter, The Queen and
The Kings Speech.Students are also interested in documentary and factual films, particularly
documentaries about science, nature, animals and history. These films have a slow and clear
commentary and at the same time they are educational. Films of this sort include Into the
Wild.
A full list of requested films is attached.
Recommendations: DVDs currently cost between 5 and 20 Euros each, depending on the
age of the film. I suggest buying 100 DVDs to replace the videos which are no longer used.
Buying at least 3 copies of the most popular films would be sensible. This should be possible
with a budget of 1,000.
213 Words-too long
(I have put in the answer that a list of requested films is attached of course, I am only pretending. I will not really
attach a list of films.)

Example Question 4:
A group of language students age 14 18 is going to visit your town. You have been
asked to write a report on different places to eat, both for them and their teachers.
Report on Restaurants in Vannes, Brittany
Vannes is a pretty medieval town with a Port which attracts tourists all year round. There are
plenty of places to eat for all types of budget.
Galettes and CrpesFor students on a tight budget, the best place to eat is in a Crperie. You
should try these pancakes which can be filled with anything you like, such as cheese and ham;
and then try a sweet crpe with, for example, chocolate, lemon or apples. The menu is long so
there will be something for everybody.Each Galette or Crpe costs between 3 and 7. Try Le
Dan Ewen in the Saint Patern part of town.
Salon de ThAlternatively, why not try Le Salon dAgns in rue No? Agns makes
wonderful homemade quiches and salad and cakes. Go early (12 oclock) to get a table. This is
also the best place to go if you just want some hot chocolate, or coffee and a cake.
TakeawaysThere isnt a McDonalds in the town centre, but there are places near the Port
where you can buy sandwiches. For a really cheap meal, try the pasta shop in rue Thiers. You
choose your pasta and your sauce and you can either eat it there or take it away. Most local
students find a place to sit down at the Port.
Italian & Pizza restaurantsThere are plenty of these throughout the town, but Le Cosy in
rue Thiers is particularly good.
Fish & SeafoodBrittany is well known for its seafood. Try a plate of Moules Frites in one of

the restaurants at the Port.

Gastronomic RestaurantsYou will find several restaurants which serve traditional French
dishes. You could try the Alsace restaurant at the Port, or go to the Saint Patern part of town
where there are lots of good restaurants. Le Terroir has a very nice, cosy atmosphere,
especially in winter as they have a log fire.
Recommendations
Always book on a Friday or Saturday night, especially if a large group is going.
All prices include service.
Dont have wine with your Galettes and Crpes, drink Breton Cider instead.
Note the use of bullet points in the final RECOMMENDATION paragraph. You dont have to use
them, but it looks more like a report if you do.If you don't know the name of real places - invent
them.
Finally, and this is REALLY IMPORTANT, check your spelling and grammar for stupid mistakes
such as he have or you can to buy a sandwitch.
GOOD LUCK IN THE EXAM!
Sample questions (Writing reports)
1. You help out at a music festival which is held in your town every year. This takes place
outdoors over one weekend. The organisers want to improve the festival and so have asked
you to write a short report.. You should comment on the site, the programme, the food and
other facilities, the cost and anything else you consider relevant.
Write your report of 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
2. Some American students are on an exchange programme with your college for a month. The
college has asked you to write a report on entertainment in your area for the teacher who is in
charge of the group. You should give advice on such things as types of entertainment, venues
and prices.
Write your report of 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
3. Your headteacher (or University Chancellor) has sent you a letter explaining that the
government is awarding 50, 000 euro grants to organizations which are making big efforts to
become greener.
He asks you to tour the school (or university) to see what can be done to make the building
more environmentally friendly.
Then he wants you to write a report describing the current situation and making
recommendations on how improvements can be made.
Write your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
4. You belong to a youth club which is subsidised by the village council. The youth club leader
has asked you to write a report on the activities of the club to help the council decide whether
or not they will increase the small grant they give every year.
Write your report in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
5. Write a report to your teacher describing the facilities in your school for watching films and
give your suggestions.
REPORTS AND ESSAYSWHATS THE DIFFERENCE?
A common problem is that students transfer what they have learned about essay writing to
report writing.
Both essays and reports need:
formal style
careful proof-reading and neat presentation
introduction, body and conclusion
analytical thinking.
But there are some essential differences between the two.
A Report

An Essay

Presents information

Presents an argument

Is meant to be scanned quickly by the

reader

Is meant to be read carefully

Uses numbered headings and sub-headings

Uses minimal sub-headings, if any.

