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Департамент освіти і науки Київської обласної державної адміністрації

Відділ освіти Рокитнянської районної державної адміністрації

Районний методичний кабінет

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

Рокитне 2013

Департамент освіти і науки Київської обласної державної адміністрації

Відділ освіти Рокитнянської районної державної адміністрації

Районний методичний кабінет

English Composition

Навчальний посібник з англійської мови для загальноoсвітніх навчальних закладів

О.М. Семенюта

Рокитне 2013

Рекомендовано науково-методичною радою Київського обласного інституту післядипломної освіти педагогічних кадрів

(протокол №5 від 20.06.2013 року)

Семенюта О.М. English Composition: навчально-методичний посібник/ укладач: О.М. Семенюта. - Біла Церква, 2013. - 111 с.

У посібнику представлено технологію розвитку писемного мовлення учнів для вирішення комунікативно-орієнтованих завдань, тобто вміння правильно, з урахуванням соціокультурних відмінностей оформляти і писати особисті та ділові листи, вітальні листівки, оголошення, письмові творчі роботи тощо.

Матеріали посібника можуть бути використані вчителями та учнями при підготовці до державної підсумкової атестації, зовнішнього незалежного оцінювання, участі в олімпіаді, а також тими, хто бажає покращити свій рівень письмової компетенції з англійської мови.

2013

Contents

• Foreword
• 1. Writing style
• 2. Types of compositions
• 2.1 Letters
• 2.2 Articles
• 2.3 Discursive Essays
• 2.4 Repotrs
• 2.5 Other Kinds of Informative Writing
• 3. Conclusion
• Selected bibliography

Foreword

To the teacher

This book has been written to improve your students' experience in writing. It provides various types of compositions. There are a lot of tables which give the students the opportunity to imagine each writing task clearly and help make a well organized piece of writing using a wide range of tips.

The samples of each type of composition raise your students' awareness of effective writing. The activities suggested in this book help your students develop their communicative experience in writing.

To the student

The ability to write well in English is very important nowadays. You fill out various forms, exchange ICQ, SMS, chat on the Internet, in chat rooms and on forums, write letters, applications and resumes. Each piece of writing you do is different, but there are a few general pieces of advice you should remember every time you write something.

First of all, you have to know who your reader is. This tells you how formal your writing should be.

Secondly, you have to know why you are writing. Your purpose affects what you write. Read the question carefully and make sure you understand why you are writing.

Thirdly, you have to know what type of text you are writing. Look at the following descriptions of each text type. Follow this guide when you write. Your writing should look like examples here. An article should look like an article, a letter should look like a letter, etc. Make sure you have everything in the right place.

I hope the examples of different types of composition and writing tips will raise your awareness of well-written letters, articles, etc. The activities in this book are suitable for students of different levels of knowledge.

1. Writing style

As it was mentioned above, you can not use the same sort of writing style for every composition. There is a variety of styles you can use (e. g. formal, semi-formal or informal, personal or impersonal, descriptive or factual), and you must choose the most appropriate style for each writing task.

The appropriate style for a composition depends on the type of composition, the situation suggested in the rubric, and who the imaginary reader is.

The two main kinds of writing style are formal and informal, which usually include other features such as impersonal, factual, etc. Semi formal lies in between. It is associated with the style that is neither formal nor completely informal. The main characteristics are shown below.

