Informal Letters

Let’s look at the format and style of writing an informal letter. In informal letter writing, we used contracted forms of verbs (I'm, I'll etc.), sentences and questions should be short and uncomplicated and simple linking structures should be used.

- Some simple linking structures: "But" "because" "Also," "Then," "However," etc.

Your address should be written on the top right- hand side of the page, with the date right underneath. After skipping a line, the salutation would go on the left-hand side of the page. This would normally start with either "Dear..." or "Hi..."- with no comma afterwards. The start of the next paragraph, which would be the start of your letter, should be indented slightly to the right. Over here you would greet the person you are writing to- "It was great to hear from you" or "Thank you for your letter, it was lovely to hear from you" and maybe offer a comment about the reason that the person wrote to you- for example: if a person wrote to tell you about passing an important test, or maybe getting a promotion at work, you would offer congratulations "Well done on passing your test/ getting that promotion.." and maybe comment further about it.

In the second paragraph, you might offer answers to questions the person might have asked you in their letter- maybe asking for an opinion or advice.

- Expressions used when giving an opinion: "In my opinion...", "It's my belief that...", "I definitely think that..."

- Expressions used when giving advice or making a suggestion: "if I were you I would....", "Why not try...", "I suggest that...", "You should perhaps..."

You would then maybe ask some questions back- maybe for more information and also write something about what has been happening in your life too.

After writing all that you need to say, you should let the reader know that the letter is coming to a close. You could use expressions such as "I look forward to hearing back from you soon" or simply "Hope to hear from you soon" and also "Keep in touch". When ending a letter you could sign off with a variety of expressions... obviously keep in mind the person you are writing to.

- "Best Wishes," "Sincerely (yours)," "(Lots of) Love," "(Best) Regards," etc.

Important abbreviations:

P.S.: (post script) used when a person wants to add more information to a letter after they have already signed off

R.S.V.P: (French expression meaning "please reply") used when extending an invitation and therefore you want a response to it.

1. Find in the text the following word combinations: формат та стиль написання неофіційних листів; короткі та нескладні речення; прості сполучні структури; після пропуску строки; вітати людину, якій ви пишете; було чудово почути від тебе; по якій причині людина пише; у другому абзаці; спитати поради або думки; роботи пропозицію; для більшої інформації; щось відбулось в вашому житті; лист добігає кінця; використовувати вирази; важливі скорочення; додати більше інформації; вже підписали його; бажаєте відповіді на запрошення.

2. Complete the following sentences:

1.There is a certain s… and f… in writing..

2. We can use c..f… in informal…

3. Sentences and… should be…

4. You write address…

5. You start salutation … don’t put… after…

6. You will answer … in the…

7. When you give opinion you write…

8. You will use phrases…giving advice.

9. Finishing the letter you may write…

10. P.S. is used…

3. Translate the sentences into English:

1 В неофіційних листах використовується багато скорочень, чи не так?

2 Ми пишемо листи друзям та рідним, розповідаючи про своє життя.

3 Він любить писати листи та розповідати про свої пригоди.

4 Ми часто висловлюємо свою особисту думку по різним проблемам у листах.

5 Ми ставимо питання та сподіваємось отримати відповідь у листі.

6 Він завжди очікує листи від своїх друзів, які живуть за кордоном.

7 Речення в неофіційних листах короткі та нескладні, чи не так?

8 «Дорогий» або «Привіт» це гарний початок неофіційного листа.

9 Він любить давати поради своїм друзям у листах.

4. Give the definition for each statement. The number of letters will help you.

1. the money you have to pay for the stamp (7)

2. you usually send your letters not by special delivery but by … mail, first or second class;

3. each letter or postcard must have it before it is sent (5)

4. used instead of a letter, with a photograph or picture on one side (8)

5. another word for „post", often used in American English (4)

6. box into which letters are dropped for collection, red in Britain (9)

7. person who delivers letters and parcels (7)

8. special post which — for an extra charge — ensures compensation if the letter or parcel is lost (10)

9. the person you send your letters to (9)

10. take letters or parcels to persons to whom they are addressed (7)
11. newspapers and magazines sent by post are called matter (7)

12. group of letters and numbers used to make the sorting and delivery of mail easier (4)

13. things wrapped and tied up for sending by post; package (6)

(parcel; postcard; ordinary; printed; postage; stamp; deliver; code; mail; addressee; pillar-box; registered; postman)

5. Fill in the blanks with the necessary words:

1. Stick... on an envelope, (a letter, a stamp, a post­card) 2. Write... on an envelope, (an address, a regis­tered letter, a label) 3. Nick is expecting... from his friend. (an envelope, a pillar-box, a letter) 4. Her parents posted her... last week and she has just got it. (an address, a parcel, an envelope) 5. Where must you... a stamp on an envelope? (write, buy, stick) 6. What is it necessary to do before dropping a letter into...? (a pillar-box, an envelope, a post-office) 7. If you send a telegram it will be delivered... than a letter, (quicker, slower) 8. Most post-off ices are... on Sundays, (closed, open)

6. Look at the phrases 1-11 and match them with a purpose

1. That reminds me,... * to finish the letter

2. Why don't we... * to apologize

3. I'd better get going... * to thank the person for writing

4. Thanks for your letter... * to begin the letter

5. Please let me know... * to change the subject

6. I'm really sorry... * to ask a favor

7. Love, * before signing the letter

8. Could you do something for me? * to suggest or invite

9. Write soon... * to ask for a reply

10. Did you know that.. * to ask for a response

11. I'm happy to hear that... * to share some information

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14