May not need references and

bibliography/reference list

Always needs references and bibliography/reference list

Uses short, concise paragraphs and dot-

Links ideas into cohesive paragraphs, rather than breaking

points where applicable

them down into a list of dot-points

Uses graphics wherever possible (tables,

graphs, illustrations)

Rarely uses graphics

May need an abstract (sometimes called an

executive summary)

Will only need an abstract if it is very long, or if your

lecturer asks for one specifically

May be followed by recommendations

and/or appendices

Seldom has recommendations or appendices

WRITING A REVIEW

Answer the question

Plan your review.
Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs.
Choose an appropriate title.
The introduction will talk about what's being reviewed.
Use a relaxed, friendly, chatty style.
You can use contractions such as I'm, I've etc..
Use a new paragraph for each point you want to make.
In the concluding paragraph give your opinion.

What I liked

What I liked most was .....

The thing I liked most was ....
I was pleasantly surprised by .....
..... would appeal to .....
If you get a chance to ....

What I disliked

What I disliked most was .....

I was disappointed by ......
I was disappointed with .....
I was very disappointed by .....
I was very disappointed with ....

Reviews of books:

main character
is set in
comedy
science fiction
thriller
romance
comedy
author
written by
chapter
factual
fiction
unbelievable
bestseller
chapter
ending

Reviews of films, tv programmes, plays:

lead role
star role
star
star actor
star actress
starring
secondary role
He plays a .......
She plays a .......
written by ....
is set in .....

based on a true story .....

believable
true to life
not very believable
far-fetched
comedy
romance
science fiction
ending

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc:

location
service
setting
attractive setting
disappointing setting
owned by
run by
head chef (restaurant)
waiters (restaurant)
staff .......
staff at reception .......(hotel)
hotel facilities ....
reasonable prices .....
good value for money .....
excellent value for money .....
expensive
a bit expensive
overpriced
not worth the money
poor value for money
always fully booked
book in advance

HOW TO WRITE A FILM REVIEW

Watch the movie (you can take notes)

Give your opinion and explain it
Refer to a specific audience
Give an outline of the story, not of essential details
Detail main actors and directors names
Hint at the storyline (regular and predictable or irregular and unpredictable?)
If you can, comment on how well the film was shot and directed
Say if the score is original or taken from popular artists
Read and check thoroughly

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REVIEW

Write an outline of the review
Think of a specific reader
Mention the name of the author, the book title, the genre and the main theme in the first paragraph
use one paragraph for each point
Express your opinion saying what you like or dislike about the book and why
use a few short quotes from the book to illustrate your points
Give depth by doing research about the author and incorporate what you learn into the review
Read the review through, make sure youve covered all the suggestions and made your point clear, check
for mistakes, rewrite unclear or awkward sentences

Sample questions (Writing reviews)

1. Your teacher has asked you to write a review for a book you have read recently.
The best reviews will go in the school magazine. Review the book giving your
opinion and saying whether or not you would recommend it.
Write your review in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
2. Your teacher has asked you to write a review for a film you have seen recently
on DVD or at the cinema. The best reviews will go in the school magazine. Review

the book giving your opinion and saying whether or not you would recommend it.
Write your review in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
3. At school you are building a tourist website in English. Your teacher has asked
you to write a review of a restaurant you have eaten at in your town. Review the
restaurant giving your opinion and saying whether or not you would recommend it.
Write your review in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

WRITING AN ARTICLE
An article could be written for a magazine or a newsletter.
The readers will have a similar interest to the writer.
The main purpose is to interest the reader by means of descriptions, comments
and opinions.
Answer the question
Plan your article.
Give your article an interesting title.
Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs.
Try to involve your reader, e.g. by asking a question
Ask rhetorical questions to get your readers' attention e.g. What would the
world be like without oil? What will life be like in 20 years time?
Speak directly to your readers e.g. Let's just imagine some of the possibilities.
Give examples where appropriate.
Use humour where appropriate
Finish your article by summerising your main point and giving your opinion or
expressing your feelings
REVISE your article to correct mistakes.
Rhetorical phrases:
Have you ever ........?
What do you think about ........?
Are you one of those people who thinks that ......?
Are you one of those people who .......?
What would life be like if ......?
Will the future bring us ..... ?
Introducing your first point:
Firstly
In the first place
First of all
The first thing to consider is
One thing to consider is
To begin with
Introducing more points:
Secondly
Another consideration
Yet another consideration
Another thing to consider is
Added to that
Apart from that
In addition to this
Introducing your final points:

In conclusion
To conclude
To sum up
So
Introducing your opinion:
I think
In my opinion
Personally I believe that
In my view
If you ask me
To my mind
My personal opinion is
Article: useful phrases
engaging the reader
Have you ever ...? Do you find that ...? Are you one of those people who ...?
making suggestions
Imagine ... Let's suppose ... Why not ...? Have you thought of ...? Try...
giving examples
Take ... for example/instance ...
expressing opinion
As I see it, ... To my mind, ... I believe (that) ... As far as l'm concerned, ... In my
view, ...

