IGNALINOS R. VIDIŠKIŲ GIMNAZIJA
Asmeninio laiško ir esė rašymo anglų
kalba reikalavimai ir patarimai
Parengė anglų kalbos vyresnioji mokytoja Ingrida
Labuckienė
2014
Vidiškės
Informal letter
Informal letter
• An Informal Letter is a letter that is usually
written to a close friend or an acquaintance. It
is also known as a personal letter and this type
of letter does not have 'hard' and 'fast' rules
on the format of writing as opposed to a
formal letter, although there is a conventional
way of writing it.
Informal letter
• Generally speaking, the main difference between
informal and formal letters is that informal letters
are written as people speak.
Steps to writing:
• Begin your letter with a salutation Dear…(,)
For example: Dear John(,)
• It is followed by a comma if you use one at the
end after finishing your letter with
• For example: Best wishes(,)
Informal letter
Introduction
• The first paragraph will consist of an
introduction which will give the recipient an
idea what you will be writing about and a
short summary of the main topic of your
letter.
• If you don’t know the person, you may need
to introduce yourself.
Informal letter
The body ( it may be 1-2 paragraphs)
• That consists of the message you want to get
across along with any details you may want to
include.
The conclusion
• The last paragraph will be the conclusion
where you wrap everything up. You can sum
up, thank the recipient, wish good luck, ask
any questions.
Informal letter
Use the following phrases:
• Starting your letter (Paragraph 1)
• Thanks for your letter. Lovely to hear from you.
How are you? How are things? Hope you're well.
Commenting on something (Paragraph 1)
• I'm sorry to hear/learn ... I'm so pleased to hear
... It's great to hear ... What wonderful news
about ...
Informal letter
Moving the topic on (Paragraph 2)
• Anyway, the reason I'm writing ...
• I thought I'd write to tell/ask you
• Anyway, I was wondering ...
Informal letter
Ending your letter (Paragraph 3)
• Well, that's all for now
• Write back soon
• Looking forward to hearing from you again
• All the best
• Best wishes
• See you soon
• Take care
• Yours Love
• Lots of love
Informal letter
• It is very important to write your letter in the
correct style. One way of making your letter
informal is to use contractions.
• Use paragraphs.
• When writing paragraphs make sure you write to
the end of each line. Only finish a sentence midway along the line when you have come to the
end of a paragraph.
• Also, leaving a line between paragraphs can
make your organisation even clearer to the
reader.
Informal letter
• Another way to create an informal style to
your letter is to use exclamation marks. These
are used at the end of short 'exclamations' to
show strong feelings or surprise. For example:
• Brilliant news!Congratulations!
• However, only use them when absolutely
necessary and don't use them too often perhaps only once or twice in a letter of 100
words.
Informal letter
While writing the letter be as friendly as
possible. But don't go overboard. Do keep in
mind to whom you are writing the letter. Don't
write to your father, 'Hey dude! What's up?',
but at the same time don't make the letter
boring.
Informal letter
• Use active voice. Active voice makes your
letter sound more conversational and makes it
more interesting to read. It's as if the person is
conversing with you face to face.
• Put in questions. Questions in your letter act
as a good base on which you can write your
letter on. Also, it motivates the reader to
reply.
Informal letter
• Sometimes, while in a hurry, we forget to
include something in the letter. You can put
that in the post script, at the bottom of the
letter as
• P.S. I ranked first in class last week.
Writing a paragraph
• A paragraph is a group of related sentences
that discuss one main idea. A paragraph
should be long enough to develop the main
idea clearly.
Writing a paragraph
Writing a paragraph
• All paragraphs have a topic sentence and supporting
sentences, and some paragraphs may also have a
concluding sentence.
• The topic sentence states the main idea of the
paragraph. It not only names the topic of the
paragraph, but it also limits the topic to one specific
area that can be discussed in the space of a single
paragraph.
• The part of the topic sentence that announces the
specific area to be discussed is called the controlling
idea.
Writing a paragraph
• Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two
important characteristics.
• Supporting sentences develop the topic
sentence. That is, they explain or prove the
topic sentence by giving more information
about it.
Writing a paragraph
• The concluding sentence signals the end of
the paragraph and leaves the reader with
important points to remember.
