Style in Letters

The style of the letter varies depending on who it is addressed to. For instance, a letter to someone you do not know requires a formal style, a letter to someone you know but are not intimate with requires a semi-formal style, while a letter to a friend requires an informal style.

Formal letters contain

· formal greetings and endings;

· formal language i.e. complex sentences (Having spoken to the manager in person, I still feel my requests have not been satisfied.), non-colloquial English (Please keep me informed regarding any further developments, NOT: PIease keep me posted about what's happening.), frequent use of the passive (A two-week package holiday to the picturesque village of St Martin’s is being offered by our agency for only £3,600), and advanced vocabulary (I feel it is appropriate to explain to you some of the practices which are enforced throughout all of our
branches);

· no abbreviated forms

Informal letters contain informal greetings and endings:

· informal language and endings;

· informal language style i.e. idioms (It was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t apply for the job as that company is now in deep financial trouble), phrasal verbs (I'll look you up next time I’m in Brussels.), colloquial English and omission of pronouns (Hope to see you soon!);

· abbreviated forms

Semi-formal letters contain

· formal greetings (Dear Mr and Mrs Smith);

· informal endings (Best Wishes/Yours + full name);

· a respectful tone depending on the relationship you have with the recipient of the letter. Also, pronouns should not be omitted and idioms should be carefully used.

& 1. Look at the different layouts. Which are used to write a formal, semi-formal or informal letter? Which one would you use to write a letter to:

a) someone you know but are not on intimate terms with?

b) a relative?

c) a company manager whose name you know/ don't know?

d) the authorities?

Read these extracts and say which is

A) informal,

b) semi-formal and
c) formal. Then, underline the characteristics which indicate the style
in each extract. What is the purpose of writing these letters? Who are
the letters addressed to?

A. Regarding the future opportunities in your field of work, I would rec­ommend that you consider trying to find a position of greater seniority. You have already proved yourself to be a highly competent and effective member of your company, and I believe that you now possess sufficient skills and experience to tackle the challenge of additional responsibility.

On the matter of further training, I would suggest that you might try to upgrade your IT skills to enable you to take advantage of the full range of mod­ern technology available. There are some very well-run and useful courses oper­ating locally, at least one of which you should find appropriate to your needs.

B. If you really hate living in Winkleborough that much, I'd say do your­self a favour ad leave. Don't hang about either. If you come back here soon I'm sure you can find a job without any problem, and you know you can stay

Move back here and go for it!

C. Of course, it will be a big change going to live in a different part of the country, away from your family and all your old friends, but it need not be as difficult as you seem to think. Why not apply for a room in a university hall of residence? Everything is provided, and because you live with a lot of other students, it is easy to make new friends.

As far as the course goes, I am sure you will manage very well. The work is at a higher level, but I am certain you'll enjoy the challenge. In fact I think you will enjoy the opportunity to study your subject in depth, so I really think you should give it a try.

& 3. Read the following writing task instructions and say what type of letter you would be expected to write in each case.

1. You are moving to China for a year and have arranged with an agency to
exchange houses with a Chinese family who are moving to your country
for the same period of time. Write a letter to the Wong family to wel-
come them to your home. Include information about the house and
neighbourhood which they might find useful and make a few suggestions
that might make their stay more pleasant and interesting.

2. You have read a magazine article which you believe is inaccurate and offen­sive towards people of your profession. Write a letter to the editor express­ing your opinion on the subject, and suggesting ways to make amends.

3. You are a member of a famous pop group. You are about to visit your
home town as part of a tour. Write a letter to an old schoolfriend inform­-
ing him/her of the event and describing the ways in which your life has
changed since you were at school.

Paragraph Plan for letters

Introduction

Paragraph 1

reason(s) for writing

Main Body

Paragraphs 2-3-4*

development of the subject

Conclusion

Final Paragraph

closing remarks (Full) name

* The exact number and division of para­graphs will depend on the specific instructions for each letter-writing task.

4. A new community centre for disabled people is to be built in your town. The local authorities have invited the pub­lic to give their views on the

a) location, b) opening hours, c) value to the community and d) facilities and services that should be provided.

Write a letter to the local authorities stating your views on these points.

5. You want to open a small business but do not have sufficient finances. Write to the New Community Enterprise Programme giving reasons why you think they should provide you with financial assistance. You should include details of the type of business it will be, where it will be located and explain why you think it will be suc­cessful.

6. You recently spent the weekend at your employer's cottage. Write a letter to him/her, outlining what you enjoyed most about your visit and inviting him/her to visit you at your own house in the near future.

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