Formal and Informal Language

Formal language	Informal language
A formal way of greeting and ending Dear Sir/Madam (if we do not know who we are writing to), Dear Mr Smith/Mrs Jones (if we know who we are writing to), Yours faithfully (after Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (after Dear +surname) + your full name	An informal way of greeting and ending Dear + first name Lots of love, Take care, Best wishes, Love, Yours + your first name
Formal expressions, advanced vocabulary, longer sentences Taking everything into consideration, it can be said that the facilities offered are of poor quality	Every day/colloquial expressions, vocabulary and idioms, shorter sentences I thought I'd drop a line… Thanks a lot for the invitation Got to go
Formal linking words, phrases (However, Nevertheless, In addition, Consequently) Mobile phones are extremely useful for people. However, they can be dangerous.	Simple linking words/phrases (but, so, because, and) It rains a lot here, so you'd better take an umbrella with you.
No use of short forms (i. e. I'm, there's) I would be grateful if…	Frequent use of short forms I won't be able to come to your party as I'll be away…
Impersonal tone, i. e. use of the passive, no description of feelings Nowadays visitors are shown how salt was mined long ago.	Personal tone, use of the first person (I/we) We've got great news. I've found a new job.
Factual presentation of the information The Statue of Liberty was designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi.	Descriptive tone, use of adjectives/adverbs for vivid description It was a bitterly cold morning.
No use of exclamation marks	Use of exclamation marks I can't wait to see you!
Indirect questions I would be grateful if you could provide further information about the salary	Direct questions Did you pass your Spanish exam?
Semi-formal language
Greeting Dear Mr Harris, Hi, Julian,
More respectful tone I would like to thank you for your help. It was nice to hear from you.
Use of less colloquial language Thank you so much for your letter instead of Thanks a million for your letter.
Less frequent use of short verb forms, linking words, phrasal verbs Also, I was wondering if you had a computer I could use when I am staying with you.
Sign off Regards, Kind regards, + your full name

ACTIVITY

Formal or informal?

Read these extracts from different pieces of writing about films, and decide whether the language is formal or informal. Circle the appropriate word above each extract.

A formal/informal

I saw a great movie last night with Helen. You'd have loved it! It's called The Score, and it's about a robbery. De Niro is fab as one of the robbers, and Edward Norton - as usual - is really cool! Great twist at the end too. I reckon it's gonna win loads of Oscars.

B formal/informal

I would be extremely grateful if you could let me know how long I will have to wait from the date of my order until the satellite dish and program decoder are installed.

C formal/informal

Although there may be some kind of connection between violence on TV and violence in society, it's really not clear what that connection is. It certainly is not the case that the majority of people, after watching a violent film, feel an increased need to commit violent acts. In fact, possibly quite is the opposite.

D formal/informal

As requested, I have visited the three outdoor cinemas currently taking part in the film festival. I have compared them in terms of ticket pricing, facilities, comfort, sound quality and picture quality. My findings are outlined below.

E formal/informal

To conclude, cinema appears to be increasing in popularity amongst younger age groups, despite the availability of high-quality video and DVD. The evidence suggests that this is due partly to the social element involved in going to the cinema, and partly to the benefits of a large screen and state-of-the art sound system.

F Kyle's language: formal/informal

The writer's language: formal/informal

"Oh, I really don't fancy going to the cinema tonight. Can't we just stay in and watch a movie on TV or something? ” said Kyle. His tone of voice revealed that he was hiding his real reasons for wanting to remain at home.

G formal/informal

Furthermore, your advertisement stated that the DVD contains interviews with the stars and the director. The copy which I received unfortunately contains the film and nothing more.

H formal/informal

As you will see from my CV (attached), I have worked as an extra on a number of films. I believe that my references from those films demonstrate that I am professional, reliable and hardworking.

How did you know?

Look again at the extracts A, B, C. Write a word or short phrase from the extracts on the lines provided.

Extract A

1. Find two examples of informal grammar.

_________________________________________________

2. Find an example of informal verb.

__________________________________________________

3. Find an example of informal punctuation.

__________________________________________________

4. Find a sentence without a verb.

__________________________________________________

5. Find an example of VERY informal spelling.

__________________________________________________

6. Which word is short for `fabulous'?

__________________________________________________

7. Which phrase means `many'?

__________________________________________________

Extract B

1. Which phrase means `Please tell me…'?

__________________________________________________

2. Find one example of the passive.

__________________________________________________

Extract C

1. Find one example of formal grammar.

__________________________________________________

2. Find one example of informal grammar.

__________________________________________________

3. Find a more formal phrase for `It's not true at all'.

__________________________________________________

4. Find a more formal phrase for `most'.

__________________________________________________

english composition style letter

2. Types of compositions

When you write a composition or essay, you are often asked to write your answer in the form of an article, a report, a letter, etc.

