UNIT § Format ond informal Letters Yours faithfully, simon Rogers rere ea MPS Parker Love, G Jessy Best ites, arte Kate witson Dear Carol, Dear mum, Love, Alison ‘There are various types of letters such as: letters of complaint, letters asking forgiving information, letters of request, letters asking for/giving advice, letters of invitation, letters accepting/refusing an invitation, letters expressing congratulations/thanks/regret/sympathy, letters giving news, letters of apology, letters of application for a job and letters to the editor providing solutions/suggestions. ‘A good letter should consist of: 2) an appropriate greeting (Doar Peter, Dear Mr Ford, Dear Sir) Madam,): ') an introduction clezrly stating the reason you are writing: ‘€) @ main body in which the subject is developed. Begin a new paragraph for each ‘main point; 4) a final paragraph in which you sum up the topie or express your wish for ‘something to be done j and @) an appropriate ending (Yours/Best wishes, + frst name, Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, + full name). Style in Letters ‘The characteristics of formal style in letters are: © the greeting (Dear Ms Lee, Dear Sir) © froquent use of the passive © formal language (complex sentences, non-colloquial English) © no abbreviated forms "© the ending (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Jason MoNeil) ‘The characteristics of informal style in letters are: (© the gresting (Dear Alex, Dear Dad,) '© informal language and style (idioms, colloquial English) abbreviated forms, pronouns omitted © the ending (Yoursil ove/Best wishes/Regards, Anthony) 1 Look at the different layouts, Which are used to write a formal letter and which an {informal leter? Which layout would you use to writea letter to a teacher? / a friend? / a company manager whose name you don’t know?/a ‘company manager whose mame you know? 2 Listen to four letters. Which 282 letters are formal and which are informal? What is the reason for writing each letter? How does each letter begin and end? Final Paragraph osng remarks (all) name Notes: © Informal (riendly) leters have only one address (yours) whereas ‘formal letters have two (yours and the recipient’). Friendly letters begin with Dear + first name and ‘end with Love / Yours / Best wishes + first name, Formal letters begin with a) Dear Sir/Madam ana fend with Yours faithfully + full ame or b) Dear Mr/Mrs + surname and end with Yours sincerely + full name. © Semi-formal letters can bagin with Dear Mr/Mrs + surmame and ‘end Best wishes) Yours + first rname/full name,Unit 8 Formal ond Informal Letters 3 Match the beginnings with the endings, then identify the type and style ofeach pi BEGINNINGS... ° vn win ete orc coresdece. We eg 1 ang oe ae pats itt aca) COS 2 Thanks So much for your thoughtful gf. The jumper its perfect. lt will realy come in handy tis winter when I go sking | justreceived your let and 1m sorry to hear that you're having rouble. “4 Sony | can't make it to your parents 25th anniversary party, but be awry on the day ofthe celebration '5 | am writing to inquire about the special weekend bps. the Daily News of May 20d. | am wing wi egard to your advisement in ‘woul. i to apply forthe teaching poston at Beacon Steet Schoo 7 just wartd to let you know that'd love to come to your pary onthe 24th, ‘8 tis with geat pleasure that | am writing to congrtuate you on your promotion. ENDINGS [ooking forward to in ‘A. Anyway, wish ter a happy aniversary fom about now went. etme know if my advice was of any help. | hope everything tums out fe. Should you need any information about co at aired ay ech wih wl be let Hook forward to meeting youto discus he poss of employment. Pease contact me regaing any queties you may have E Hook forward to receiving the information and would appreciate tit ‘you could sendit as soon as possible. Anyway, thanks again for tne invtaton se you ten. Ham confident mat you wil carry out your ne duties with your usual conslentousness and dedication. 4 Read the following sentences. Which are formal and which are informal? Which sentences are beginnings and which are endings of a letter? What kind of letter does each sentence belong to? 1 We would be honoured if you could attend a reception for Ambassador Sarah Jacobs. 2 [can't wait to see you again, and don't forget to let me know ifthere’s anything I should bring to the barbecue. 3 [am writing to inform you about some changes in the schedule for ‘next term’s courses. 4. We're organising party and would be really glad if you could come, 5 Once again, I can't tell you how awful I feel about missing your birthday party. 6 1am writing to complain about the products I received from your eom- pany. 7 I look forward to receiving your advice on this matter. 8 Looking forward to seeing you and catching up on all your news, 9 Your thoughtful gift was greatly appreciated, Once again, thank you for your generosity 101 am very sorry but unfortunately you won't be able to use my summer hhouse during the first week of August. 11 T'm so happy for you! Write back soon and tell me all about your new job. 12. Hope this advice helps. 4