WRITING LETTERS B1/B2

mr Dragana Vukovic Vojnovic

Writing Folder B1/B2

WRITING LETTERS B1/B2 What TO DO to improve your writing skills: 1. Read - find interesting texts, note down useful words and expressions. Divide them into topic folders. Sometimes it is the best to copy the whole sentences in order to remember the expression. 2. Always keep in mind who your target reader is. It will help you decide on your style – formal or informal. 3. Make your writing as interesting as possible. 4. Always use linking words to form paragraphs and join your ideas in a logical way. This makes reading easier and shows your range. 5. Practice writing! As much and as often as you can. Make yourself mock tests - with time restrictions and word limits. 6. Always proofread your writing. 7. Make an effort. It is important to show ambition to write something up to the required level. 8. Carefully study the task and the topic. 9. Make notes – decide on the organization and the content before final writing. 10. Be clear and concise. What NOT TO DO before and during the writing exam: 1. Do not panic during the exam! 2. Do not forget that you are writing, not speaking. This is important to remember when choosing words and expressions. 3. Do not forget that you write to communicate something – there are certain parts of content you must not forget about. 4. Be economical with words - unnecessary wordiness shows that you have problems with controlling your language. 5. Do not be vague or too philosophical. 6. Avoid line-lifting – never copy the exact words and expressions from the task. 7. Do not write very long sentences, unless you are perfectly sure how to punctuate them. 8. Do not try to impress your reader with complex vocabulary you do not understand. 9. Do not scribble! Make your handwriting clear and readable.

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MARKING SCALE – KEY POINTS: This is how your writing is assessed and marked, and the points you should consider when writing. CONTENT • What is the purpose of your writing? Or Why are you writing? • Should you describe something, explain, give opinion, give details, find out ...? • Include all the content points required in the task. Give enough detail with rich and varied language. TARGET READER • Who is going to read your text according to the task? • Are they going to be well-informed or fully informed? REGISTER AND FORMAT • What is the register you should use – formal, informal or neutral? • What is the format – a letter, a memo, a report...? For example, the letter starts with Dear Sir..., an article should have a title, a report should have a title and subheadings...etc. ORGANIZATION AND COHESION • How will you organize your text – how many paragraphs? • Which linking expressions will you use to write in a logical and clear way? • Should you use bulleted lists to be more concise and clear? RANGE • Which vocabulary is expected – descriptive adjectives, reporting verbs, opinion verbs...? • How complex is your vocabulary and grammar expressions? • Is your range too narrow or wide enough? ACCURACY • Is your vocabulary accurate – are there spelling mistakes? • Is grammar used appropriately and accurately? Before and during writing you should ask yourself these questions. By answering them it will be much easier to complete your writing task. Do not copy phrases from the question.

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LETTER - APPROPRIATE FORMAT AND LAYOUT If no letter head:

SENDER’S ADDRESS (WITHOUT A NAME)

RECEIVER’S ADDRESS (WITH NAME AND TITLE) DATE OPENING REMARKS Dear Sir/Madam (if you do not know the name of your addressee) or Dear Mr/Ms/Miss/Mrs/Penney (if the name is given in the task) INTRODUCTION (one paragraph) • Thank for the letter (if appropriate) • Reason for writing and a summary of what your letter is going to be about BODY OF THE LETTER – MAIN CONTENT (2 or 3 paragraphs – one for each point or topic;) • Stating clearly and politely what actions you want to be taken or will be taken. • Making recommendations. • Giving instructions or explain procedures. CONCLUSION (1 or 2 sentences) • Any relevant extra information. • Stating if deposit is required (if confirming a booking). • Asking for compensation (if writing a letter of complaint). • Offering a compensation (if replying to the letter of complaint). • Stating when you will be available for interview (if writing a letter of application). CLOSING REMARKS Thanking you all in advance. I look forward to hearing from you. I look forward to seeing you soon. Yours faithfully, (if you do not know the name of your addressee) or Yours sincerely, (if the name is given in the task) NAME IN BLOCK LETTERS AND SIGNATURE

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REGISTER AND VOCABULARY • • •

Do not use contractions or short forms. Use formal language. Use dependent or indirect questions

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS Can/Could you send me.... Would you like me to.... Would you be so kind to let me know... Would you mind informing me... I am writing in reply to/ in response to / with reference to ... Thank you very much for your inquiry regarding a possible reservation for ... Thank you very much for your booking... Should you decide to visit us, I would be grateful if you could return the enclosed booking form. As agreed, I enclose... Could you please send me a receipt/acknowlegde a receipt? Complaining: I am writing to complain about... I am sorry to inform you that... I was very disappointed with... I have some complaints about... Requesting: I am writing for information about... I would like to learn/ know more about... I would like to ask whether/ if... I would be grateful if you could... Asking for particular actions: I would like to ask you for... I would suggest that you/ your company... I think that I can ask for some compensation. In the light of the above, I would like to ask you for... Confirmation I am writing this letter to confirm the reservation I made by telephone for .... We have much pleasure in confirming your booking of ...

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Further to our telephone conversation yesterday morning, I would like to confirm (our booking for ....at your hotel...) ...from 7th May to 12th May 2009, inclusive. ... for the period 07 – 12 May, 2009. Recommendation The first one we can suggest is the ... The other hotel we can recommend is the... There are two hotels I can recommend. The first is... Cancellation I am/We are sorry to hear that... I have, as you requested, cancelled ... and I am now holding for you ....

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