Letters (with an appropriate address) are written to a person (your friend, a newspaper editor etc.) or a group of people (the student's society, the local football club etc.) They include:

postcards to friends or relatives;

phone messages to friends or relatives

e-mail messages to friends or relatives;

notes to friends or relatives;

informal letters to people you know well written in a personal chatty style, usually about personal matters;

formal letters to managers/officials etc written in a polite formal style and semi-formal letters to people you do not know well or people you know but you want to sound polite and respectful (a teacher of yours, your pen friend's parents, etc) written in a polite and respectful style.

Articles are found in magazines and newspapers. The following can be found in the form of an article:

descriptions of people, places, buildings, objects, festivals, ceremonies etc;

narratives about real or imaginary events, which happened in the past. They can be written in the first person when the writer is the main character of the story or in the third person when the writer is describing events, which happened to another person or group of people;

news reports about current/recent events (fires, accidents, etc.) written in a formal style. News reports present facts objectively and unemotionally;

reviews discussing a film, TV programme, book, restaurant etc and recommending it or not to the reader;

Discursive essays about arguments concerning particular subjects. They include:

"for and against" essays which present the pros and cons on a specific topic;

opinion essays which present the writer's personal opinion on a specific topic;

providing solutions to problems which discuss a problem and its causes, making suggestions and mentioning the expected results and consequences;

Reports are formal pieces of writing and have a specific format and features:

assessment reports discussing the suitability of a person, place, plan for a particular purpose, job etc;

survey reports presenting the results or findings of a study and include assessment and recommendations;

proposal reports discussing suggestions or decisions about future actions.

There are several other kinds of informative writing each with its own format and features. (You are not often asked to write compositions in these forms). They include:

instructions giving directions or describing processes with accurate information in the right chronological order;

leaflets giving information, advice, etc.;

advertisements persuading an audience (viewers, readers or listeners) to take some action with respect to products, ideas, or services;

announcements as a type of advertisement featured on television, radio, print or other media;

entry forms.

2.1 Letters

Addressing an Envelope

Sending personal letters was replaced by e-mails years ago, at least for the most part. Business letters are still being sent and therefore there is still a need to know how to properly address an envelope. Addressing an envelope properly helps get your letter to the correct destination on time.

The address on an envelope gives the recipient his or her first impression of you. It should be well laid out and clearly written ensuring that the wording is correctly spaced out so that the postman can distinguish the house name from the street or town name. The town and country (if writing to outside the UK) should be written in CAPITAL letters.

Make sure you always put the postcode on the envelope to ensure prompt delivery.

Instructions

Things you will need:

envelopes

postage stamps

pens

address books

1. To address an envelope, print the return address neatly in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope.

2. Begin by writing the sender's name and/or the company's name on the first line of the address.

3. Add the sender's street address (include Ave., St. or Blvd., as well as apartment, office or suite number) or post office (P. O.) box number on the second line.

4. Include mail-stop numbers, for mail distribution within a large company, where an apartment or suite number would appear on the second line.

5. Print the city name followed by a space, the two-letter capitalized state abbreviation and the ZIP code (five-digit or ZIP+4) on the third line.

6. Include the country name, if necessary, in capital letters on the fourth line of the address.

7. Print the mailing address (the destination address) in the centre of the envelope or package, putting each element of the address in the same order as outlined in Steps 1 through 6 above.

8. Attach proper postage to the upper right-hand corner of the envelope, on the same side of the envelope as the destination address and return address.

This is what an addressing an envelope should look like.

Stamp Return Address Sender's name House number, street - 22 High Street Place (city, town) - London Country (in capital letters) - GREAT BRITAIN ZIP code - WIX 3RB Recipient's Address Recipient's full name- Mary Johnson or Mr G Burns House number, street City Country Zip code

Postcard

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Contractions	Present Simple, Present Continuous, There is a/an…, There are some/a lot of, Infinitive or Gerund, Articles

This is what a postcard should look like.

Dear Mark, We're in Scotland. It's great here, but the weather isn't very good. We're in a youth hostel near Loch Ness. Do you know Loch Ness? It's famous for the monster! This is a picture of the loch (`loch' means `lake'). There are lots of lovely mountains all round. We go walking in the mountains every day. See you next week. Bye for now Sally	(picture)

ACTIVITY 1

Write a postcard (50-70 words) to a friend. Use the writing guide to help you.

