English Letters 2
Business Letters
Business letters:
between companies and institutions, and
government offices to conduct all kinds of
business.
The structure of a business letter
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Headings: the writer’s address and the date
Inside Address: the receiver’s title, full name,
position and complete address
Salutation: complimentary greeting as Dear John
Body of the Letter: reference, information,
purpose and conclusion
Complimentary close: Sincerely yours, etc.
Signature: typewritten and handwritten signatures
①Headings
② Inside Address
③ Salutation:
④Body of Letter
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⑤ Complementary Close,
handwritten signature
⑥ Typed Signature
Headings
Winthrop University （写信人单位）
Rock Hill, SC 29733（城市名，邮编）
September 28, 2006（写信日期）
Inside Address
Dr. Jane Smith (收信人姓名）
Foreign Student Advisor（收信人身份）
Winthrop University （收信人地址）
Rock Hill, SC 29733（城市名，邮编）
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733
September 28, 2006
Dr. Jane Smith
Foreign Student Advisor
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733
Dear Dr. Jane Smith,
I am a new student from China and this is my first week at Winthrop
University. …………………………………………………………………
Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to hearing
from you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Wang Liang
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733
September 28, 2006
Dr. Jane Smith
Foreign Student Advisor
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733
Dear Dr. Jane Smith,
I am a new student from China and this is my first week at Winthrop
University. While I am excited about beginning my academic studies here, and
while the one-day orientation was very helpful, I am still feeling lost and need a lot
of help. I have experienced difficulties in getting to places, buying textbooks, and
finding my classrooms because the campus is so big. I believe that many other new
international students must have experienced similar difficulties.
I thereby suggest that the orientation program last two or three days instead of
one and that a student ambassador program be sent up to help new students,
particularly new international students on more individual basis. It is my belief that
such an expanded program would help new students to adjust to Winthrop much
more quickly.
Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to hearing from
you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Wang Liang
The Language of Business Letters
1.
Concise and clear: eliminating nonsense words
and phrases, repetition and
redundancies, get directly to
the point
2.
Courteous: avoiding insults and sarcasm, rude
remarks, and expressions with
negative implications
Types of Business Letters
(1)
Request Letters
(2)
Order letters
(3)
Claim (or Complaint) letters
(4)
Job application letters
An Application Letter for Advanced Studies
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(Address omitted)
March 10, 1999
To the Register,
Oxford University,
Oxfordshire England
Dear Sir:
Would you please send me an application form and some information
about the course of English Literature offered in your university? I should
like to apply for admission at the College of Arts to pursue my studies for
a Master’s degree. I am now studying in East China Teachers’ University
majoring in English Literature and will graduate this July. My university
authorities recommend me to further my studies in your university.
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Yours truly,
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Li Xin
A Job Application Letter
English College
Luoyang Normal university
Luoyang
June 15, 1999
Principal
Taiyuan No.5 Middle School
Taiyuan 030012
Dear sir:
I have heard from my teacher that you are looking for a few qualified
teachers of English. I am writing to try my luck.
I am 23 years old and will soon graduate from the English Department of
Taiyuan Teachers’ College. I have completed my four years’ courses with credits
in all subjects.
I am able to speak English fluently and fond of teaching career. Besides, I am
good at computer operation.
Enclosed you will find a copy of records of all subjects and that of a
testimonial as required. I shall be very grateful if you give me a chance to work
in your school.
Yours truly,
Li Xin
Exercises
Suppose you are to graduate from the
university the next month. Write a letter to a
company, applying for a position as an office
secretary.
2. Next term you are going to do the practice
teaching. Write a letter to a local school,
applying for a contemporary job as a teacher
there.
1.