Writing Letters
Icons key:
For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation
Flash activity. These activities are not editable.
Extension activities
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of 15
15
Web addresses
Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page
Accompanying worksheet
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Learning objectives
In this unit you will…
Learn how to write formal and informal letters
Learn the rules for laying out word-processed and
handwritten letters
Practise writing formal and informal letters
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Types of letters
if u hd 2 rite a letter 2sum1 wud u no how?
What is wrong with this question? Text
messages and e-mails are effective methods
of communication, but this style and language
is not appropriate for writing a letter.
It is important to know the rules for the different types of
letter writing.
This unit will take you through the necessary layout and
style for a formal business letter and will then look at the
language which is appropriate for a casual letter to a
friend.
How many types of letters can you think of?
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Formal or informal?
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Features of formal and informal letters
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Informal letters
Choose and write two
letters from the list below.
A letter to a cousin describing a
recent summer holiday.
A letter to a friend inviting
him/her to a party (give details).
A letter to a friend explaining
why you can’t go to his/her party.
A letter to a friend finalizing
arrangements for a surprise you
are organizing.
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Formal letters
Formal letters require us to use a standard layout and write in
a formal style.
What do you
actually mean
by ‘formal’?
When we write in
a formal style we
use proper or
standard English.
Would you handwrite a formal letter or use a computer?
Many people choose to word-process letters in formal
situations, but if you are writing by hand, remember that you
want the person receiving it to be able to read it. A
will create a bad impression!
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A word-processed letter
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A handwritten letter
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Appropriate language
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How NOT to write a formal letter
Find all the things that are wrong
with this word-processed letter.
Mr T. Blair
10 Downing Street
London WC1 2AA
4 Tile Hill
Roding
Bucks W65 3MG
May second
Dear Tony
I can’t eat school dinners anymore. I think there
nasty. Why do I have to keep eating chips,
burgers, sweets, etc? I eat school dinners 5 days a
week and I don’t think I can take much more. Can’t
you sort it out? Me and my friends are sick of
eating rubbish why don’t you give the schools
enough dosh so they can afford healthy things?
See u
Kev
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How to write a formal letter
The Manager
Quickshop
3 High Street
Roding W65 7HV
Dear Sir/Madam
4 Tile Hill
Roding
Bucks W65 3MG
Monday 3rd June 2001
I purchased a packet of fresh prawns from your shop on
Sunday. On opening the pack, I discovered that while the
visible prawns were in good condition, those at the
bottom of the packet were an unpleasant brown colour.
I have been a regular customer at your shop for several
years. However, if this is to be the standard of the
produce, I shall take my custom elsewhere in future.
Yours faithfully
Sarah Hall
Sarah Hall
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Activity: writing a formal letter
Write the reply from the manager of
Quickshop to Ms Hall. The manager’s
name is Tariq Iqbal. Remember that your
aim is to keep this customer, not to lose
her, so you need to be polite, no matter
what you really think of her complaint!
I think I’d offer her
some more prawns to
make up for it, or a gift
token for the shop.
I think she should
count herself lucky
just to get a reply!
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Activity: writing a formal letter
We’re a small family-run hotel. We have 8 rooms,
including 2 family rooms. Cots are available on
request. Lovely atmosphere, children very
welcome. Sorry no pets. Beach is 2 mins walk
away. Sea views from most rooms. Sunnyside
Hotel, Cross St. Polneath, Cornwall PA31 8QN.
Respond to this
advertisement.
You would like to take your family of five (two adults and
three children, including a baby of nine months) on holiday
to Polneath for 17 days arriving on July 28th. If possible, you
would like to all be in one room and you would prefer a sea
view.
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Activity: writing a formal letter
Wanted: Young person (16+) to work in pub as
waiter/waitress and kitchen assistant.
Apply to Rose Harrold, landlady.
Write expressing an
interest in the job.
Imagine you are sixteen. Ask about hours, duties and pay.
Tell the landlady that you have experience of kitchen work
and that your former boss will give you a reference. Make
up the rest of the details yourself!
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