Start with Dear… or Hi…

Say where you are.

Say what the place is like and what the weather is like.

Say what type of accommodation you are staying in.

Say what the picture is of.

Say what you do every day.

Finish with Love or Bye for now and your name.

ACTIVITY 2

You are on holiday in a foreign country celebrating Christmas with your host family. Write a postcard to your parents according to the plan below:

Introduction

Para 1: greeting; a few words about the purpose of your writing.

Main body

Para 2: where you are staying; what you think of the place; what the weather is.

Para 3: how people celebrate the event; what people wear; what they eat.

Conclusion

Para 4: whether you like it or not; closing remarks; your signature.

Write a postcard of at least 100 words.

Phone Message

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Contractions, Abbreviations	Present Simple, Present Continuous, Past Simple, Articles

This is what a phone message should look like.

Sam, Harry phoned at 10. He was at the park. He waited for you for ages. Haven't you got a football match this morning? I don't think he's very happy. You can phone him on his mobile - 0797 56875. Dad

ACTIVITY

Write a phone message (30-50 words). Include this information:

Who phoned?

Where is he/she?

What's the message?

What's his/her phone number?

E-Mail Message

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Contractions, Abbreviations	Present Simple, Present Continuous, Future Simple, Conditionals 1, Articles

This is what an e-mail message should look like.

From: Daniel. hughes@mailstar.com Sent: 21/07/11 To: k_schneider@mayersoft. at Subject: my visit
Hi Karin, Got your message about the weather. I'll make sure I pack my umbrella! My flight is arriving in Vienna tomorrow at 15.00, then I'll take a bus from the airport to the centre. I'll give you a ring from the hotel when I get there. How about meeting up later for dinner? If Anke arrives from Stuttgart, perhaps she could join us, too. It'll be great to see you again soon! Take care, Daniel

ACTIVITY

You have called your friend and found out that he/she caught a cold. Write an e-mail to your friend according to the plan below:

Introduction

Para 1: greeting; a few words about the purpose of your writing.

Main body

Para 2: express your sympathy and ask your friend when he/she caught a cold.

Para 3: whether the doctor has examined him/her; what medicine he/she is taking.

Conclusion

Para 4: give him/her advice what to do until he/she is well; closing remarks; your signature.

Write an e-mail of at least 100 words.

Notes

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Contractions, exclamation marks, abbreviations	Present Simple, Present Continuous, Infinitive or Gerund, Articles, Modal Verbs

a) Making an Invitation

Dear Mike, It's my birthday on Saturday and I'm having a party. It starts at 8 o'clock. Can you come? It's at the village hall. Can you bring some CDs, please? I hope to see you there. Love, Sally PS RSVP asap! Tel.643492

ACTIVITY

You are going to have a party next weekend. Write an e-mail (30-50 words) using the plan below:

inform about the reason for the party;

people who are going to be present, time and place of the party;

whether your fried has to dress up or wear casual clothes;

how you are going to entertain your guests (music, dancing, video);

express your desire to see your friend at the party and ask him/her to let you know about his/her decision.

b) Accepting an Invitation

Hi Tania, Great to hear from you. And thanks very much for the invitation to your fancy dress party on New Year's Eve. I'll definitely be there! I'm already thinking about my costume. `Hollywood' is a great theme. I'm really looking forward to it! Love, Gloria PS. Shall I bring some food, eg. crisps?

c) Declining an Invitation

Hi Janet, Thanks very much for your note. It's very kind of you to invite me to your Halloween party, but I'm afraid I won't be able to make it. My grandparents are coming to visit us that weekend. It's my grandma's birthday on Saturday, and we're going for dinner at Giovanni's in Church Rd. It's too bad, because I love Halloween parties! Anyway, I hope you have a great party! See you soon, Louise

ACTIVITY

Imagine you are a friend of Sally and have received her invitation. Plan two different notes:

a) accepting the invitation,

b) declining the invitation.