Sample questions (Writing articles)

1. You see this announcement in your school's English language magazine .
New Clubs after School
Your school wants to start some new after school clubs. Chess, table-tennis, judo,
guitar playing and cookery have been suggested as possible clubs. What do you
think?
_Tell us which one of these five ideas you like best and why.
_Make one other suggestion for a new club and explain why it would be a good
idea.
Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
2. You see this announcement in the Leisure and Entertainment magazine.
Could you live without internet for a month?
Write and tell us what difference this would make to your life. We will publish the
best article.
Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
3. You see this announcement in a magazine.
We invite you to write an article on The City of the Future.
In what ways will Cities be different in the future? In what ways will they be the
same? The writer of the best article will receive a prize.
Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate

Writing formal letters or emails

Examples
. _You are given an article to read from a newspaper.
You write to the newspaper disagreeing with the article
_You write to complain about something.
_You write making suggestions about something.
_You write requesting information.
_You write giving information.
_You write requesting permission.
Useful phrases
Writing formal letters generally:
Greetings:
_Dear Sir
_Dear Madam
_Dear Sir/Madam
_Dear Mr Brown
_Dear Ms Jones
Reason for writing:
_I am writing in response to your article/advertisement/letter
_I am writing with regard to your article/advertisement/letter
_I am writing regarding your article/advertisement/letter
_I am writing on behalf of
Ending the letter:
_I look forward to receiving your reply
_I look forward to your reply
_I look to hearing from you
_I am, yours faithfully (if you don't know the name of the person you are writing to)
_I am, yours sincerely (if you know the name of the person you are writing to)
_Yours faithfully
_Yours sincerely
Formal letter: useful phrases
greeting

name unknown: Dear Sir / Madam,

name known: Dear Mr ... / Dear Mrs ... / Dear Ms ... + surname,

reason for writing

I am writing to ...
I am writing with regard to ...
With reference to your letter of May 2nd (I enclose details of my qualification)
I am writing in response to (your advertisement in The Daily Standard on July
20th)
I am writing to enquire whether (you could let me have further details about
I would like to know more about

asking questions

I would be grateful if you could...

I wonder if you could ...
Could you ...?

referring to their letter

/points

As you stated in your letter, ...

Regarding ... / Concerning ...
With regard to ...

closing expressions

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.

signing of

if Dear + name: Yours sincerely, if Dear Sir / Madam Yours faithfully

name

your first name + surname

Writing formal letters to complain

Structure:

Greetings

Reason for writing

Introducing the complaint
Introducing further complaints
Demanding action
Ending the letter
Reason for writing:
_I am writing in order to complain about
_I am writing to complain about
Introducing the complaint:
_Firstly
_In the first place
_First of all
_My first complaint is
_The first problem is
_The first thing I would like to draw your attention to is
_My first concern is
Introducing further complaints:
_Secondly
_In the second place
_Not only .but also
_In addition
_In addition to this
_Added to this
_.was also unacceptable
Demanding action:
_I suggest that you replace the item
_I therefore suggest that I be given a full refund
_I would be grateful if my money was refunded
_I would be grateful if you could give me a full refund
Ending the letter:
_I look forward to
_I look forward to
_I look forward to
_I look forward to
_Yours faithfully
_Yours sincerely

hearing from you

receiving a full refund
receiving a replacement
receiving your explanation

Writing formal letters to make suggestions

Structure:

Greetings
Reason for writing
Making first suggestion
Making further suggestions
Offering a choice
Ending the letter

Reason for writing:

_I am writing to suggest
_I am writing to arrange
_I am writing to offer suggestions
_I am writing make arrangements
Making first suggestion:
_My first suggestion is
_First of all I suggest
_I would like to suggest
Making further suggestions

_Another possibility is
_A further possibility is
_I further suggest
_I would further suggest
_Secondly

Offering a choice:
_Would you therefore mind choosing between .?
_Eitheror
_You might choose either . or
Ending the letter:
_I look forward to hearing from you
_Yours faithfully
_Yours sincerely