• Concluding sentences are customary for
stand-alone paragraphs. However, paragraphs
that are parts of a longer piece of writing
usually do not need concluding sentences.
Writing a paragraph
• The topic sentence
• A topic sentence is the most important
sentence in a paragraph. It briefly indicates
what the paragraph is going to discuss. For
this reason, the writer can see what
information to include and the reader is better
prepared to understand it.
Writing a paragraph
Points to remember about a topic sentence:
It is a complete sentence, which means it
contains at least one subject and verb.
Driving on freeways.
How to register for college classes.
The rise of indie films
Writing a paragraph
A topic sentence contains both a topic and a
controlling idea. It names the topic and then
limits it to a specific area to be discussed.
• Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness.
• Registering for college classes can be a
frustrating experience for new students.
• The rise of indie films is due to several factors.
Writing a paragraph
• A topic sentence is the most general statement
in the paragraph because it gives the main idea. It
does not give any specific details. Its like a name
of a particular course on a restaurant menu.
• The slang expression “so long” is probably a
corruption of the Arabic salaam. (too specific)
• English has been influenced by other languages.
(too general)
• The Arabic origin of many English words is not
always obvious. (good)
Writing a paragraph
Writing a paragraph
• A topic sentence has two essential parts: the
topic and the controlling idea.
• The topic names the subject of the paragraph.
• The controlling idea limits or controls the
topic to a specific area that you can discuss in
the space of a single paragraph.
Writing a paragraph
Convenience foods are easy to prepare.
• Immigrants have contributed many delicious
foods to US cuisine.
• Independent films are characterized by
experimental techniques.
Writing a paragraph
Supporting sentences
• Supporting sentences explain or prove the
topic sentence.
• Students often fail to support their ideas
adequately.
• They need to use specific details to be
thorough and convincing.
Writing a paragraph
• The best way is to use examples, statistics,
quotations.
• Examples are perhaps the easiest to use
because you can often take examples from
your own knowledge and experience.
Furthermore, they make your writing lively
and interesting.
Writing a paragraph
The concluding sentence
• It signals the end of the paragraph
• It leaves the reader with the most important
ideas to remember.
• It does that either by summarizing the main
points of the paragraph, or by repeating the
topic sentence in different words.
• However, a concluding sentence is not needed
for every paragraph in an essay.
Writing a paragraph
• End-of-paragraph signals followed by a
comma:
Finally, In brief, In conclusion, Indeed,
In short, Lastly, Therefore, Thus, To sum up,
• End-of-paragraph signals not followed by a
comma:
The evidence suggests that… There can be no
doubt that… These examples show that… We
can see that…
Writing a paragraph
• An important element of a good paragraph is
unity.
• Unity means that a paragraph discusses one
and only one main idea from beginning to
end. For example, if your paragraph is about
advantages of owning a compact car, discuss
only that.
• Every supporting sentence must directly
explain or prove the main idea.
Writing a paragraph
• Another element of a good paragraph is
coherence. It means there must be no sudden
jumps, the movement from one sentence to
another must be logical and smooth.
To achieve this:
• Repeat the key nouns
• Use consistent pronouns
• Use transition signals to link ideas
• Arrange your ideas in logical order
Writing a paragraph
• There is no fixed rule how often to repeat key
nouns or when to substitute pronouns. You
should repeat a key noun instead of using a
pronoun when the meaning is not clear.
• When you use pronouns, make sure that you
use the same person and number throughout
your paragraph.
Writing a paragraph
• A student who knows a few Latin and Greek roots
and prefixes has an advantage over a student
who does not know them. They can often guess
the meaning of new words. If, for example, you
know that the prefix omni means “all”, you have a
better chance of guessing the meaning of words
such as omnibus, omnipresent and
omnidirectional. Furthermore, a student who
knows that the root sci-comes from scire, “to
know,” can guess that omniscient means “allknowing.”
Writing a paragraph
Writing a paragraph
• Transition signals help to make the paragraph
coherent. They are such expressions as first,
finally, as a result, additional, because and
others. Transition signals are like traffic signs;
they tell the reader when you are giving a
similar or an opposite idea, an example, a
result or a conclusion.