Informal Letter Giving News

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Contractions, exclamation marks, simple linking words	Present Simple, Present/Past Continuous, Past Simple, Present Perfect, There is a/an…, There are some/a lot of, Infinitive or Gerund, Articles

Part	Purpose	Useful expressions
	Put your address in the top right corner. We often leave it out	6, Esterhazygasse A-1060 Wien Austria
	Write the date	30 June 2010
First line	Greet your friend	Dear + the name of the person you are writing to
First main paragraph	If you're writing a reply, thank the person for their letter or anything else they sent you	Hi! How are you? How's it going? Thanks a lot for your (last) letter/postcard, etc It was great/ lovely to hear from you. I'm glad… How nice of you… Sorry, I haven't written for so long because… I must apologize for not writing… I really should have written sooner… Actually, I feel (a bit) nervous/worried, etc
Second main paragraph	Give your main news + how you feel about it	I'm really busy at the moment because… I'd like to drop you a line to tell you my news. Just dropping you a line to tell you… To answer your question about… You know we went to…. last month. I'm spending time… I've already seen…
Third main paragraph	Continue your news	By the way,… Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you…
Fourth main paragraph	Give a reason for ending the letter	(Well) I'd better go now as… Got to go as…
Closing expressions (1)	Final remarks	Write soon! Take care, and hope to hear from you soon. See you soon
Closing expressions (2)	Express love	Love Lots of love All the best Take care
Final line	Say who you are (first name only)

Sample Letter Giving News 1

Dear Adam,

Hi! How's it going? Thanks a lot for your postcard. Sounds like you had a great time in Switzerland.

Well, we went back to school today for the first day of the winter term. Boring! I can't believe how quickly the summer holidays went. Actually, it wasn't that bad. There are a couple of new guys in my class this year and they both seem really nice. One of them is really good at football. I'm going to try to get him on the team!

Talking of football, we've got our first match next week. We're training hard at the moment, and I think we've got a good chance of winning. Wish us luck!

Anyway, I'd better go now. I've got loads of homework to do tonight (unfortunately!).

Write soon!

All the best,

Gary

ACTIVITY 1

Today was your first day back at school after the summer holidays. Write a letter to your pen-friend about the day, mentioning any other news you have as well. Write between 120 and 150 words.

ACTIVITY 2

You and your friends went on a two-day's walking tour to a beautiful lake not far from your city/village. Write a letter to your English pen-friend about this trip. Don't forget the things you need to write about in your letter:

who went on a walking tour together with you and why

what equipment you took with and why

how you got to the place of your rest (describe your route)

how you spend the weekend near the lake

Write the letter in an appropriate style. Do not write any dates and addresses.

Sample Letter Giving News 2

Dear Pete,

I'm happy to write to you again. I'm in a rest camp at the seaside. Our camp is by the sea and we can have much fun swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beach. I'd like to tell you about a day trip to Botanical Garden and a beautiful castle on the top of the cliff called Lastochkino Hnizdo.

We got up very early on Saturday, had a quick breakfast and started at 7.30 a. m. it took us an hour and a half to get to the famous Nikitskii Botanical Garden, which is near Yalta, one of the well-known resorts in the Crimea. You can't imagine how many wonderful plants we saw: colourful pink, yellow, scarlet roses, huge ancient exotic trees.

We left the Garden about noon and in an hour we were near Lastochkino Hnizdo. It was a trial to climb the cliff. But it was worth doing! The view from the castle was breathtaking and the castle was amazing.

Though we got tired this day, we were happy. This was one of the most exciting days in the camp.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours,

Ira

ACTIVITY 1

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense.

Dear Agie,

I 1) ___________ (write) to you from Madrid. My family and I 2) ______________ (come) here on holiday ten days ago.

We 3) ___________ (stay) in a fabulous hotel in the city centre. So far the weather 4) ______________ (be) fine.

We 5) _______________ (do) a lot of sightseeing. We 6) ___________ (already/be) to the Plaza Monumental, a huge stadium where bullfights 7) ___________ (take place). However, we 8) _________ (not/be) to the Prado Museum yet.

I 9) ____________ (try) paella yesterday at an open-air restaurant. The food 10) _______ (be) delicious and the service 11) _____ (be) excellent. The only bad thing was that while we 12) _________ (enjoy) our dessert, it started raining. Fortunately it was just a shower!

Well, I must go now - we're going to Toledo today.

