WRITING
Formal Letters
1. Formal register
2. Appropriate use of linkers
(make links between the paragraphs and between points within the paragraph)
3. Rephrasing of language from input material
4. Expansion of points in input material
5. Try to end on a positive note
6. Reason for writing
7. Desired outcome
Useful language
Beginning the letter | If we know the person’s title and name: Dear Dr Ivanov, Dear Professor Ivanov, Dear Ms Ivanova, Dear Mr Ivanov, If we are writing to a specific person (a director of a college) but we do not know the person’s name, title or gender: Dear Sir or Madam, If we do not know who will read our letter or when in the future our letter will be read (e.g. a letter of reference for a colleague): To whom it may concern, |
Reason for writing | I am writing with regard/reference to/in reply to… I am writing to express (my concern about/disappointment with/disapproval of/apologies for)… I would like to draw your attention to/point out (certain inaccuracies)… I have been asked to write to you concerning … In response to your letter of 15 January, I am writing to … |
Introducing points | Firstly/To begin with/Moreover/Furthermore/In addition/Finally, … I must also (dis)agree with … I should also like to point out that … According to your (article)/Your (article) states that … However, … My most serious complaint is … Not only … but also… If this were not enough … |
Request for action | I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would … It seems only fair that you should … I look forward to receiving/seeing … I trust/very much hope you will consider… I am sure you will see … Unless you … , I have no option but to … If I do not …, I will have no choice to … Otherwise I will be forced to … |
Ending the letter | Yours sincerely, (when we have begun the letter with person’s title and name) Yours faithfully, (when we have begun the letter with Dear Sir or Madam or To whom it may concern) |
Informal Letter
1. Informal register (contractions, phrasal verbs, vocabulary)
2. Friendly tone
3. Encourage your friend to take part throughout the letter
4. Include necessary and relevant information
5. Divide the letter into “subject areas” with the aim of making it easier to read.
6. Negative aspects offset by positive aspects
7. Reference to a previous letter / give a reason for writing
8. Appropriate ending (arrange to see or contact the person you are writing to again soon)
Beginning the letter | Great/Lovely to hear from you (after so long) Thanks so much for your letter. It was so good to hear from you. I thought I’d better send you a message / drop you a line to let you know … Thanks (a lot) for your letter. Sorry to hear about your … Sorry I haven’t written/been in touch for so long. |
Referring to a previous letter | Remember (that course) you said you had (enrolled for)? You told me in your letter that … Last time you wrote, you wanted to know … |
Apologising | I’m really/terribly/awfully sorry that … Sorry we didn’t manage to … |
Inviting | Do you fancy (getting together for a meal some time)? Why don’t we (try meet up in the next couple of weeks)? I was wondering if you’d be into (coming along to a class reunion at the end of next month)? How about +Gerund? |
Responding to an invitation | Thanks very much for (inviting me to your farewell dinner. I can hardly wait). I was absolutely thrilled to get your invitation but unfortunately it doesn’t look as if I’ll be able to make it. |
Persuading | You’d get so much out of it. It’d be a wonderful/marvelous opportunity for you to … Just think of (all the people you’d meet). Just imagine how it would (improve your CV), not to mention (the money you could earn). |
Advising | Whatever you do, make sure you … It’s (not) worth/There’s no little point +Gerund I’d/I wouldn’t … if I were you. You’d be much better off +Gerund |
Making a request | I was wondering if you happened to (have time to meet a friend of mine who is planning to come to study in your country). If you’ve got a spare moment, do you think you could …? |
Ending the letter | I think that’s all my news for the moment. Do write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing. Write back soon and let me know how it goes. Looking forward to hearing from you. Can’t wait to see you again. (Give my) love/regards to … I think that brings you up to date on what I’ve been up to. Do write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing. Please say “hi” to … from me. |
Signing off | Friends: All the best/Best wishes/Bye for now Close friends or relatives: Lots of Love/All my love/Love, |