• You should not overuse them. Too many can
be distracting rather than helpful
Writing a paragraph
• Meaning/
Phrases
function
• An additional idea In addition/furthermore/moreover/besides/also/too/and
• Opposite idea
contrast
t
• Choice or
alternative
• Restatement
• order
• example
• Conclusion
summary
• result
On the other hand/in contrast/however/nevertheless
Instead/still/nonetheless/but/yet/although/even
though/whereas/while/in spite of/despite
Otherwise/or/if/unless
In fact/indeed/that is
First/second/next/last/finally
For example/for instance/such as
Clearly/in brief/in conclusion/in short/in summary
Accordingly/as a result/as a
consequence/therefore/hence/thus/so
Writing a paragraph
• Most transition words are separated by
commas.
• Short time words then, now, soon usually do
not need commas.
• When such words as and, but, or, not only
connect two independent clause, use a
comma.
• Put a comma after a dependent clause but not
in front of one.
Writing a paragraph
• Although the company’s sales increased last
year, its net profit declined.
• The company’s net profit declined last year
although its sales increased.
Essay writing
Essay writing
• An essay has three main parts: an introduction, a
body and a conclusion.
• An introduction consists of two main parts: a few
general statements to attract the reader’s
attention and a thesis statement to state the
main idea of the essay.
• A thesis statement for an essay is like a topic
sentence for a paragraph –it names the specific
topic and gives the reader a general idea of the
content of the essay.
Essay writing
• The body consists of paragraphs. Each
paragraph develops a subdivision of the topic.
• The conclusion is a summary or review of the
main points discussed in the body.
• An essay must have unity and coherence, just
as a paragraph does.
Essay writing
Introduction
• General statements introduce the general
topic of the essay and try to capture the
reader’s attention.
• The thesis statement states the specific topic,
it may indicate the pattern of organization of
the essay, and it is normally the last sentence
in the introductory paragraph.
Essay writing
Essay writing
• The body paragraphs in an essay are like
supporting sentences in a paragraph.They are the
place to develop your topic and prove your
points.
• Use transitions between paragraphs to guide the
reader from one subtopic to the next.
• The concluding paragraph signals the end of the
essay. It may remind the reader the main points,
they may summarize the subtopics or paraphrase
the thesis.
Opinion essay
The introduction. Here you state the main
idea of your entire essay -the point you are
trying to make or prove. The final sentence is
your thesis statement with the opinion you
are going to prove. You may include the
reasons for your opinions.
Opinion essay
Paragraphs Two, Three and Four. These are
the body of your essay. Each of the body
paragraphs should take one of your reasons
and explain it in more detail, giving an
example or illustration to back it up.
Opinion essay
The body:
• Paragraph 2 –first viewpoint and the reasons plus
the example
• Paragraph 3 –second viewpoint and the reasons
plus examples
• Paragraph 4 –opposing viewpoint and the
reasons plus examples.
• The concluding paragraph –where you
summarize or restate the thesis statement.
Opinion essay
The stages you should follow while writing:
• Pre-writing–brainstorm and write an outline
• Writing–write your introduction, body and
conclusion
• Proofreading–make sure you stick to the
question; evaluate the layout; look at the thesis,
make sure it is coherent; make sure there are
topic sentences in each body paragraph and they
are speaking about the thesis;
Opinion essay
• Make sure there are supports for the topic
sentences and they have examples;
• Make sure the conclusion summarizes or
restates the thesis statement and it does not
include any new ideas.
• Look at the grammar, spelling, punctuation
and register of the essay.
For and against essay
A "for and against" essay is a formal piece of
writing in which a topic is considered from
opposing points of view. You should present
both sides in a fair way by discussing them
objectively and in equal detail.
For and against essay
A good essay of this type should consist of:
• a) an introductory paragraph in which you
clearly state the topic to be discussed,
without giving your opinion;
• b) the main body in which the points for and
against along with your justifications,
examples or reasons are presented in separate
paragraphs;
For and against essay
• c) a closing paragraph in which you state your
opinion or give a balanced consideration of
the topic.
• Note: Opinion words (I think, I believe, In my
opinion, etc.) can only be used in the closing
paragraph where you give your opinion on the
topic.
