II. Put an F for formal and an I for informal language. Give reasons.

1. In reply to your query about... 2. I trust that this is the information you require........ 3. Hope this information helps you... 4. I would like to express my dissatisfaction with the item I purchased... 5. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it on Friday........ 6. Why don't you come and visit us... 7. I'm looking forward to hearing from you... 8 I look forward to meeting you. 9. I am writing with regard to the advertisement........ 10. How about getting together next Friday instead?.....

11. Pop in for a chat some time soon... 12. You've been very helpful... 13. Well, I must leave now... 14. By the way, I've got to tell you... 15. I regret to inform you that... 16. It is with great happiness that I congratulate you on your engagement... 17. Please accept my sincere apology... 18. Write back soon! 19. Keep in touch... 20. You are cordially invited to attend...

III. Read the two models and find out which model:

1. uses an impersonal 2. style includes only facts 3. omits pronouns

4. uses examples of the Passive voice 5. includes examples of colloquial English 6.includes formal language

7. uses short forms 8. uses a short, zappy style

Dear Madam, I am writing on behalf of “World Travel” in response to your request for information on holidaying in the Caribbean. A two-week package to the peaceful island of St. Kitts is being offered by our agency for only $ 3.000. This island satisfies all your requirements, as it is quite and has little tourism. In addition, transport is available should you wish to explore other islands in the Caribbean. All travel plans can be arranged through our office. Please contact our agency immediately should you require more information. Your’s faithfully, Jane Douglas

Dear Jane, A quick note to help you decide where to hang out over the holidays. Bill and I went to St. Kitts last summer and it was great. It’s a small, quite island that hasn’t been overrun by tourism yet, so you can really get a feel for the local culture. You can hop over to other islands too, because there are bouts leaving St. Kitts every few hours. If St. Kitts is too quite, you can go and party in St. Martin. Happy to give you the number of my travel agent if you’re interested. Give me a ring so we can have a chat about it. Love, Patrica

 

IV. Match these phrases with the types of letters. Give more opening phrases and endings for each type of letter.

1. I am writing to inquire about... 2. I am writing to apply for... 3. I am writing to complain about... 4. I am writing to inform you... 5. I'd love to come...but I can't make it. 6. I am writing to accept your kind... 7. I'm writing to invite you to... 8. I'm writing to apologise for...

a. letter of complaint b. letter of apology с. letter of application d. letter of invitation e. letter refusing an invitation f. letter asking for information g. letter giving information h. letter accepting an invitation

V. Match the beginnings with the endings. Decide which are formal and which are informal. Give reasons. Then, identify the types of letters, e.g. letter of complaint, letter of invitation, etc. Finally, list appropriate language for each type of letter.

e.g. Beginning We would be honoured if you could attend our son's wedding...

Ending Please indicate whether you will be able to attend.

Formal Invitation

 

BEGINNINGS 1 I wish to express my dissatisfaction to you in the strongest terms. Never before have I had to wait four months for the delivery of a new appliance. 2 Thanks for the invitation to your graduation party. You should be very proud of yourself. 3 Congratulations on your new job! I'm so happy for you. I know that it's just what you wanted. 4 I am writing in reference to your advertisement in yesterday’s Daily news for the position of personnel manager. 5 I am writing with regard to the documents which were unfortunately sent to you after the deadline. I must apologies profusely for this careless mistake.

ENDINGS A I regret any inconvenience this may have caused hope you will accept my most sincere apologies В Anyway, good luck in your new position. I know you certainly deserve it! C I want to cancel my order and I insist that my money be refused at once. I no longer wish to do business with your company. D I'm really sorry I can't be there on your graduation day, but I'll be thinking of you. E I am including my CV which lists my educational background and work experience. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.