an informal letter - … · an informal letter what is it? we write informal letters to people we...
TRANSCRIPT
AN INFORMAL LETTER
What is it? We write informal letters to people we know. The language can be colloquial
and conversational.
Some informal letters give, respond to, and ask for personal news.
Plan
Useful language
A FORMAL LETTER
What is it? We usually write formal letters to organizations: schools, colleges, etc. We do
not normally know the person who we are writing to.
We write formal letters: - when we apply for a course or a job;
- to ask for information;
- to make a complain.
We cannot use informal expressions or contractions in a forma letter
Plan
Useful language
Greeting: Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss (+name) if you know the name of the
person who you are writing to.
Dear Sir or Madam if you don’t know whether you are
writing a man or a woman
Opening: Explain your main reasons for writing (requests, points or
arguments)
Body: Use one paragraph for each point.
Use modal verbs and formal expressions
Conclusion: Request a response
Closing: Yours sincerely if you know the name of the addressee
Yours faithfully if you do not know the name of the
addressee
Signature: Write your name clearly under the signature
AN OPINION ESSAY
What is it? It explains your opinion. It is used to convince the reader that your opinion is
correct.
Plan
Useful language
Sequencing words: firstly/first of all, secondly, thirdly, finally/lastly
Adding ideas: In addition, moreover, another reason is, such as, what is more,
also, besides, furthermore
Giving opinions: I think that, I believe that, In my opinion, I love/can’t stand /
don’t mind…, as far as I’m concerned, personally
Concluding: To sum up, in short, in conclusion
Opening: Introduce the theme and say what you think about it. Give a
clear opinion agreeing or disagreeing with it.
Body: Explain the reasons for your opinion. Give examples to support
your opinion.
Conclusion: Summarise the point you are making and restate your opinion.
A DISCUSSION ESSAY
What is it? It presents the arguments for and against a topic as objectively as possible. You
should not give your opinion until the very end of the essay.
You can list all of the ideas “for” in one paragraph and all the ideas “against” in
the following paragraph.
Plan
Useful language
Expressing contrast: On the one hand, on the other hand, although, despite (the
fact that), however, in spite of, nevertheless
Adding ideas: In addition, moreover, another reason is, such as, what is more,
also, besides, furthermore
Expressing result: consequently, for example, so, therefore, this means that.
Sequencing words: firstly/first of all, secondly, thirdly, finally/lastly
Opening: Write a statement that explains the topic
Explain that there are views for and against this idea
Body: Paragraph 2 – Arguments for
Paragraph 3 – Arguments against
Use expressions of contrast, addition, result and sequencing words.
Conclusion: Give your own conclusion – your opinion
A NARRATIVE TEXT
What is it? It is a story. It can be true or invented. Make your story as interesting and as
exciting as possible.
Plan
Useful language
Expressions of sequence: at first (at first, first, at the beginning, to begin with)
after some time (a few minutes later, an hour later, after, afterwards, then,
finally, in the end, the next day, two weeks later, next, at last) at the same time
(as soon as, as, meanwhile) now (at the moment)
Opening: Set the scene. Describe the moment before the event and its
start.
Use the past simple to set the scene.
Use the past perfect to refer to before that moment
Use the past continuous to express interrupted actions (we were
walking along the beach when a policeman came towards me)
Use connectors
Body: Build up the story. Describe the events and feelings.
Use the past simple to explain short actions.
Use sequencing words
Closing: Tell the ending of the story.
A DIALOGUE
What is it? It is a conversation between two people. The context is always informal. The
language is natural and colloquial.
Plan
Useful language
How’s it going? I’m great thanks
Do you fancy going out? OK
Why don’t you come?
…
A REVIEW
What is it? It is used to give your opinion about a book, play, film or concert.
Film and book reviews often summarize the main events in the plot.
Plan
Useful language
One of my favourite films/ books is…
The story is set in / during …
The film is boring / dull…
It is a great / wonderful / fantastic book
There are three reasons why I would / wouldn’t recommend this book to
anybody