Love,

Vicky

ACTIVITY 2

You are staying with your pen-friend in England. Write a letter to your brother/sister telling him/her all about the family you are staying with. Don't forget to write:

how many people there are in the family and where they live

what the members of the family are like

what they do (occupation, job, activities)

what you like or dislike about staying with this family

Write a letter of at least 100 words. Do not write any dates and addresses.

Informal Thank-You-Letter

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Semi-formal Contractions, exclamation marks, simple linking words	Present Simple, Past Simple, Present Perfect, Infinitive or Gerund, Articles

Part	Purpose	Useful expressions
	Put your address in the top right corner. We often leave it out	6, Esterhazygasse A-1060 Wien Austria
	Write the date	30 June 2010
First line	Greeting	Dear + the name of the person you are writing to Dear Mr/Mrs…
First main paragraph	Thank the person for their gift/help they sent/gave you and say something about it. Say why you like it and that you have used it	Thanks a lot for the…you sent me It's gorgeous/great/coo! I've worn/used it for… I want to… I like wearing it… I am writing to thank very much for your help/efforts
Second main paragraph	Say what you did on your birthday, what other presents you received	I really enjoyed my birthday because… My Mum and Dad gave me a… As far as my (knowledge/English is concerned, I think it improved considerably
Closing expressions (1)	Say thank you again	Thanks again for the… I'd like to thank once again for your help/hospitality I appreciate your kindness and everything you did for me
Closing expressions (2)	Express love	Love, Lots of love, All the best, Take care, Best regards,
Final line	Say who you are (first name only)

Sample Informal Thank-you Letter

Dear Aunt Susan,

Thank you so much for the scarf that you sent me for my birthday. It's gorgeous!

It's very warm and the colour really goes with my eyes. I've worn it every day for the last week. Sophie wanted to borrow it yesterday, but I didn't lend it to her - she never gives things back!

I really enjoyed my birthday. Mum and Dad gave me some money because I'm saving for a holiday in the States. (I reckon I've nearly saved enough for the plane ticket!) Sophie gave me a DVD of The Two Towers, the second film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Have you seen it? I haven't watched it yet, but my mates say it's brilliant.

I hope you're well. Thanks again for the lovely scarf!

Lots of love,

Amy

ACTIVITY

Imagine that you have received some holiday presents. Write a thank-you-letter to your aunt according to the plan below:

Introduction

Para 1: greeting; a few words about the purpose of your writing.

Main body

Para 2: describe what a special day it was; what presents you received.

Para 3: which present you liked most; why you liked it.

Conclusion

Para 4: thank your aunt again; closing remarks; your signature.

Write a letter of at least 100 words. Do not write any dates or addresses.

Sample Semi-formal Thanking Letter

Dear Mr and Mrs Peterson,

I am writing to let you know that I have arrived home safely and to thank you very much for your hospitality during my stay with you.

It was very kind of you to let me stay in your home. I really appreciate all your efforts that made my stay in your home a happy one.

I really felt like part of your family. My room was very comfortable and every meal was delicious.

As far as my English is concerned, I think it improved considerably during my stay with you.

What helped me most was the opportunity to practice English with you every day. I shall always remember our great conversations after dinner.

Thank you once again for all your kindness. I hope we will keep in touch and perhaps you could come and visit me one day.

Best regards,

Carla

ACTIVITY

You have just completed an English language course. Write an e-mail to your English teacher, Mr Higgins, thanking him for all his help and explain how the course has helped you. (120-180 words)

Informal Letter Asking for Advice

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Informal linking words, use of short forms	Present Continuous, Past Simple, Present Perfect, Future Simple, Conditionals 1, 2, Infinitive or Gerund
Part	Purpose	Useful expressions
First line	Greeting	Dear…,
First main paragraph	Thank your pen-friend for the letter, if you have received it recently and say that you need your friend's advice	Hi! How are you? How's it going? Thanks (a lot) for your (last) letter/ Sorry that I haven't written for ages, but… I'm writing because I'd really like your advice about… I am writing to ask you for advice.
Second main paragraph	Mention the problem, say whether you agree or disagree with his/her parents' view and ask for advice	Do you think I should. Should I. What do you think I should do? Do you have any idea about I'd like to know what you think about. Can you think of anything that, I was wondering if you. What would you advise me to do? Can you give me a piece of advice? I've got a problem and I need your advice
Closing expressions (1)	Final remarks	Write soon! Take care and hope to hear from you soon See you soon!
Closing expressions (2)	Express love	Love, Lots of love, All the best,
Final line	Say who you are (first name only)

Sample Letter Asking for Advice

Dear Pam,

Sorry that I haven't written for ages, but I've been very busy studying.