For and against essay
• Before you start writing your essay you should
make a list of the points for and against.
• Each paragraph should start with a topic
sentence which summarizes the topic of the
paragraph.
For and against essay
• Do not use informal style e.g. short forms, or
strong language to express your opinion (e.g. I
know…, etc.). Express your opinion in a nonemotional way (e.g. It seems that)
For and against essay
Useful expressions and linking words/phrases
To list advantages: One/Another/A further/An
additional (major) advantage of… is … The
main/greatest/first advantage of… is …
For and against essay
• To list disadvantages: One/Another/ A
further/An additional (major)
disadvantage/drawback of. The
main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage
/drawback of… Another negative aspect of…
For and against essay
To introduce points/arguments for or against:
One (very convincing) point/argument in
favour of… / against, A further common
criticism of… / It could be argued that…..often
claimed/suggested
It is widely argued maintained
that…..generally felt/believed/held
For and against essay
• Some/many/most
people/experts/scientist/skeptics/criticsclaim/
suggest/argue/feel
that…maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold
that…advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view
that…oppose the view that…are in favour
of/against…are of the opinion that/convinced
that…are opposed to…
For and against essay
To add more points to the same topic: in
addition (to this), furthermore, moreover,
besides, apart from, what is more, as well as,
not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only …
but also/as well, both … and, There is another
side to the issue/question/argument of…
For and against essay
To make contrasting points: on the other
hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless,
nevertheless, even so,it may be
said/argued/claimed that,…others/many
people oppose this viewpoint/strongly
disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is
incorrect/misguided
For and against essay
although, though, even though, while, whilst,
whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that),
regardless of the fact that
Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that…
The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea
that…
While it is true to say that…, in fact…
While/Although …, it cannot be denied that…
For and against essay
• To introduce examples: for example, for
instance, such as, like, in particular,
particularly, especially, This is (clearly)
illustrated/shown by the fact that… One/A
clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The
fact that…. shows/illustrates that…
• To emphasize a point: clearly, obviously, it is
obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say,
indeed
For and against essay
• To express reality: In fact, the fact (of the matter)
is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements: as a (general) rule,
generally, in general, on the whole, by and large,
in most cases
• To make partially correct statements: to a certain
extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a
way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited
extent, there is some truth in (this), in some
cases, up to a point
For and against essay
• To explain/clarify a point: in other words, that is
to say, this/which means that
• To express cause: owing to, due to (the fact that),
on account of, on the grounds that, given that,
because, as, since
• To express effect: therefore, thus, as a
result/consequence, consequently, so, for this
reason, if… were to happen, … the effect/result
would be…
• To express intention: to, so as to, in order to, so
that, with the intention of (+ing)
For and against essay
Conclusion expressing balanced
considerations/opinion indirectly
In conclusion,
On balance,
All things considered,
Taking everything into account/consideration,
To conclude,
To sum up,
All in all,
Finally/Lastly,
For and against essay
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
it can be said/claimed that …
it seems/appears that…
it would seem that…
it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that
it is clear/obvious that…
there is no/little doubt that …
it is true to say that …
although it must be said that …
it may be concluded/said that …
For and against essay
Conclusion expressing opinion directly
• In conclusion,
• On balance,
• All things considered,
• Taking everything into account/consideration,
• To conclude,
• To sum up,
• All in all,
For and against essay
•
•
•
•
•
it is my belief/opinion that …
I (firmly) believe/feel/think that …
I am convinced that …
I am inclined to believe that …
I (do not) agree that/with …
For and against essay
• A for and against essay can end in a balanced
consideration in which you restate that there are
points for and against the topic using appropriate
expressions given above.
• Alternatevely, it can end by expressing an
opinion, in which case you state, directly or
indirectly, that you are either in favour of or
against the topic, using appropriate expressions
given above.
For and against essay
Problem Solution Essays explain a problem
and give a detailed plan for how it can be
solved. These essays:
• Describe the problem.
• Convince the reader the problem needs
solving.
• Explain the solution proposal.
For and against essay
Whatever essay you have to write, always
start with brainstorming, the outline, the
writing and proofreading.