Learn the notes above how to write opinion essays.

PART 2

WRITING NOTES

TYPES OF LETTERS

There are various types of letters, such as: letters of application, letters of complaint, letters to the editor etc.

The type of letter you should write depends on the reason for writing (i.e. to give

your news, to invite somebody to a party, etc to make a complaint, to apply for a job. etc). Depending on the rubric. you may be asked to write a letter for more than one

reason (i.e. to give your news and ask for advice.) The most common reasons for writing a letter are:

 

giving/asking about news	making suggestions etc
congratulating someone	giving/asking for advice
apologizing for something	giving/asking for information
inviting someone or accepting/refusing an invitation	thanking someone

 

LAYOUT OF LETTERS

All letters should include the following:

Appropriate greeting (e.g. Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Aunt Claire, Dear Mrs Baker) Introduction, in which you write your opening remarks (e.g. Hi! How are you?) and reason(s) for writing (e.g. I’m just writing to congratulate you on passing your exams, I’m writing to apologise for..., We were thrilled to hear that… I was sorry to hear..)

Main body, in which you write about the specific topics of the letter in detail;

Conclusion, in which you write your closing remarks (e.g. Please forgive me – It

won’t happen again, I promise; Looking forward to seeing you.,, Please write soon,

Take care! Can’t wait to hear from you! l’d better sign off now, That’s all for now!)

Appropriate ending (e.g. Yours faithfully + your full name, Lots of love + your first name).

WRITING STYLE IN LETTERS

The writing style you should use (i.e. informal, formal or semi-formal) depends on who you are writing to. More specifically:

· when you are writing to someone you know well (i.e. a close relative, your best friend) you should use informal style.

· when you are writing to someone you do not know, or to someone who is in authority (i.e. the manager of a hotel, a doctor) you should use formal style.

· when you are writing to someone you do not know very well or someone you want to be polite and respectful to (i.e. a friend’s parents, your teacher) you

should use semi-formal style.

 

INFORMAL LETTERS

· address & date (your address in the top, right-hand corner, followed by the date.)

· greeting (e.g. Dear John, Dear Mum, etc.)

· informal language (e.g. I’ve been meaning to write to you for ages; Don’t worry;

By the way; It was a piece of cake; 1’ll pick you up)

· ending (e.g. Yours/Love/Best wishes! Regards! + your first name)

Informal letters are sent to people you know well (e.g. friends, relatives, etc) aboutyour recent news, personal problems, information you need, etc. They are written in an informal style with a chatty, personal tone.

An informal letter should consist of:

an informal greeting (Dear Ken /Aunt Joan/ etc);

an introduction in which you write your opening remarks (i.e. asking about your

friend’s health, etc) and mention your reason for writing (e.g. Hi! How are you?

I thought I’d write and let you know that...;)

a main body in which you write the main subject(s) of the letter in detail, starting

a new paragraph for each topic;

a conclusion in which you write your closing remarks (e.g. That’s all my news for now. Write back soon...;)

an informal ending (e.g. Lots of love/Best wishes/ate + your first name).

MODEL 1

6, Greenway Road

Wathersham

17 May, 2011

Dear Sarah,

I’ve got some great news. Richard and I are going on holiday for a whole month. Guess where – Hawaii!

We’re leaving on 1^st June. We both love swimming, so we’re going to stay at a fabulous hotel right next to the beach. I’m going to relax as much as possible because I’m quite tired after working hard all this year.

We’re coming back from our holidays on 30^th June, and I’ve got lots of plans for the rest of the summer. First, I’m going to work at a café because I want to earn some extra money and buy a new car. I’m also going to join a gym to lose some weight. Finally, I want to find a better job in autumn, so I’m going to start a computer course.

Oh, I nearly forgot! On 16^th August we’re having a garden party to celebrate Richard’s birthday. Please try to come. You’re welcome to spend the night here.

Well, that’s all for now. Hope to see you soon.

Love,

Jenny

MODEL 2

17, Green Street

Sunset

29 May, 2011

Dear Emily,

I’m writing to invite you to my birthday celebration on Friday, 15 June. It’s going to be an all-day affair, so you should be here by eleven o’clock in the morning.

Since it’s my sixteenth birthday, my parents want it to be a very special day, so this is what we’re going to do. First, we’re going to take everyone to the stables and hire horses. Then we’re going to ride to Elmington Estate and have a picnic there. When we get back, there will be games and refreshments in the garden, and in the evening there’ll be supper and dancing. I just hope the weather is fine!

Let me know if you can come, and tell me your news as well. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Lots of love

Karen. Pre-writing task 1