Types of Letters

Enquiry

Explain clearly what information you need and why you need it. If there are different points you need to explain or to ask about use a different paragraph for each.

Useful language:

I am writing to enquire about…

I was interested in your advertisement in ‘The Daily Times’ and I would like

to have further information about …

I should be grateful if you send me full details of…

Application

Explain clearly which post/job you are applying for and if you are responding to an advertisement, say where you saw it and when. Give all the necessary information about yourself, including age, qualifications, past employment, relevant experience, any special hobbies and interests and explain why you are particularly interested in this post

Useful language:

I am interested in applying for the post of …which was advertised in … on…

My reason for applying is that I would like to broaden my experience and also

to make greater use of my knowledge of languages than I do in my present

position.

I would be able to attend an interview at any time which is convenient to you.

Apology

Explain why you are apologizing, give reasons for your behavior, express regret for the damage /inconvenience/offence which has been caused and promise not to let it happen again or to make up for what you have done, as appropriate.

Useful language:

I am writing to apologize about…/ for the fact that (clause) / for not

(V+ing)…

Please accept our apologies for (N or V+ing)

We offer (make) our apology that…

The reason I couldn’t telephone you was …

I am really sorry to have wasted your time.

I assure you that this will never happen again.

Complaint

In the first paragraph explain the reason for writing and in the next, explain exactly what the problem is. Give all the necessary details about where and when it happened and who was involved. In the final paragraph, explain what action you want to be taken.

Useful language:

I am writing to complain about…

I am writing to express my concern about the fact that …

I must insist that you …

I must urge you to …

Useful closing phrases

We look forward to trading with you to the mutual benefit of our companies.

We hope to establish fruitful business relations with your company.

We hope that you will act as requested.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your prompt reply will be appreciated.

Memo

Memo is short for memorandum (служебная записка). Memos are written internal communications which advise or inform employees of policies and procedures that their company has decided to adopt. Memos are used only inside the company. Some companies have pre-printed memo forms, while others have a house style for the layout of memos. There are several different formats but they all have the same element:

ü the name of the writer

ü the name of the addressee

ü the date

ü the subject

ü the body of the memo

Exercises on business letter writing

Write a letter from the following notes.

a) You are writing a letter to Tylor & Co., London, asking for a special offer of English breakfast tea. You will require at least 200 cases monthly and would like prices, terms, delivery dates.

b) You write on the 18^th December 2010 saying that you are in a very awkward position, as you have not yet received the shipment advised by letter of 28^th November from Taylor & Co., London. You request supplier to explain non-delivery.

c) Write a letter on behalf of Taylor & Co., London. Taylor & Co. reply on 23^rd December 2010. Their forwarding agents have now been instructed to forward the cases of tea to their customers as soon as possible. They apologize for the inconvenience caused by this delay.

Step 2

On the Phone

Дата добавления: 2015-10-28