I'm writing because I'd really like your advice about a problem I have.

My friends and I have decided to go away on holiday in the summer, but I don't have enough money. I was wondering if you had any ideas about earning some extra cash. If I don't save up enough money by August, I'II have to go away with Mum and Dad instead. Can you think of anything that would help me to make some money quickly?

I know that you always have lots of great ideas! What would you advise me to do?

Please write back as soon as you can.

Lots of love,

Mary

ACTIVITY

You want to buy a new MP3 player but your parents think you must study harder instead of listening to music. Write a letter to your friend asking for his/her advice of ways how to persuade your parents to buy an MP3 player.

Informal Letter Giving Advice

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Informal Informal linking words, use of short forms	Present Continuous, Past Simple, Present Perfect, Future Simple, Conditional 1, 2, Infinitive or Gerund
Part	Purpose	Useful expressions
First line	Greeting	Dear…,
First main paragraph	Thank your pen-friend for the letter, mention something in his/her letter (but not the problem)	Hi! How are you? How's it going? Thanks (a lot) for your (last) letter It was great to hear … I'm glad to…
Second main paragraph	Mention the problem, say whether you agree or disagree with his/her parents' view	I was sorry to hear about / that… To be honest,… If you ask me,… I tend to think that…
Third main paragraph	Make your suggestions	If I were you, I'd… How about + (-ing form)? I'd suggest… (-ing form) My advice would be to… (infinitive) Perhaps you should/could+ (bare infinitive) Why don't you+ (bare infinitive)?
Fourth main paragraph	Give a reason for ending the letter	(Well,) I'd better go now as… I have to go now as…
Closing expressions (1)	Final remarks	Write soon/ Take care and hope to hear from you soon. See you soon!
Closing expressions (2)	Express love	Love, Lots of love, All the best,
Final line	Say who you are (first name only)

Sample Letter of Giving Advice 1

Dear Linda,

Thanks for your letter. I`m glad you passed your history exam test!

I was sorry to hear about the argument you had with your parents about your pocket money. I know you get less than most of your friends but if your parents can`t afford to give you any more, I guess there`s not much you can do about it (unfortunately).

If I were you, I`d try not to argue about this. Why don`t you get a part-time job, maybe on Saturdays or after school and earn a bit of extra money that way? It can be quite fun delivering newspapers. That`s what I`ll do! Or perhaps you should tell everyone that you don`t want presents for Christmas or your birthday, but you`d rather have money. And if you`re careful how to spend it, you`ll have more during the year for CDs and clothes and all the other things you want to buy.

Anyway, keep smiling whatever happens! I`d better go now as I`ve got loads of homework to do (as always).

Write back soon!

Love,

Jessica

Sample Letter of Giving Advice 2

Dear Fiona,

I am so glad to hear that you have decided to move to London. It'll be great to have a friend from home living here. We'll be able to do things together like we used to. In your letter you asked me to give you some advice about finding a flat; here are some suggestions.

If I were you, I would start by checking the classified advertisements in the London papers. For example, 'The Daily Mail' and `The Evening Standart' have large sections with houses and flats for rent. That way, you will be able to see what is available for rent at the moment.

Another good idea is to contact an estate agent. Goldshmidt and Howland have offices all over London. That way you can get a list of all places in the area you want at a price you can afford.

I hope this helps. Please let me know how things turn out. If you need anything else, please call.

Love,

Mandy

ACTIVITY 1

Below is a part of a letter you have received from your penfriend. Write a letter to your penfriend giving your advice.

I really want to go on holiday with my friends this summer but my parents won`t let me. They say I`m too young and that I have to stay with them. But I`m fourteen years old and it`s so boring at home in the summer! What do you think I should do? Any suggestions???