Writing formal letters to request information

Structure:

Greetings
Reason for writing
Requesting first piece of information
Requesting further information
Thanking for information
Ending the letter

Reason for writing:

_I am writing to receive further information about
_I am writing to enquire about
_I am writing to receive more detailed information about
_I am writing to receive further details about
Requesting first piece of information:
_The first thing I would like to know is
_First of all I would like to know
_I wonder if you would mind telling me first of all .?
Requesting further information:
_Could you also tell me.?
_Could you also inform me .?
_Would you also mind informing me .?
_Would you also mind telling me .?
_Do you know .?
_I would also like to know if
_I would also like to know whether
_I hope you might also let me know about
Thanking for information:
_I would like to thank you in advance for this information
_Thanking you in advance for this information
_Thanking you in advance
Ending the letter:
_I look forward to hearing from you
_Yours faithfully
_Yours sincerely
Writing formal letters to give information
Structure:

Greetings
Reason for writing
Providing first point
Providing further points

Ending the letter

Reasons for writing

_I am writing to inform you about
_I am writing to provide you with information about
_I am writing to let you know that
Providing first point:
_The first thing I would like to inform you of is
_The first thing I would like to tell you is
_The first thing I wish to inform you of is
_I would like to begin by informing you
Providing further points:
_I would also like to let you know that
_I would also like to inform you that
_You might also find the following information useful
_It might also be useful for you to know that
_Another piece of information that might be useful
Ending the letter:
_If you require further information, please do not hesitate to as
_If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask
_I will willingly provide further information on request
_I am at your disposal should you require further information
_I am at your disposal should you need further assistance
_Please do not hesitate to ask should you require further information

Writing formal letters to request permission

Structure: Greetings
Reason for writing
Making first request
Making further requests
Thanking for permission
Ending the letter
Reason for writing:
_I am writing to ask permission to
_I am writing to ask permission for
_I am writing to request permission to
_I am writing to request permission for
_I am writing to ask if I might
Making first request:
_Firstly I wonder if you would
_First of all I wonder whether you would mind
_The first request I would like you to consider is
Making further requests
_I would be grateful if you would also consider
_I wonder if it might be possible for me to
_I would also like to request permission for
_I would also like to request permission to
Thanking for permission
_Many thanks for kindly considering my requests
_Thank you for considering my requests
Ending the letter:
_I look forward to hearing from you

 _Yours faithfully
_Yours sincerely
Sample questions (Writing formal letters and emails)
1. You are helping to organise a visit to an English Language Academy in Manchester. You have
received a letter from John Webster, the director of the Academy. Read the letter and the notes
you have made. Then write a letter to Mr Webster using all your notes.
I am very glad to see that you are coming to our academy in July. I am sure you will all have a
very enjoyable time and that you will learn a lot of English.
Your can either stay all together in a youth hostel, or individually with local families. Please tell
me which you would prefer.
Tell me something about your group so that I can organise interesting spare time activities.
What sort of things do they like doing?
Please ask if you need any further information.
Yours sincerely,
John Webster
Your notes:
_Paragraph 1 learning a lot of English is very important because ..
_Paragraph 2 say which you prefer, and why.
_Ask what the weather's like in Manchester and what clothes you will need.
Write your letter in 140-190 words. You must use grammatically correct sentences with
accurate spelling and punctuation in a style appropriate for the situation.
2. Write 140-190 words in an appropriate style
You have just returned from a trip to Canada. You flew there and back with Maple Air. You
decide to write to the airline to complain about your flight and ask for some money back.
Read the advertisement and the notes you made and then, using the information, write a letter
to the airline. You may add other relevant points of your own.
FLY MAPLE AIR TO CANADA
We offer:
_3 flights a day
_wide, comfortable seats
_friendly, well-trained staff
_a good choice of food special diets no problem
_the latest in-flight entertainment
Phone 0179 765893 now or see your travel agent for more details.
Your notes:
_Late boarding
_Staff quite rude
_No vegetarian food for me
_Old film
Write your letter of complaint. Do not include any postal addresses.
3. Your parents have seen the following advertisement.
IVY GRANGE HEALTH FARM
A marvellous experience and wonderful opportunity to get you fit.
Individualised health and fitness programmes in charming rural setting.
They want you to send an email to ask for further details including answers to the following
questions:
Where?
Places available in August?
How much for a week?
Drinking allowed?
Any trips?
What type of exercise?
Write an email in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.