ACTIVITY 2

1. You've got a letter from your British pen-friend. He/she writes that he/she likes to dress well. He/she tries to buy his/her clothes at famous fashion designers' shops. But it is very expensive and his/her parents don't want to buy such clothes for him/her. Write a letter to your friend in which you:

express your opinion about present-day fashions;

write what clothes you usually prefer to wear;

say where you usually buy clothes and who helps you do the shopping;

give advice to your friend what he/she should do in this situation.

Write a letter of at least 100 words. Do not write any dates or addresses.

ACTIVITY 3

You have received a letter from your pen-friend who has difficulties with his French but is rather good at maths and hіstory. Write a letter and tell about: importance of knowing foreign languages, your English lessons at school, give some advice about ways to improve his French, write a letter of at least 100 words. Do not write any dates or addresses.

Formal Letter Asking for Information

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
Formal Formal linking words, no use of short forms	Present Continuous, Past Simple, Conditional 2, Infinitive or Gerund, Indirect Question
Part	Purpose	Useful expressions
First line	Greeting	Dear Sir/Madam,
First main paragraph	Reason for writing the letter, where you saw the advertisement	I am writing with regard to…, which I saw in… I am writing to enquire about… I am interested in… However,…
Second main paragraph	First question	I would be grateful if you could let me know… I wonder if you could inform me. Could you please send me further information/details about…?
Third main paragraph	Second question	Could you also confirm…? Secondly,
Fourth main paragraph	Third question	Regarding,…/let me know,/ send me
Closing expressions (1)	Final remarks	I look forward to hearing from you
Closing expressions (2)	Express respect	Yours faithfully,
Final line	Say who you are (first name and surname)

Sample Formal Letter Asking for Information

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing with regard to your advertisement for holidays on Mars, which I saw in 'The Daily Gazette' on 24^th July. I am very interested in a weekend break to Mars. However, I would like some more information first.

I would be grateful if you could let me know the exact cost of a three-day trip during the summer, including transportation and accommodation, for two adults and two children (aged twelve and fourteen).

Secondly, I wonder if you could send me further information about facilities which are available at the Martian Hotel. My daughter would particularly like to know whether there is a nightclub.

Could you also confirm that we will not require either injections or passports?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Steve Knight

ACTIVITY 1

1 Read the letter. Do you think it is well written? Why? Why not?

Dear (1) Whatever-your-name is,

(2) I'm writing about your (3) advert for pieces of land on the Moon, which I saw in `Planet Monthly' last Tuesday. (4) I'm thinking of buying one. (5) But I (6) want some more information first.

(7) Tell me how much they cost.

(8) Also, (9) I want you to send me further information (10) about transportation to the Moon.

(11) Can you also let me know (12) if I'll be able to build a swimming pool on the land?

(13) Please write back!

(14) Lots of love,

(15) Annabel

ACTIVITY 2

Match a word or phrase in bold in the letter with a more formal word or phrase below.

a However, і regarding

b would like j Yours faithfully,

c I am writing with regard to k I am interested in d Secondly, l Could you

e I look forward to hearing from you. m Annabel Davis

f I would be grateful if you could tell me n advertisement

g whether I will o I wonder if you could

h Sir/ Madam,

Rewrite the letter using formal words and phrases.

ACTIVITY 3

You are going on a hiking tour in the Carpathians. You need to buy some equipment advertised in the Internet shop. Write a letter asking for information (at least 100 words) according to the plan below:

Introduction

Para 1: greeting; the purpose of your writing (mention where and when you saw the ad).

Main body

Para 2: give information about equipment you need; how many items you would like to buy.

Para 3: ask the most important details you are interested in.

Conclusion

Para 4: ask what kind of payment is available; closing remarks; your signature.

Semi-formal Letter Asking for Information

Points to consider

Language	Grammar
semi-formal less frequent use of short forms and linking words	Present Continuous, Past Simple, Conditional 2, Infinitive or Gerund, Direct/Indirect Questions
Part	Purpose	Useful expressions
First line	Greeting	Dear Mr/Mrs,/ Jack	<...

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